RICHFIELD SPRINGS-Leland Earl Sheldon Windy age 94 of Walnut Street entered into eternal rest on Tuesday afternoon March 16, 2004 in the Meadows, Cooperstown after a short stay. He was born on May 18, 1909 on Springfield Center, son of the late Earl and Mabel Smith Sheldon. A lifelong area resident, he was a graduate of Springfield Center High School. Windy was employed by the Otsego County Highway Department for forty-two years and had served as Deputy Superintendent of Highways from 1957 until his retirement in 1972. Leland was a fifty-two year member of Richfield Springs Lodge # 482 Free and Accepted Masons where he had served as Master of the lodge in 1957 and was the recipient of the Dedicated Service Award in 2001. He was also a member of Otsego Chapter # 26 Royal Arch Masons and the Otsego Commandery # 76. Windy will always be remembered for his devotion to his wife Elda, his sense of humor, strong work ethic and his independent spirit. He took pride in caring for his home and yard. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, baseball and politics. Surviving are his loving wife of seventy-six years Elda, a son, William and his wife Sharleen Sheldon of Richfield Springs, one daughter, Valnette and her husband Tony Rossi of Schenectady, a daughter-in-law, Carol Sheldon of Pittsburgh, PA, twelve grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren many nieces, nephews and one cousin. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sons, Edward Sheldon, Henry and his wife Mildred Sheldon. A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held later on this spring in the Springfield Center Cemetery at a time to be announced. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad, PO Box # 1456, Richfield Springs, NY 13439 or the Richfield Springs Lodge # 482, PO Box 91, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.