Scott Yetter

Scott Yetter, 63, of Newark Valley, passed away on May 15, surrounded by close family members. He was predeceased by his parents Shirley (Lawton) and Stuart Yetter, Sr.; uncles Dale Yetter, Lawrence Yetter, and Eldred Conklin; and his beloved dog Captain. He is survived by sons Eric Yetter (Sarah Reid) and Douglas Yetter; granddaughter Ruthanne Yetter; brothers Stuart Yetter, Jr., and Shawn Yetter; niece Elizabeth Yetter; uncle Merle (Margaret) Lawton; aunts Sarah Conklin, Janet Yetter, and Charlotte Yetter; mother of his sons Linda Yetter; and several cousins. Scott was born at Ideal Hospital in Endicott. His early childhood was spent on Wilson Creek Road and then on the family farm on Route 38, both in Newark Valley. He graduated from Newark Valley High School in 1978 and earned a degree in Animal Husbandry at SUNY Cobleskill in 1980. After college, Scott worked on several dairy farms in upstate New York. Starting his own dairy was his dream realized, and he raised his family on the farm in Center Lisle. After working as a mechanic at the Newark Valley bus garage, Scott returned to agricultural vocations for the rest of his life, including work with dairy science experts at Cornell University’s Ruminant Center. Scott was a Dairy Farmer, a great cow man. He knew that animals--and humans even--should be treated with dignity and kindness, and he’d look at you sideways if you thought or acted otherwise. He was happiest when driving an Allis Chalmers in the field or an old GMC pick-up on the road (a Chevy would suffice, too). He often engineered projects on the farm or at home without any schematics or notes, telling his sons, “You’ll see--it’s all in my head.” Scott loved his sons and granddaughter intensely, always wanting the best for them, whatever that might look like. He was a great storyteller, and he appreciated a good book, a moving poem, and a sad country song. Scott enjoyed a good whiskey and a dark beer, especially when shared with his friends. Although he sometimes acted as if he was surly, he endeared himself to so many, and he will be sorely missed. “When a man is kind to animals, I always say he has got some good in him.” (Owen Wister, The Virginian). The family wishes to thank the Robert Packer ICU staff for their care and support over the past few weeks. Family will receive friends on Thursday, May 25, 5-7 at MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. A memorial service will take place on Friday, May 26, 11 AM, at the Berkshire Community Hall, with lunch to follow. Donations can be made in Scott’s memory to Project Neighbor, Newark Valley Food Pantry or to Tioga County 4-H. Memories and condolences may be shared on Scott’s guestbook at macphersonfh.com