Valetta M. Altmire

Valetta M. Altmire, 100, of Felts Mills, New York, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home, where she had been a resident.

Valetta was born on January 22, 1925 in Felts Mills, NY the daughter of Bernard J. and Kathryn (Elliott) Burrows and she attended Felts Mills School. She married Staff Sergeant Herman L. Osborn on April 17, 1942, in Allen, Kentucky. Tragically, he was killed in action in Bastogne, Belgium, on December 30, 1944. After his passing, she returned to New York and graduated from Watertown High School on June 21, 1946.

On October 12, 1947, she married Donald F. Altmire in Williamson, New York. Together, they built their home and life in Felts Mills. Donald worked as a locomotive fireman for the New York Central Railroad, and later, the couple owned and operated Altmire Used Auto Parts. Valetta handled the bookkeeping for the business and continued to do so even after their son took it over. She and her husband were dedicated, hardworking individuals who took pride in providing for their family.

Valetta and Donald shared a love of travel, especially throughout the United States, and held a special fondness for Texas. Donald affectionately called her his “Yellow Rose of Texas,” often gifting her yellow roses for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.

Valetta was an avid reader and enjoyed doing puzzles and embroidery, but most of all, she loved spending time with her family and many grandchildren. She was active in her faith community as a longtime member and secretary of the Church of Christ Disciples, and also served as secretary for the Christian Women’s Fellowship of Christ.

She is survived by her children: Reginald (Marilyn) Altmire of Croghan; Susanne Leeder, Barbara Siver, and Joanne Bura, all of Felts Mills; Tom (Diane) Altmire of Watertown; and Virginia (Kevin) Valentia of Michigan. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Sara Altmire of Felts Mills; a sister, Marlene Diem of Rochester, NY; 29 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband Donald, Valetta was predeceased by two sons, Richard and Donald Altmire; three sons-in-law, William Bura, John Siver, and Bill Burnet; her granddaughter, Cortney Bura; grandson, Ross Leeder; and two sisters, Bernice “Lefty” Barry and Eleanor “Unky” Burrows.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Felts Mills Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.

Online condolences may be shared at www.brucefh.com.

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