BARRACLOUGH/Atkins (2008)

Britain's oldest bride weds HORNSEA, England, April 30 (UPI) -- A 94-year-old woman has become Britain's oldest bride at a ceremony in Hornsea, England. Bess Atkins, 94, wed Winston Barraclough, 86, at St. Nicholas Church, the same location as her first wedding in 1939, The Daily Mail reported Wednesday. Atkins said Barraclough proposed in January on New Year's Day. "I thought it was some medical problem and feared the worst," she said. "He said: 'Will you be my wife please. I would love to marry you.' I was totally shocked but I said yes, that would be lovely." The couple said they met three years ago while Barraclough was volunteering as a driver for a local hospital. Atkins said Barraclough picked her up and stopped to buy her a box of chocolates during the 30-minute drive. Atkins' first husband, Charles, died in 1968. Barraclough's first wife, Alma, died five years ago. Neither marriage resulted in any children. "It was lovely to be married in the same church. When I walked up the aisle it brought back a lot of happy memories," Atkins said. --- (UPI, 30 Apr 2008)

What is Bess Atkins' maiden name?

GARTHAFFNER (1943 - 2008)

Gerard Garthaffner Gerard F. Garthaffner, 64, of Arkville, died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008 at his residence. He was born in Brooklyn on June 24, 1943, the son of Gerard M. and Agnes Rose Cetner Garthaffner. He worked as a service person for Brooklyn Union Gas. Gerard moved to Arkville and lived with his mother until her death, in a home built by his father in 1960. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Margaretville and the German-American Club of the Northern Catskills. Gerard was a passionate hunter and photographer. Surviving are a daugher, Jean Garthaffner; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Rita Garthaffner; three brothers and sisters-in-law, William and Laura Garthaffner, Martin and Linda Garthaffner and Robert and Sandie Garthaffner. Also surviving are three grandchildren, four nieces and six nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and father, a brother, Peter and sister, Mary Rita Adams. Funeral services were held Sunday, March, 2 at 2 p.m. at the Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville with the Very Rev. James J. McDevitt officiating. Committal services will be private at a later date. Donations in his name may be made to the Ambulance Fund of the Margaretville Memorial Hospital or the Margaretville Fire Department. Arrangements were by the Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville. --- (Catskill Mountain News, 04 Mar 2008)