CONSTABLEVILLE, NY – Raymond W. “Jack” Berrus, 88, died Tuesday evening, March 31, 2020, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Utica.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service. A graveside service with military Honors will be held later in the spring at Turin Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.
Born March 13, 1932, in the town of Lowville, a son of the late, Clarence E. Berrus and Evelyn S. Stoffel Berrus Jackson, he attended country school on Tug Hill and Lowville Academy. He joined the Army in 1952 and served until his honorable discharge in 1954.
He married Amy Carpenter in 1955. She passed away in 1969.
He worked for Ethan Allen, Boonville, and owned and operated two dairy farms on Mohawk Hill.
On May 23, 1970, he married Rita I Jarvis Niblett on Mohawk Hill with Justice Harold Hayes officiating and adopted Rita’s three children.
He later drove bus for South Lewis Central School for 10 years.
He started Berrus Septic Service, owning and operating until he was 80 years old. Keeping busy, he cut and sold firewood for many years.
He enjoyed his work, tinkering in his garage and his life as a farmer.
Jack’s biggest smiles came from spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Rita; his adopted
children; Robert Niblett Jr.; Nancy and Doug Woolery of Tulsa, OK; his
son-in-law, Brian J. Ripp of Port Leyden; five grandchildren; 11 great-
grandchildren; his siblings and their spouses, Donald H. and Barbara Berrus
of Lowville, Rose E. Hanno, of Lowville, Pearl E. Peebles of Denmark,
step-brothers and their wives, Harold, Jr. and Joan Jackson of Denmark,
Donald and Sally Jackson of Lowville, a step-sister and her husband, Muriel
and Robert Lee of New Bremen; two step-sisters-in-law, Susan Jackson of
Lowville, and Donna Jackson of New Bremen; and many nieces, nephews
and cousins.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Amy Berrus; and his three children,
Stephen Berrus who died in infancy; Robert Berrus, who died at age 9; and
Deborah A. Ripp; brothers, William G. Berrus, Clarence E. Berrus and
Richard E. Berrus; a sister, Shirley Berrus; step brothers, John Jackson, and
William Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lewis County Search and Rescue
7782 W. State St., Lowville, NY 13367.
Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.