Claude Monroe Ames

Age 86, of Country Club Drive, Elmira, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 4, 2005, at the home of his daughter, where he received the utmost love and care. He was born July 17, 1918 in Binghamton, NY, the son of the late Floyd and Myra (Drake) Ames.Claude married Marie E. Kelly on July 2, 1946. This July would have marked their 59th wedding anniversary. In 1996 they recreated their wedding vows on their Golden Anniversary. He is survived by his loving wife, Marie; beloved daughter, Sharon A. Oakes of Elmira, NY; grandson, David Ames (Amiee) Decker of Horseheads, NY; granddaughters, Kelly Decker of Rochester, NY; Holly Decker of Elmira, NY; brother-in-law, S. M. (Vicki) Kelly of Oneonta, NY; sister-in-laws, Doris Vaughan, Alpha (Bub) Riddell, all of Oneonta, NY; along with numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Claude was devoted to his wife and family. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. Mr. Ames was a Veteran of the US Navy, serving aboard the USS Enterprise when it was commissioned under Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. He was a decorated Navy man retiring as a Chief Quartermaster.After re-upping, he then went on to retire as a Chief Recruiter for upstate New York. After his 22 ½ years in the Navy, he went on to work with Ball-Band as a salesman and then went on to work with the Juvenile Shoe Corporation of America. While employed with Juvenile, he was the president of the Empire Footwear Association. Claude was a self-made man and went on to receive his Associates Degree. He was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and was a member of the B.P.O.E. # 62 Horseheads Elks Club, American Legion Clarence Oliver Post # 154 Elmira Heights, the Catholic War Vets Post # 1178 Elmira Heights, NY, where he was also a 2 year term president. He enjoyed volunteering with the United Way after his retirement. Any one that came across the path of this man ultimately became his friend and he loved his friends dearly. He will be deeply missed by all. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira, NY on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 from 6 to 8 PM. A Prayer Service will be held there on Wednesday at 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 11 AM, with the Reverend Jeremiah Moynihan, Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul?s Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA, 2435 Route 353,Elmira, NY 14903 or to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 304 Demarest Parkway, Elmira, NY 14905. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for his family in obituaries at www.olthof.com