Esther Heffner
September 8, 1929 – October 19, 2017
formerly of Highland Falls
Esther Heffner, former longtime resident of Highland Falls, passed away on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Orange Regional Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill. She was 88.
Daughter of the late Agnes Cox Woodruff and Robert Woodruff, she was born in Highland Falls on September 8, 1929. Esther was a member of Highland Falls United Methodist Church and of O’Connor Doyle American Legion Post Ladies’ Auxiliary, both in Highland Falls.
She is survived by her daughter Gloria Bradham of Mebane, NC; two grandchildren, James Kuhn and Angela Carriero; and five great-grandchildren, Destiny, Liesl, Esther, Landon and Elinor.
She was predeceased by her sister Agnes Woodruff, her brother Wilford Woodruff and her granddaughter, Malissa.
A graveside funeral service officiated by Chaplain Robert D. Hershberger was held on October 24 at the Cemetery of the Highlands, Highland Mills, followed by interment.
Memorial donations may be made to Highland Falls United Methodist Church, PO Box 32, Highland Falls, NY 10928. Funeral arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home. 845-446-2868: www.wfhoganfuneralhome.com
Benjamin F. Miller
July 9, 1932 – October 20, 2017
Highland Falls
Benjamin F. Miller was born on July 9, 1932 in Gadsden, Ala., and died on Oct. 20 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Wallkill, after a short illness at age 85.
Benjamin was born to the late Thomas and Leona Miller and was one of 12 children. He grew up on a small farm before joining the military where he served for 22 years. After retiring from the military Ben worked for Local Number 5 as a brick mason and then for the Palisades Park Commission as a mason until his retirement.
Benjamin met his wife Mary (Robinson) Miller in Highland Falls and they married in January 1973. They raised a large family of five daughters and two sons. Family was always a priority and Benjamin was a loving father and devoted husband. His wife Mary; daughters Evette Hays and husband Timothy, Leah Miller, Tara Miller, Nyree Miller, India Secreto and husband Joe; sons Benjamin Miller and Samuel Miller; and four grandchildren survive him. His brother William (Billy) Miller, sister Leona Turk and numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.
Benjamin’s love for God and the Bible led him to become a Jehovah’s Witness in 1974. He spent the rest of his life active in the public ministry and his local congregation in Cornwall. He loved speaking to friends and neighbors about the bible’s promises for the future. His faith in these promises was a great source of comfort to him during his illness, and remains a source of comfort to his family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 23 Old Little Britain Rd, Newburgh. The family has requested cards in lieu of flowers or donations.
Funeral arrangements by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 446-2868 www.wfhoganfuneralhome.com