NEKG - 2006 Obituaries

, 89, of Lyndon Terrace, Lyndon, Vt., died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital's Special Care Unit. Born July 21, 1916, in Newport, Vt., she was the daughter of Eva and Clarence Hill. A homemaker, she enjoyed spending time knitting, crocheting, watching the birds come to her feeders, as well as talking on the phone with many of her family and friends. Helen is survived by three daughters, Eva Kincaid of 2536 Joes Brook Road, St. Johnsbury, Janet Wiese and her husband Keith Sr. of 2385 Vt. Route 5A, West Burke, and Beatrice LaBounty of Littleton, N.H.; six sons, Albert "Joe" Despins Sr. of Barnet, Richard Despins Sr. and his wife Judith of St. Johnsbury, Walter A. Rainey Jr. of West Charleston, Leslie W. Rainey of St. Johnsbury, Herbert E. Rainey of Kirby, and Wayne A. Rainey and his wife Emily of Salisbury; three sisters, Alena Sherlaw of Newport, June Stewart of Barre, and Dwanetta Bickford of Derby; two brothers, Clarence Hill and his wife Anita, and Dean Hill, both of Newport; 21 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her two husbands, Albert Despins Sr., and Walter A. Rainey Sr.; sisters, Captola Hill, Vandetta "Blondie" Hill Collins, Eva Hill Collins, and Theresa Hill Stewart; a brother, Oliver Hill; grandsons, Walter A. Rainey III and Corey Despins; a great-grandson, Michael Rainey Hodgeson; daughters-in-law, Helen (Rowell) Rainey and Sandra (Blake) Despins; and a son-in-law, Arnold LaBounty. A graveside service is planned for this spring in the Grove Cemetery, East St. Johnsbury. Memorial contributions may be made in Helen's memory to Caledonia Home Health, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

