Ada Symonds

Ada Ruth Crandall Symonds, age 94, of Earlville, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Crouse Community Center in Morrisville.

Born on November 22, 1931, to the late James and Lillian (Collver) Crandall, Ada grew up in Smyrna, NY. She was one of the last students to attend the one-room schoolhouse there and graduated from Sherburne School as part of the Class of 1948.

On September 13, 1952, she married Keith W. Symonds at the West Smyrna Baptist Church, where she had been a member since her teenage years. Keith predeceased her on June 6, 2009, after nearly 58 years of marriage.

Ada was a devoted wife and homemaker, raising their five children while supporting the family farm, Keda Acres. Once her children were settled, Ada earned her real estate license and served as a real estate broker in the Earlville area for over 35 years. She would often remark during car rides, "I've sold that house before."

A woman of strong faith, Ada taught Sunday School for decades, sharing God's grace and love with toddlers, teens, and adults alike. She led the Ladies' Sunday School class for over 25 years. In the late 1980s, Ada and her husband became founding members of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hamilton. What began as Thursday evening devotions in their home grew into a full-fledged church that continues to thrive today.

Ada is survived by her children: Carol Alcorn (Lou) of Creedmoor, NC; Stanley Symonds of Sherburne; Kathy Miller (Wayne) of Sabattus, ME; and Paul Symonds of Sherburne. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. David Crandall (Diana) of Mountain Top, PA, along with nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Ada was preceded in death by her son Daniel, and her brothers Asa (Beatrice) and Charles (Nancy) Crandall, as well as great-grandsons Timothy Symonds and twins Dawson and Landon Symonds.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, with interment at Willcox Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Camp BaYouCa Ministry Fund at Bayouca.com or by mailing to 100 Camp Spaulding Rd., Smithville Flats, NY 13841.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff and nurses at both Preston Manor and the Crouse Community Center for the exceptional care they provided.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 3 Preston St., Earlville, NY 13332.

To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com