Index Deaths of local interest in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties are: • *Evelyn C. Barron, 87, Oxford. • *Joan Louise Higgins, 58, Johnson City. • *Richard J. Romeo, 57, Conesville. • *Patricia Gallup Walling, 66, Newark, N.J., native of Oneonta. *Full obituary in today’s Daily Star.

She was born in Sidney on Sept. 12, 1947, the daughter of Edward A. and J. Louise Hull W. Higgins.

A member of the National Honor Society, Joan graduated from Sidney Senior High School in 1965. She continued studies at the State University College at Oneonta, State University College of Technology at Delhi and Broome Community College.

Although Joan struggled with illness all her adult life, she pursued many interests and had many friends. She also corresponded with numerous pen pals all over the world. An award-winning visual artist, Joan’s other interests included anthropology, astronomy, biology, cooking, history, mathematical puzzles and zoology. She especially loved horses, cats and sunsets.

Joan is survived by her mother, Louise W. Higgins of Gilbertsville and Sidney; a brother, Earl A. Higgins of Sidney; a sister, Jane Evelynne Higgins and her husband, Albert J. Caranci, of Gilbertsville. She is also survived by her best friend, Vanda Haller, and her beloved cats, Scruffy and Skeezix.

Joan was predeceased by her father, Edward A. Higgins, in 1990. Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St., Sidney. Memorial services will follow at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Robert E. Witt Jr. of the Zion Episcopal Church in Morris officiating.

Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Unadilla in the spring.

Arrangements are by C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.

She was born May 31, 1939, in Oneonta, the daughter of Lucy Taite and the late Burdette Gallup.

She attended the Schenevus and Oneonta school districts. Before moving to New Jersey in 1977, Patricia worked at local supermarkets and the Holiday Inn in Oneonta.

She married Robert Walling.

Patricia is survived by two daughters, Royce Barthelmes of Conway, S.C., and Gail and her husband, Dan DeCola, of Remsen; four grandchildren, Erica and Shawn Barthelmes and Timothy and Jessica Walling; one great-grandchild, Casey Barthelmes; her mother, Lucy Taite; two sisters, Cindy Amash and Lois and her husband, Budd Whitbeck; a brother, Steve and his wife, Theresa Taite; and her aunt Anita Axtell.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert; and her son, Richard Walling.

Calling hours will be held from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus.

A spring graveside service will be held in the Maryland Cemetery.

Any expressions of sympathy may be made to the Schenevus-Maryland Emergency Squad, 105 Co. Hwy. 34, Schenevus, NY 12155.

The Heller Funeral Home in Schenevus is serving the family.

Evelyn was retired from the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown.

Survivors include a son, Bradley James Barron of Florida; daughter, Elizabeth Wood of Boston; grandchildren, Jennifer Gross of Norwich and Stuart Wood of Boston; a sister, Virginia Snyder of Ithaca; a sister-in-law, Margaret Drake of California, and several nieces and nephews.

Private graveside services will be held in the spring in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the SPCA.

Bangs Funeral Home, Ithaca, is in charge of arrangements.

Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Betty Hale and Angelo Romeo. He was educated in the NYC school system. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 and was honorably discharge as a Vietnam veteran.

He was a merchant seaman employed by Gellatly and Criscione. Richard was married to his wife, Catherine, Aug. 9, 1997, at St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church in Grand Gorge.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, and children, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jessica, Denise and Jason.

Friends may call Friday, Jan. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hall Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Stamford.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Steven Moore in the St. Philip Neri Roman Catholic Church, Grand Gorge, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Stamford.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home, Stamford, under the direction of William A. Tari.