Elwood ‘Woody’ Spittler

MACHIAS — Elwood “Woody” Spittler has joined his beloved wife Eleanor in the afterlife. He passed peacefully on comfort care at Olean General Hospital on the morning of Saturday (Feb. 21, 2026).

Born Nov. 30, 1932, to Frank and Hilda Bergholtz Spittler, at home in Ashford, he grew up on the family farm attending the last one room schoolhouse in Ashford for kindergarten and graduated from West Valley school in 1950. He married the former Eleanor Gentner on April 24, 1954.

Elwood followed his father’s footsteps and became a dairy farmer and into public service. A lifelong Republican, he was elected justice of the peace for the town of Ashford in 1963 and served until he purchased a new farm in Machias.

Elwood continued his public service becoming justice for the town in 1971 and serving until 2003. He also served as a Machias town councilman during that time. After his retirement from farming Elwood worked several winters at Holiday Valley, which he greatly enjoyed.

Well known throughout the area as Judge Woody he always saw the good in people regardless of the circumstances and extended a helping hand to many of the community. He would gladly put family and community first over himself. The world is a lesser place without him.

Elwood is survived by his son, Nicholas (Tina) Spittler; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Spittler; five grandchildren, Brittany (Jeff) Collins, Charleen (Alex) Spittler, Eva Spittler, Terese (Joe Billmaier) Spittler and Matthew (Cortney) Spittler; and eight great-grandchildren, Rylie, Conor, Bentley, Westley, Matthew, Alayna, Laurhyn and Brayden.

In addition to his wife and parents, Elwood was predeceased by his sister, Nina; his son, Ronald Spittler; and grandson, Scott Hoffman.

Friends will be received from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 26, 2025) at the Babbitt & Easton Funeral Home, 7 N. Main St., Franklinville. Elwood will be interred with his wife and many of his friends at Maple Grove Cemetery, Machias, in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Machias Town Park, 3483 Roszyk Hill Road, P.O. Box 87, Machias, NY 14101.

Online condolences can be made at https://www.babbitteastonfh.com/.