St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church

04/22/2026

Don’t forget, this Sunday (4/26), we will be having a Sunday School Open House!

Unsure about sending your littles to Sunday School?! Attend our Open House from 1030am-12n to meet our Sunday School teachers and see how much fun we have with all our current kiddos!

Share the word and bring a friend or two!

04/09/2026

Donna's daughter reached out and asked that Donna's obituary be posted for those who may remember her as a past member of St. James Church and a student of St. James school. --- Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Mrs. Donna Jean (Flanagan) Layton, 70, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate Donna’s life on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Graniteville, South Carolina, with visitation beginning at 5:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 6:00 PM in the chapel, officiated by Chaplain Dexter Lambert.

Donna leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories in the hearts of those who knew her best, her devoted and loving partner, Jeffry Birchill of North Augusta, South Carolina; her beloved children, Melissa Gautreaux (Robert) of Aiken, South Carolina, Jennifer Muns (Ray) of Evans, Georgia, and Jennifer Fannon (Christopher) of North Augusta, South Carolina. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Ethan Carter, Kennedy Muns, Bobby Gautreaux, Jack Gautreaux, Caroline Muns, Liam Fannon, and Kasey Fannon. She also held a special place in her heart for her nephew, Michael Murray, and his children, Joseph and Cleo Murray.

She was preceded in death by her children, Tonya Marie Layton and Lonnie Layton, Jr., as well as her sisters, Margaret “Peggy” (Flanagan) Kelley and Carolyn (Flanagan) Dimond.

Born in Wheatfield, New York, near Niagara Falls, Donna was the daughter of the late Eugene “Red” Flanagan and Marian June (Haynes) Flanagan. A proud graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School, Class of 1973, she later made her home in the CSRA, where she built a life rooted in love, family, and community over the past thirty years.

Donna will be remembered for her warm and welcoming spirit, especially in the kitchen, where she truly shined. A gifted cook and talented cake decorator, she poured her heart into every creation, making birthdays and special occasions unforgettable with her beautifully crafted cakes. Her home was always open, and no one ever left without feeling cared for.

Her generous heart extended far beyond her family. Donna devoted countless hours to serving others through her work with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, the Su***de Hotline, and the Red Cross, always offering compassion, kindness, and a listening ear.

She found peace and joy in the simple beauty of the outdoors, whether camping, taking quiet walks, or sitting on her porch watching the birds. These moments reflected the gentle and appreciative spirit she carried throughout her life.

Donna’s life was one of love, creativity, and selfless giving. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

03/30/2026

Come check our Sunday School open house!
Sunday, April 26th
10:30am-12:00pm

03/21/2026

HOP on by for a BUNNY fun time!!

Saturday, March 21st @ 10am - Fellowship Hall

Bring a friend. Share the word. Bring a non-perishable food item (if able)

03/04/2026

Come join the celebration of life of our brother Bill this Saturday.

William "Bill" F. Rafter, Sr. age 96 of Sanborn, NY, entered into rest on March 2, 2026 at the Absolut Center For Nursing in Gasport, NY. Born July 31, 1929 in Buffalo, NY; son of the late Fredrick and Helen (Aiken) Rafter. Bill graduated from the former Parker High School in Clarence, NY. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953. Bill was employed as a truck driver with KC Trucking for many years. He then worked at the Daytona Speedway in FL for 15 years. A long time member of St. James Lutheran Church in Bergholz, he was inducted into the North East Dirt Modified Hall of Fame in 1992. His interests included steam engines, trains, antique iron items, watching the Alexander Steam Show, and NASCAR racing.
Survivors include his wife, Joyce (Bruss) Rafter whom he married in November 1954; four children: Judith Schoelles, Lori (Steven) Stumpf, William (Karin) Rafter, Jr., and Kristen Rafter; eight grandchildren: Steven (Jamie) Jr., Justin (Crystal), Shane (Amber), Derek (Autum), Cassie, William, Grace, and Sarah; and seven great-grandchildren: Brandon, Ryan, Kristin, Mikayla, Landon, Alexander, and Liam.
He was preceded in death by an infant son; a brother, Robert Rafter, and a sister, Janet Nelson.
Friends may call at the DuBois Funeral Home LLC, 2436 Niagara Road, (Bergholz) in Wheatfield, on Friday (March 6) from 4-8 p.m. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Randy Kaminska, on Saturday (March 7) at 10:30 a.m. in St. James Lutheran Church, 2437 Niagara Road, Bergholz. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Niagara County SPCA.

02/24/2026

Join us Saturday as we celebrate the life of Joyce Milleville.

