Inez M. Waterman

Inez Waterman passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 94. She was surrounded by family and love in her final moments.

Born on February 9, 1931, in Butler, the daughter of the late Glenn L. and Mary E. (VanDeusen) Gillette, Inez lived a life filled with kindness, strength, and grace. She dedicated herself to her family, always offering warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and delicious meals that brought everyone together. Playing card games, marbles, and dominoes with family and friends was a favorite for Inez. She also enjoyed sitting quietly, reading and watching birds.

Inez was known for her generous spirit and unwavering faith. She touched countless lives through her compassionate and gentle heart. She devoted much of her life to making the world a better place. She worked 23 years as a teaching assistant and volunteered in her spare time. She was kind simply for the sake of it, always going above and beyond for friends and strangers alike. In life, she was a member of Golden Friends, South Butler Auxiliary, and the South Butler Methodist Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Marcha Topping, Brenda (Skip) Miller, and Cyndi (Harry) Martinez; grandchildren, Heather Page, Scott and Chris Miller, and Devin Victorious; great-grandchildren, Marissa, Christian, Evan, Elizabeth, Parker, Leah, and Shelby; brother-in-law, Bruce Waterman; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory and carry her legacy forward. A special thank you to Toni and Frannie for all the love they gave Inez.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; son-in-law, Carlton Topping; brothers, Eugene and Robert Gillette; and sister, Pauline Judson.

Friends and family are invited to call Wednesday, January 28, from Noon – 3 PM, at the Norton Funeral Home, 13081 W. Church St., Savannah. Service will follow at 3 PM at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will continue at 4 PM at the South Butler Fire Hall, 13048 South Butler Road, 13154.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wolcott Library, 5890 New Hartford St., Wolcott, NY 14590, or a charity of one’s choice in her honor.

Her love will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.