was born on Jan. 3, 1982, in Littleton, N.H., to Donna Fullerton Jewett and Carlton Ray Jewett. She departed from this world of brain edema on Feb. 12, 2006, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center at the age of 24. Jovaun loved life and lived life to the fullest. She loved hiking, kayaking and biking with her partner Nate, their dog Kaia, and friends Katie and Dan. She loved to make people comfortable and happy, and especially loved to make everyone laugh. She always rooted for the underdog, whether it was a child or adult with special needs or the losing team. Jovaun worked for two summers as a lifeguard at the Whale's Tale, and spent two summers traveling up and down the East Coast on the carnival circuit. She spent most of her short life waitressing at local restaurants, primarily at the Woodstock Inn and Station. She was a manager at Smith's Creamery last summer until the business closed in November. At the end of November, she started working at her favorite restaurant, the Coffee Pot, until she became ill. Jovaun is survived by her sister, Whitney; her mother, Donna; Donna's partner, Stephen Murphy; Steve's children, Danielle, Shane, and Trevor Murphy; Danielle's son, Cameron; Steve's parents, Bernard "B.J." and Terry Murphy; Steve's brothers, Mike Murphy of Putney, Vt., Peter and his wife Julie Murphy of St. Johnsbury and their children Ryan and Cooper. She also leaves her maternal uncles, David and his wife Deb Fullerton and cousin Destiny from North Haverhill, Jeff and his wife Barb Fullerton and cousins Chelsea and Miranda from North Haverhill, her Uncle Jim Fullerton from Berlin, and cousins Kami and Nate from Alabama. Jovaun had a special bond with her aunt Permelia "Bunni," and cousin Devin Lindorff of Manchester, N.H. Jovaun's father, Carlton Jewett, has been at Sullivan County Nursing Home in Claremont since an automobile accident on Aug. 7, 2005. She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Hazel and Richard Powers of North Hero, Vt.; as well as paternal uncles and their wives, Fred and his wife Tilly Jewett, and Roger and his wife Linda Jewett of the Burlington, Vt., area. Jovaun was looking forward to spending the rest of her life with her partner, Nathaniel Moore, and their dog, Kaia. She will be sorely missed by Nate, his mother, Sue Foster, brothers and sister, Johnny, Bobby, and Annie McConville, all of North Haverhill, as well as Nate's father, Greg Moore of Monroe. Jovaun was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Donald and Barbara Fullerton; her paternal grandfather, Frederick Jewett; and her cousins, Joshua Fullerton and Tishara Lindorff. We know Jovaun and Tishara are rocking and rolling to Jim Morrison in heaven. Jovaun was so proud of her sister Whitney, and vowed she would be going to New York City with Whitney when she leaves for college in September. Jovaun was especially proud of the fact that Whitney played taps with the VFW Color Guard. She loved attending Littleton High School and Weathervane Theatre drama productions so she could watch her little sister perform. She was really excited when Whitney was nominated for the Outstanding Student of the Year Award through the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce and would have been overjoyed if she had been able to attend the Annual Meeting when Whitney was given the honor. Friends may call on the family from 4:30-6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, at Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton, N.H. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at the New Life Assembly of God Church on Route 116, Whitefield Road, with the Pastors Ernest Wilkins and Jeffrey Bretches officiating. In lieu of flowers, Jovaun would have wanted a scholarship fund set up for Whitney. Donations in Jovaun's memory may be directed to Whitney Jewett, in care of Irene Yeargle, 105 Pleasant St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, of Parker Avenue, St. Johnsbury, passed away at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at the age of 89. Born in Waterford on Dec. 17, 1916, Glenn was one of three sons of Roy E. and Louise (Merrifield) Potter. He married his childhood sweetheart, Pauline Kidder, on June 25, 1938. After 35 years of service, Glenn retired from St. Johnsbury Trucking Co. in 1972. He loved his woodworking shop and took special joy making toys for his grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening and playing his violin, and was known for his good sense of humor. Glenn was active in several fraternal organizations. In the Masons he was a member of Passumpsic Lodge 27 F. & A.M. He went on to The Shrine Mt. Sinai 6 in Montpelier and served in the Provost Guard. In the Order of Eastern Star he was a member, past patron, and sentinel at Mystic Star Chapter 29. Glenn was also a member of Knights of Pythias Lodge of Danville and The Green Mt. Grange 1 of St. Johnsbury Center. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church and the AARP. His son Robert passed away three years ago. A brother, Milton E. Potter, also predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pauline Potter of St. Johnsbury (92 Parker Ave., 05819); two daughters, Betty Weston and her husband Jack of Danville (1651 Jamieson Rd., 05828), and Glynda Rosebrook and her husband Edward Jr. of Lancaster, N.H. (25 Hill St., 03584); a daughter-in-law, Geraldine Potter of Littleton, N.H. (96 Cottage St., Apt. 5B, 03561); 11 grandchildren, Susan Weston Laliberte, Sharon Weston Simonson, Sheila Weston, Shelly Weston Marquise, Deborah Potter Ruggeri, Laurie Potter Armstrong, Randy Potter, Diane Potter Vaccarello, Pauline Potter, Alan Cormier and Dana Cormier; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. He is also survived by a brother, John E. Potter of Belvidere, Vt.; a sister-in-law, Marion Potter of Gorham, N.H.; three cousins, Gordon Russell of Barnet, Pearl Robinson of North Haverhill, N.H., and Stuart Merrifield of Hopkinton, Mass.; nieces and nephews; and by his cat, Foxy, his beloved buddy. Funeral services will be held this Sunday at 2 p.m., at the Sayles Funeral Home with Mr. John Sleeper officiating. Following cremation he will be buried in the family lot at the Barnet Center Cemetery in May. Visiting hours will be held Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. Starting at 7:30 p.m., fraternal honors will be bestowed by the Masons, Eastern Star and the Knights of Pythias. Memorial contributions, marked in Glenn's memory, may be directed to Shriner's Hospital for Children, Attention "Donations," 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114-2699.

