Sheila J. Roots

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Sheila J. Roots, 46, a cherished wife and mother, of Johnstown, N.Y., passed away Sunday, November 16th, 2008 at Boston's Brigham & Women's Hospital after a long battle with leukemia.

Born February 25, 1962 in Camden, New Jersey, beloved daughter to Harry Fries of Fonda, NY and Jean Wiggin of Loudonville, NY and was an angelic sister to Kristina Parker of Atlanta, GA, William Fries of Littleton, MA and Elizabeth Meurs of East Greenbush, NY.

Sheila was married on May 17, 1986 in Gloversville, NY to Herbert O. "Chip" Roots Jr. and was a blessed mother to Thomas Roots, July 1994.

She attended Berne Knox Westerlo School and Russell Sage JC of Albany.

Sheila was self-employed and operated a hair salon in Johnstown for the last 24 years.

Her goal in life was to keep family and friends as close as possible. She was the glue to the family and worked everyday to make sure everyone in her life was happy and safe.

Sheila was a Christian who believed and prayed everyday for her friends and family.

She is survived by her two beloved boys, husband, Herbert O. "Chip" and son, Thomas Alexander Roots; mother, Jean Wiggin; father Harry Fries and his wife Marie; sister, Kristina Parker; brother, Bill Fries and his wife Cheryl; sister, Beth Meurs; nieces and nephews, Adam, Kevin, Julie and Jessica Parker, Randi Fries, Samantha Meurs, Tanya Scott, Samantha and Greg Bode, Rebekah Kravitz, Dawn Vandersluys, Linda Morrison and Cody Smith. Also several great-nieces and nephews, one being Dylan Scott, her newest joy; uncle, Donald Wolfe; sisters-in-law, Tammie Zemken, Cindy Fonda and Linda Bode, as well as Louie and Debbie Fagant, who are more like a true brother and sister than cousins. Also, several dear close friends, customers and extended family who held a very special place in her heart, all of whom she loved and cherished dearly.

Friends and family are invited and may call Thursday, November 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St., Gloversville. A funeral service will be held Friday, November 21, at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Dr. R.W. Williams presiding. Please visit the family's online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.