Obituary of Elizabeth S. Ames

Elizabeth Scottie Ames of Naples, FL passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2009 at Cortland Regional Medical Center. Born October 5, 1915, the second daughter of Irving and Mary Ann Ridsdale Scott, she graduated from Castleton High School and Albany Teachers College. She began teaching in Mt. Upton, NY, moving to Cortland upon her marriage to Donald F. Ames. Scottie and Don celebrated 69 years of marriage. She was predeceased by her husband and three of her children, Harry L, Susan E., and Robin J. Ames. She is survived by her son Donald S. Bud (Diane), her grandchildren, Dr. Elise Ames (John Lettieri), Ethan Ames (Jutta), Bethany Taylor Velasco (Joel), Johanna Ames Coats (Matthew) and Tanya Ames; her great- grandchildren, Arthur and Pauline Ames, Lucas and James Velasco and Mason Coats, her sisters, Marjorie VanHensbergen and Barbara Scott, and many nieces and nephews. She was blessed with the love and companionship of her caregivers Marsha Arps, Lanae Personius and several others. A woman of strong faith, Scottie was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Cortland and First Presbyterian Church of Naples, FL. She served her family and community as a Sunday School teacher, room mother, YWCA volunteer and Scout leader. She enjoyed collecting dolls and was the author of several books, most notably the Deaconess of the Everglades, a biography about Sister Harriet Bedell, who devoted her life to working with the Seminole Indians. For many years Scottie wrote a column for the Naples Senior Times about the joys and trials of aging. At 91 she returned to college to learn to speak Spanish and was featured in the magazine DLatinos for her efforts. While she loved to entertain her many friends from all corners of the globe, her greatest joy was her family. At Scotties request there will be no calling hours or funeral. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Cortland Memorial Hospital Foundation or the United Presbyterian Church. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com To the family of Scottie. Lil,Linda,and Lou Fiorentini send our deepest sympathy. Bud, Diane and family, Please accept my condolences. Eileen Nelson