, age 79, of Littleton, N.H., passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. Roxana was born on April 30, 1926, a daughter to Clarence Owen and Marjory (Parker) Goff in Saxtons River, Vt. Roxana was an accomplished seamstress who sold her wares at various craft and gift shops. She was also employed by the Cut 'N Sew Fabric Store. Surviving family members include her three daughters, Janis K. Buxton and her companion Terry R. Bradbury of Gilman, Vt., Carol F. Wagner of Rutland, Vt., and Lauren S. Sicard and her husband David of Seekonk, Mass.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister and brother-in-law, Joan (Goff) and Donald Bresnahan of Gilman, Vt.; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents; one sister, Priscilla (Goff) Hartshorn; one brother, Parker Goff; and her former husband and father of her children, Reginald W. Brown, predeceased her. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, at 10:30 a.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 101 Union St., Littleton, N.H., with the Rev. Lyn O. Winter officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Above The Notch Humane Society, 686 Hilltop Road, Littleton, NH 03561.

passed away at home in Sutton, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, at the age of 53 after fighting a courageous battle with his cancer for the last two years. He was the loving husband of Dale and will be missed deeply. Steve served his country in Vietnam and was a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He was a professional truck driver for 35 years in New Jersey. His last terminal was PittOhio in East Windsor N.J., where he was loved for his good sense of humor, dedication to the job, and being a good friend to everyone especially David and Diana. He had to terminate his job due to illness. He was a city guy when he met Dale, but it didn't take her long to turn him into a country boy. He and Dale had lived beside the brook at 56 Dexter Road (Lyndonville, VT 05851) since August 2005. He loved fishing for brook trout and gardening. Besides his wife, he leaves his brother Paul Sinopoli of Marietta, Ga., and son Christopher; his brother John Sinopoli, wife, Lisa, and daughter Daniella, all from Effort Pa.; his best friend John Tututjian of Chesapeake, Va. He will also be sadly missed by all his stepchildren and grandchildren: Edward Verge of Westmore, Vt.; Todd Verge and wife, Gloria, of Raleigh, N.C.; Daniel Verge, wife, Kim, and their children, Daniel and Amanda, of Newark,Vt.; Kimberly Verge and daughter India Lund of Island Pond, Vt.; Aaron Verge and Bilie Jo Bone of Island Pond, and their children Aaron and Brittany; Paul Allen of Lyndonville and his son Owen from New Hampshire; his very loyal sisters-in-law and their wonderful husbands: Paula and Glen Engman of Revere, Mass., Lynne and Lyman Danyow and family from Lancaster, Pa., and his brother-in-law Craig Robinson and his wife, Darlene, from Jenson Beach, Fla. A service of remembrance for friends and family will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Sutton Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. David Colwell officiating. Memorial contributions could be directed to Caledonia Home Health, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006, at her home in Sugar Hill, N.H., after an extended illness. Mrs. Norton was born in Arlington, Mass., on March 28, 1919, a daughter to Allard and Olive (Bullock) Spencer. She was raised in Winchester, Mass.; graduating from Winchester High School. Sybil was married to the late William A. Norton in 1941 and with her husband and family had lived in Sugar Hill since 1949. She was an avid gardener and reader, serving as a trustee of the Richardson Memorial Library for many years. With a deep commitment to community service, Sybil was a volunteer at Littleton Hospital with over 2,000 hours of service. Sybil is survived by a son, W. Andrew Norton of Campton; two daughters, Terry Wilkins of North Andover, Mass., and Laurie Meiners of Basalt, Colo.; a grandson; four granddaughters; and two great-granddaughters. A Memorial Service will be held at Sugar Hill Community Church on Route 117 in Sugar Hill on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to North Country Home Health and Hospice Agency, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561