Joyce M. Milleville, age 81 of Lockport, NY, formerly of Lyndonville. She moved to Western New York around 1965. Joyce was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 20, 2026 while at the Elderwood at Lockport facility. Born March 24, 1944 in Middlesex, NY; daughter of the late Milford and Ruth (Slack) Chrysler. Joyce's education included Middlesex Valley, Bob Jones University, and LeTourneau University. She was employed as a supervisor at Erie One Boces, retiring in 1983. Joyce attended the Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church for a number of years. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed birds, and was known for being generous, loving, selfless, and a devout Christian.
Survivors include her loving husband, John Milleville, and they were united in marriage on January 26, 1980; two brothers, Larry (Charlotte) Chrysler and Dale Chrysler; a sister, Elaine (dec'd. James) Rayburn; son in law, Peter Ricci; grandchildren, Chris Milleville (Melissa Bender), Derek (Elliana) Milleville, Brianna (Tyler) Herman, and Evan (Ashley) Milleville; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Lilly, James, Benjamin, Mia, Annaliese, and Clara.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Deborah Ricci; two brothers, Bradley and Bruce Chrysler; and a sister, Sylvia Colburn.
Friends may call at St. James Lutheran Church, 2437 Niagara Road, (Bergholz) in Wheatfield, on Saturday (February 28) from 10 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Services will immediately follow the visitation, with the Rev. Randy Kaminska, officiating. Interment will be in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Wheatfield, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 2437 Niagara Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were with the DuBois Funeral Home.

02/20/2026

Come celebrate the life of our brother Dale DeVantier on Monday February 23rd @ 11am.

Dale M. DeVantier, age 79, of Wheatfield, NY, was called to his eternal home on February 15, 2026 at the Niagara Hospice House in the Town of Lockport, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on August 1, 1946; son of the late Martin and Mildred DeVantier. Dale was a life long member of St. James Lutheran Church in Bergholz. A graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School, he continued his education attending SUNY at Brockport, and Niagara University. Dale was employed over forty years at Stone Container in North Tonawanda, he is a United States Army veteran, a member of the American Legion, Wheatfield Post 1451, and played hockey, golf, and fast pitch softball. He enjoyed watching "Price is Right" on TV, was a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Yankees. Dale was know for his quick witted sense of humor.
Survivors include a brother, David (Patricia) DeVantier of Wheatfield; two nephews, Michael (Elizabeth) and Bryan (Erin) DeVantier; a niece, Janelle (Louis) Wrobel; and four great-nieces and nephews, Sara, Trent, Luke, and Avery.
Friends may call at the DuBois Funeral Home LLC, 2436 Niagara Road, (Bergholz) in Wheatfield, on Sunday (February 22) from 3-7 p.m. Services will be conducted by the Rev. Randy Kaminska, on Monday (February 23) at 11:00 a.m. in St. James Lutheran Church, 2437 Niagara Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 (hamlet of Bergholz in the Town of Wheatfield). Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, Niagara Hospice, or Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

12/30/2025

Marilyn Iris Mueller, age 89 of Lockport, New York, formerly of New Orleans, Louisiana, was called to her heavenly home on December 2, 2025 while at the Lockport Rehab and Health Care Center. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on January 1, 1936; daughter of the late Edward and Edna (DeVantier) Mueller. She graduated from LaSalle High School, Niagara County Community College, and was employed at the Niagara Falls Board of Education, Bell Aerospace Company, Wheatfield, Bell Aerospace- NASA MiChoud Facility, retiring in 2005. Afterwards, Marilyn was an Administrative Secretary, for Macy's in New Orleans. She was a long time member of St. James Lutheran Church, in Bergholz, where she sang in the choir, and was the Choir director at St. James in New Orleans. Marilyn enjoyed doing floral arrangements, was an accomplished pianist, and spending time with her family, taking them around New Orleans. She loved to travel and took two trips to Europe, and traveled throughout the United States.
Survivors include nieces and nephews, Robert Walck, Cheryl Hayes, Jeffery Mueller, Debra Benion, Kyle Hall, Douglas Mueller, Karen Pfohl, Kim Szelazkiewicz, and Michael Mueller; along with many dear friends and cousins.
Marilyn had four siblings that preceded her, Audrey Mueller Walck, Milton Mueller, Lowell Mueller, and Myron Mueller.
Marilyn's family would like to extent a sincere "thank you" to the staff at the facility where she resided. Friends will be invited to join with her family in the DuBois Funeral Home, for a memorial service to be scheduled at a later date, to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, or the Niagara County SPCA.

12/27/2025