Harriett J. Klotzbach
Harriett J. Klotzbach, 97, of Basom, New York passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, while under hospice care at UMMC in Batavia. Harriett was born on March 6, 1929, in Akron, NY to Harry and Irene Dunn. Her family owned Sherwood Hardware on Main Street in Akron, where she grew up in a close-knit community.
She graduated from Akron High School in 1946, where she participated in sports and theater. Her classmates affectionately called her “Gus”, a nickname that reflected her fun-loving spirit and personality. Anyone who knew Harriett knew her strong spirit, love of life, and sense of adventure. She was the queen of the family and the life of every gathering. Harriett was a well-known local artist whose paintings earned numerous awards. She found great joy in painting and sharing her talent with others.
She was also known for her homemade pies. No family gathering or celebration was complete without one of Harriett’s pies. Harriett loved gardening, flowers, antiques, crafts, crossword puzzles, and traveling. She and her best friend, Rebecca Blew, could often be found shopping for antiques, crafts, and flowers for their gardens.
Harriett met the love of her life, Donald Klotzbach, at a dance. They were married on December 8, 1948, and shared a love of dancing that lasted more than 70 years. Together they traveled throughout the United States with friends to round dance. After Donald’s passing on December 28, 2018, Harriett continued her passion for travel, enjoying trips to foreign lands with her grandson, Chad.
Harriett was known for her larger-than-life jewelry, big purses, and even bigger personality. She brought laughter and energy wherever she went and made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Akron and enjoyed sharing her gift of hospitality, hosting teas for the women of the church.
Harriett is now reunited with her beloved husband, her parents Harry and Irene, Don’s parents Jacob and Helen Klotzbach, and her siblings Annette, Margery, and Dorothy. Harriett is survived by her sons, Blair (Molly Call) Klotzbach of Beverly Hills, FL and Drew (Dianne) Klotzbach of Basom, NY; three grandchildren, Matthew (Liesja) Klotzbach of Parker, CO, Chad Klotzbach and Morgan (Craig) Wagner of Basom, NY. One of her greatest joys as recently becoming the proud great-grandmother of Vera Rose Wagner.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Genesee Senior Living, UMMC Comfort Care, Jill Klotzbach, and Harriett’s nieces and nephews for their exceptional love and care.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at the home of Drew Klotzbach from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., 7420 Alleghany Rd., Basom, NY 14013. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Harriett while enjoying pie and coffee in her honor. Arrangements were made by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. To share memories and condolences with Harriett’s family, please visit rossakron.com.