Norriel R. Near of 93 South State Street, Ripley, NY died peacefully at her home on October 10, 2012 after a long and hard fight to stay with her family. She was born on February 7, 1931 to the late Harvey and Lorraine (Manning) Lanphere. "Nonie" married William M. Near on April 28, 1950.
Norriel devoted her life to her family. They were her vocation and passion. Besides her husband, William, she is survived by her children, Robyn (Robert) Albright, Michelle DeHaven, Dawn (Ted) Rickenbrode, William M. (Aileen) Near and Paris (Gill) Graham. She is further survived by her twenty-one grandchildren, five great grandchildren, siblings, Paul (Sandy) Lanphere, Bernard (Skip) Lanphere, Rita (Burgun) Bennett, Sharrie Crunk, Jordan (Marshan) Lanphere, Lana (Woody) Bowman and Garry Lanphere.
Norriel was predeceased by her brothers, Harvey (Sonny) Lanphere Jr.; Royal (Berdina) Lanphere; sister-in-law, Barb Lanphere; and brother-in-law, Ray Burgun.
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Nonie's smile and razorsharp wit were well known in the Ripley community since she was a waitress at Meeder's Restaurant for over 20 years. She had also been known as the "Avon Lady" and enjoyed chatting with her customers as she made her founds.
Norriel's funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2012 at the Mathews Funeral Home, 104 West Main Street, Ripley, NY with the Reverend Donald Eggleston officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Mathews Funeral Home on Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Monday, October 15, 2012 from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to her service. Interment will be at the East Ripley Cemetery.
Donations in Norriel's memory may be made to the Ripley Fire Department, 11 South State St., Ripley, NY 14775; Hospice of Chautauqua, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; and/or the American Lung Association, 210 John Glenn Drive #3, Buffalo, NY 14228-2213.
