Lena Belle Martin Wells

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Lena Belle Wells. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Lena was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was born on October 5, 1923 in Nineveh, New York, a daughter of Jessie and Edith Martin. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Lena was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Lena's personality throughout her life.

      Though Lena was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Lena was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Lena worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Lena was raised with six siblings. She had one brother, Lewie; one older sister, Eva, and four younger sisters, Betty, Loretta, Harriett and Jessie. Lena and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Lena was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Lena was always tactful. One thing Lena will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Lena had a number of interests and was an active child.

      For Lena, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Lena was also adept at details. Lena was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Oneonta High School in 1942. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was music class.

      There was one thing that all of Lena's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Lena was such a well loved person throughout her life. But Lena was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Lena was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Lena was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Lena was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Lena was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Lena made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. The friends that Lena loved best were her "neighbor ladies", Ilene Sommers and Jennie Crandall.

      Lena was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Lena cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On August 29, 1943 Lena married Nelson Alfred Wells, Sr. Compassionate and devoted, Lena worked hard to make a wonderful new life.

      Harmony was important to Lena and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Lena was blessed with five children, one son, Nelson Jr., and four daughters, Priscilla "Pattie", Linda, Sandra, and Ginger. They were also blessed with eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren, Steve, Joey, Patrick, Anthony, Melissa, Stacy, Robert, Steve, Justin, Bianna, Nelson III, Kristen, Jerry, Donna, Karen, Bethany, Mark, Dawn, Adam, Emily, Walter Jr., Brad, Bryn, Cage, Dwane, Shawn, Craig, Misty, Jordan, Si, Isabella, Killian, and Sage. Lena was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Lena was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Lena would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Lena, and she expected the same from those around her. Lena was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Lena was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Lena handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” She was a very hardworking woman, holding many different jobs throughout her life such as a cook, janitor, a store clerk, and a baker. She worked at Spaulding’s Bakery after graduation, and then at Scintilla Magneto Co. in Sidney. Lena also worked at Kresges Dept. Store and Grant’s Store in Oneonta, at Fox Hospital in housekeeping, the Homer Folks TB Hospital in Oneonta, and the Oneonta Sewage Treatment Plant. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Lena enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite hobbies were cooking, crocheting, and mowing the grass, which she did up until her 90th birthday. She also enjoyed singing and gardening.

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Lena to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Lena did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Lena was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post# 1206 of Oneonta and the Rebecca Lodge of Otego.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Lena well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of the West End Baptist Church for many years, and followed Rev. Mel Farmer to the River Street Baptist Church when he became the Pastor there. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Lena enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included traveling to Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls, and visiting her family.

      Lena was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her most beloved furry companions were three poodles, Maxwell, Pepper and Coco.

      Lena passed away on April 14, 2016 at the A. O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, New York. Lena suffered from heart failure and fought right up until the end. She is survived by her beloved husband, Nelson, Sr.; her daughters, Priscilla Rotolo, Linda Holtsmaster, Sandy Morin, and Ginger Butler; her daughter-in-law, Violet Wells; her 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and 9 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Utter, Harriett Degnan (whom passed away just a few weeks after Lena) and Jessie Gage; her brother, Lewis Martin, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services were held at the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta, New York. Lena was laid to rest in Bundy Cemetery in Otego, New York, beside her beloved son, Nelson A. Wells, Jr., .

      Lena was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Lena was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Lena Belle Wells.

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Lena Belle Wells, 92, an Oneonta resident of over 65 years, passed away peacefully to be with her Lord on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta.

She was born on October 5, 1923 in Nineveh, NY, a daughter of the late Jesse and Edith (Burke) Martin. On August 29, 1943 Lena married Nelson A. Wells, Sr. and just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary last year.

Lena attended Oneonta High School, graduating in 1942. She was a very hardworking woman, holding many different jobs throughout her life. She worked at Spaulding’s Bakery after graduation, and then at Scintilla Magneto Co. in Sidney. Lena also worked at Kresges Dept. Store and Grant’s Store in Oneonta, at Fox Hospital in housekeeping, the Homer Folks TB Hospital in Oneonta, and the Oneonta Sewage Treatment Plant.

Lena was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post# 1206 of Oneonta and the Rebecca Lodge of Otego. She was a longtime member of the West End Baptist Church for many years, and followed Rev. Mel Farmer to the River Street Baptist Church when he became the Pastor there.

She will always be remembered as a good wife and mother. She loved to cook, her specialties being macaroni and cheese and apple pie. Lena also loved to sing and crochet, and enjoyed other hobbies such as gardening and planting flowers. But most of all, she loved to mow the grass, which she did up until her 90th birthday.

Lena is survived by her beloved husband, Nelson A. Wells, Sr. of Oneonta; her daughters, Priscilla Rotolo of Oneonta, Linda Holtsmaster of South Gibson, PA, Sandy Morin of Oneonta, and Ginger (Paul) Butler of Palm Coast, FL; her daughter-in-law, Violet Wells of Oneonta; 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and 9 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Utter of Palmento, FL, Harriett Degnan of Binghamton, and Jessie (Gordon) Gage of Bloutville, TN; her brother, Lewis (Joyce) Martin of Salem, VA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Nelson A. “Butch” Wells, Jr.; her sisters, Eva Mabie and Loretta Shutters; and her son-in-law, Walter Holtsmaster.

A Celebration of Lena’s life will be held at Noon on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, with the Rev. Nancy Roberts and Rev. Mel Farmer officiating. Friends and family are invited to visit from 11am to Noon, during the hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Lena will be laid to rest in the Bundy Cemetery, Otego.

In lieu of flowers, Lena’s family requests that you kindly consider making a charitable donation in her memory to the River Street Baptist Church, 133 River Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.