, age 70, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, at Littleton Regional Hospital, Littleton, N.H., after a battle with lung cancer. A native of Littleton, Patrick was born on Aug. 31, 1935, a son to Joseph and Helen (O'Leary) Cullen. He was a 1953 graduate of Littleton High School after which he attended the University of New Hampshire and Portsmouth Technical School. Patrick was employed at Norton Pike, beginning as a factory worker, working his way up to Chief Engineer upon his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, as well as a member of the Industrial Management Club. Patrick loved to fish, play cards and do projects around their house. He admired all old cars, particularly Model T's and Model A's. Patrick was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and was a multi-talented individual. Patrick is survived by his wife, Beverly Cullen of Littleton; one son, Michael Cullen of Littleton; a daughter, Maureen Richard of Epping, N.H.; six grandchildren; one brother, Daniel Cullen of Littleton; three sisters, Helen Therrien of Tilton, N.H., Mary Ann Cullen and Ann Way, both of Littleton, and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at St. Rose of Lima Church at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. Shawn Therrian officiating. Burial will be in St. Rose Cemetery in Littleton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in his memory, to North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, 98, formerly of Littleton, N.H., passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at the Wadsworth Glen Health Care Center in Middletown, Conn. A native of Coaticook, Quebec, she was born on June 3, 1907, a daughter of Thomas and Philonese (Salway) Dion. She moved to Littleton with her family at the age of 3 to live with her grandparents after her mother passed away at the age of 39 of cancer. Vexanna attended St. Rose of Lima Church, the Apthorp School in 1917, and later the Kilburn School. She moved with her family to Lyman, N.H., to the family dairy farm that was eventually incorporated into Ogontz Camp. In 1922, Vexanna worked at the Norfolk Knitting Mill in Apthorp. She married her husband of 20 years, Raymond I. Merrill, in Littleton in 1923. During World War II, she worked in Hartford, Conn., for the Arrow-Hart & Hedgeman Electric Co., in the defense manufacturing industry, where her husband worked. Previous to her retirement, Vexanna had worked for five years at Undercliff Hospital in Meriden, Conn., as a nurse's aide and as a private duty nurse here in the North Country and Littleton Hospital. Family members include four sons, Frederick Langtange of Salem, N.H., Robert Langtange of Mims, Fla., Richard Merrill of Titusville, Fla., and Harold E. Merrill of Sodus, N.Y.; a daughter, Elizabeth Hallisoy of Middletown, Conn.; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the widow of Ray I. Merrill, who passed away in 1953 at the age of 45. Several brothers and sisters predeceased her. A graveside service will be held in the spring.

, 89, Lunenburg, died Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19, 2006, at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab where she has been a resident since 2001. Mrs. Downing was born in Newbury, Vt., on April 9, 1916, the daughter of Knox and Mary (Abbott) Henderson. In her youth, Hazel was very active in sports and was a graduate of Newbury High School. In 1946 she married Baxter Ball. For many years she operated Hazel's Cabins in Lunenburg through the late 1960s. She was an avid hunter and fisherman right up to her early 70s. Baxter predeceased her in 1957 and she later married Frank H. Downing of Lunenburg. She was a life member of the VFW and American Legion auxiliaries. She was also a member of the Grange. Family members include her son, Richard B. Ball and his wife Brenda of Passumpsic; two grandsons, Richard B. Ball II and his wife Rachael of Twin Mountain, and James Ball and his wife Lisa of Barnet; a granddaughter, Melissa Bourgeois and her husband Bret of East St. Johnsbury; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Colby, Isabel, Tyler and Caitlyn; and a sister, Jean Richardson of North Haverhill. She was also predeceased by Frank in 1993; five sisters and one brother. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster, N.H. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Lunenburg Methodist Church. The Rev. Henry Cheney, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the spring in the Riverside Cemetery, South Lunenburg.

