MAYVILLE- Evelyn Oleva Ames Hotchkiss, 95, of Heritage Village, Gerry, NY, formerly of Dewittville, NY went to be with her Savior on Friday, November 15, 2019.  She was a musically gifted woman with the rare ability of playing piano and organ by ear in a style all her own.  She served her Lord as church organist and pianist for most of her life.  Evelyn Hotchkiss also enjoyed decorating in and around her home with lush flower beds, antiques, and her own handiwork.  She enjoyed preparing gourmet recipes and entertaining her family and friends in her home, especially for the holidays.

Evelyn worked in Westfield, NY as an executive secretary at Welch Foods.  She also worked as a hair stylist and managed her own salon (Lyn's) in Mayville.  For many years, Evelyn and her husband provided residential care to adult clients in their home through the Resource Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years Harold Jay "Hitchy" Hotchkiss, her parents Herbert and Edith (Shepherd) Ames of Hartfield, NY; and brothers Maurice of Hartfield, NY and Allen Ames of Huntsville, Alabama.  She is survived by her son, Herb (Debbie) Hotchkiss of Ashville, NY; and 4 grandchildren: "Herbie" (Laura) of Woodstock, GA; Steve (Erica) of Greenville, SC; Doug (Molly) of Clymer, NY; and Carrie (Shayne) Saunders of Ashville, NY.  Also, surviving are 12 great grandchildren: Oliva and Clay Hotchkiss; Liam, Rowan and Declan Hotchkiss; Kelsie Jackson, Madison, Levi and Isaac Hotchkiss; and Ava, Keira and Piper Saunders; and her brother Lloyd Ames of Columbia, Tennessee.

The family will receive friends at the Freay Funeral Home in Mayville, NY on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 from 10-11 a.m., and a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. officiated by Pastor Derrick Hicks of Bethel Baptist Church, Jamestown.  Evelyn will be laid to rest at the Mayville Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Hartfield Fire Department Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 182, Mayville, NY 14757.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com