Obituary of Alma Jane Highers

MERRILLSVILLE . . . Alma Jane Highers, 94, of 6120 Creek Road, Oneida, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, surrounded by her family at her home. She was born on July 29, 1927, in Stockbridge, the daughter of the former Albert and Pearl (Vreeland) Foster. Alma lived in Merrillsville most of her life, graduating from the Stockbridge Valley Central School in 1945. She worked at Loblaws in Oneida, Oneida Limited in Sherrill, and with her husband, Clyde, owned and operated the Friendly Tavern in Oneida for nine years, retiring in 1976. Alma was a member of the Sunnyside Cemetery Auxiliary, and the Liquor Dealers Association. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. Alma married Clyde M. Highers, Sr. on November 30, 1946, in Stockbridge. Clyde passed away on January 10, 2004. Surviving are: two sons and daughters-in-law, Clyde, Jr. "Butch" and Debra Highers of Oneida, and Will and Kellie Highers of Oneida; four daughters and a son-in-law, Linda Barringer of Munnsville, Janice and Jack Jarvis of Mechanicville, Flora Rosencrans of Wynantskill, and Diana DeRollo of Sherrill; an adopted son, "Brownie"; twenty-three grandchildren; forty great grandchildren; eleven great great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Alma was predeceased by two grandchildren; two sons-in-law, Lee Barringer, and Rick Rosencrans; and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ella and Prescott Dow, and Clara and Bud Wheeler. Family and friends are invited to calling hours, which will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A memorial service will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Kellie Highers will officiate. Burial will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Merrillsville. In her memory, contributions may be made to Hospice Care, Inc., 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or to the Working League of Sunnyside Cemetery, c/o Beverly Eddy, 6827 Creek Road, Oneida, NY 13421, with envelopes available at the funeral home.