, 45, of St. Johnsbury, Vt., died unexpectedly at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on Feb. 18, 2006. Peter is the son of Lucille (Couture) and Joseph Robert Therriault, born Jan. 25, 1961. Peter was employed by WSI of St. Johnsbury for the past few years. Before that Peter worked as a truck driver, a baker and had many money adventures. He will be remembered for his wit and keen sense of humor. He loved his two sons and grandchildren very much and always made them laugh and smile. He is survived by his sons, Peter Jr. and his fiancee Jessica, Christopher and his wife Amy, all of St. Johnsbury; their mother, Mary of Tennessee; his fiancee, Kelly Gibson of St. Johnsbury; her children, Matthew, Megan, Amanda and Sarah; his grandchildren, Zabbrith, Raquel, Jacklyne and Issac "Ziggy"; his father, Joseph Robert of North Concord; three sisters, Roberta Young and her children Myk and Miki of Tennessee, Marie and Jack Irons of North Concord, boys Robert of North Concord, Kevin of St. Johnsbury, Jody Sumner of Concord; a stepsister, Cherie and Joe Mooney of North Concord; many family and friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Lucille in 1976; sister, Lucienne in 1987; stepmother, Charlene in 1997; and stepsister, Cheryl in 2005. A memorial service will be Thursday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. at the Lyndonville First Congregational Church, with the Rev. Joan Vincent, officiant. Calling hours will be Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m. at the Pearsons Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in Peter's name to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center North, 1080 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, age 73, of Duncannon, Pa., passed away on Friday, Feb. 17, 2006, at the home of her daughter, Debra V. Fisher. Pauline was born on April 28, 1932, a daughter to Arthur W. and Anna (Brunnelle) Stinchfield in Littleton, N.H. Pauline was a volunteer at Duncannon Family Health Center since 2000, and was formerly employed at Mutzabaugh's Market in Duncannon. In addition to her daughter, Debra, she is survived by three sons, Albert Drake Jr. of Marysville, Pa., Donald A. Drake of Duncannon, Pa., and Michael Stinchfield of Littleton, N.H.; one brother, Norman Stinchfield of Worcester, Mass.; four sisters, Marion Paula of Littleton, N.H., Arlene Black of Millbury, Mass., Edith Servant of Millbury, Mass.; and Rose Araujo of No. Dartmouth, Mass.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her husband, Albert Drake Sr., one brother, Philip Stinchfield, and one sister, Doris Wiggett, predeceased her. Graveside services will be held in the Duncannon Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to American Cancer Society, 3211 N. Front Street, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

, 46, of Walden, Vt., died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, Feb. 22, 2006, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born Aug. 7, 1959, in Hardwick, the son of Bert W. and Eva (Jackson) Hale. He attended Walden public schools and graduated from Cabot High School in the Class of 1978. He was first employed by the family-owned and -operated Bert Hale Excavating Business in Walden. He later worked for Cabot Creamery and was a heavy equipment operator for Carroll Ainsworth Excavating in Wells River. Steve was a member of the Walden men's softball team. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, reading, horseshoes, crossword puzzles and his dog "Hobo." Survivors include his mother, Eva Hale of Walden; his grandmother, Louise Hale Salls of Craftsbury; one brother, Michael Hale and his companion Truda Merchant of Lyndonville; two sisters, Sandra Churchill and her husband Brian of Barre, and Susan Hale of Alburg; three nieces, Amanda Churchill of Burlington, Amy Churchill of Berlin and Melinda Merchant of Lyndonville; a nephew, Craig Merchant of Lyndonville; several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Bert Hale, in 1992; and a brother, Jeffrey Hale in 2000. Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at the Northern Vermont Funeral Home, 60 Elm St., Hardwick. A memorial service will be held Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Walden United Methodist Church with the Rev. Carol Borland, supervising church pastor, officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Cabot Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 32, Cabot, VT 05647.

, 77, of Essex Junction, Vt., died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, at her home with her loving family by her side. Margaret was born Oct. 25, 1928, in Waterbury, the daughter of Merlin and Hazel Howard Ather. She attended Peoples Academy in Morrisville and married Philip Noyes on Jan. 4, 1947. Margaret's family was the center of her life from growing up with a large extended family to raising her children and watching her grandchildren grow. She enjoyed spending time on her back deck with a glass of iced tea watching the birds, especially the cardinals. She loved to crochet and received great joy in giving the crocheted items she made to family and the many friends she made along the way. An avid country music fan, Margaret was the Vermont representative of the Loretta Lynn Fan Club for 10 years and was close friends with Loretta Lynn's Aunt Loretta. Margaret was an integral force in establishing the Philip W. Noyes Company, a distributor of firefighting equipment, in 1984 with her husband and served as secretary and vice president of the company until the business was sold to their son and daughter-in-law in 1999. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Philip Noyes Sr.; daughters, Lorilee Lawton of Colchester and Beverly Noyes of Grand Isle; son, Philip Noyes Jr. and his wife Lorrie of Essex Junction; grandchildren, Deborah Lawton, Jeffrey Lawton, Adam Noyes, Nicole Noyes, Cory Noyes and Jenna Noyes; a great-grandchild, Mikayla Noyes; two sisters, Nancy Ather and Mary Geno of Morrisville; sisters-in-law, Frances Haynes of Colebrook, N.H., Carolyn Adams of Durham, Conn., and Lucille Bouthillier of Port Charlotte, Fla.; several nieces and nephews; and a special grand-dog, Smudgee. She was predeceased by a son-in-law, Lee Lawton; a brother-in-law, Wayne Geno; and infant twin grandsons, Jeffrey Philip and James Henry Lawton. Private family services were held with spring interment to be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Morrisville. White-Fiess Funeral Home of Morrisville is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Margaret's memory would be appreciated to the Vermont Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, 37 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.

, age 62, Whitefield, N.H., passed away on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at the Concord Hospice House. Arthur was born on July 11, 1943, a son to Jonathan and Madeline (Dugan) Johnson in Brockton, Mass. He was a 1962 graduate of Brockton High School. Arthur served in the National Guard Littleton Unit from 1964 to 1970. He was employed by the Brown Street Furniture Company for 37 years. Arthur loved fishing, particularly at Mirror Lake, hunting in which he bagged many eight-point or larger deer in the Whitefield Airport area, and golfing. Surviving family members include one brother, Jess and his wife Lauri, of Hill, N.H., their seven children, Jodi, Cammi, Shawn, Aaron, Pamela, Dylan and Chloe; one nephew, Jon and his wife Pat Johnson of Littleton, N.H., and their two daughters, Stephanie and Catherine. Two brothers, Jonathan Johnson Jr. and Richard Johnson; one sister, Doris Randall; and one nephew, Bruce Johnson, predeceased him. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1-2 p.m. at the Pillsbury Funeral Home-Littleton Chapel, 101 Union St. A graveside service will be held in the Park Street Cemetery in Whitefield, N.H., at a later date which will be announced.

of St. Johnsbury died suddenly at NVRH Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at the age of 82 years. She was born in New Haven, Conn., June 2, 1923, the daughter of George and Hazel (Perrigo) Ranny. A former waitress, Margie was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed knitting, sewing and watching TV. Survivors include two sons, James and Frederick Mason, both of St. Johnsbury; three daughters, Donna Simpson and Larry Harney of St. Johnsbury, Jeannette Fleming of Columbus, Ohio, Patricia and her husband Leonard Carter of Lyndonville; a sister, Wilma and her husband Richard Stott of Milford, Conn.; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur; two sons, George Mason and Arthur Mason Jr.; two daughters, Dorothy Lee and Carole Clarke. Services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Caledonia Home Health Care Agency, Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 14, of South Whitefield Road, Whitefield, N.H., died Friday, Feb. 24, 2006. Rodney was born in Littleton, N.H., on Dec. 22, 1991. He was an eighth-grader and active student at Whitefield School. He was the present class president and his involvement with sports included soccer, baseball and wrestling. For the years 2005 and 2006 he was the state wrestling champ in his division. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and skiing. Family members include his parents, Stephen and Lori J. (Rivard) Webster of Whitefield; a twin brother, Riley Allen Webster of Whitefield; a sister, Megan Christine Webster of Whitefield; maternal grandparents, Rodney and Amber Boudle of Jefferson; paternal grandparents, Dalton and Linda Webster of Dalton; maternal great-grandparents, Leo and Marion Dupont of Jefferson; many aunts, uncles, and special cousins. Memorial visiting hours will be held Sunday, Feb. 26, from 5-8 p.m. at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A memorial service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church, Route 3 North, Lancaster. The Rev. James Michaels, pastor, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made in Rodney's memory to the Whitefield School, in care of Michelle Overhoff or Cecile Currier, 34 Twin Mt. Road, Whitefield, NH 03598, for use in the athletic department's wrestling program.

, 74, a Lyndonville resident, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center. She was born March 9, 1931, in Allentown, Pa., to the late Dr. Clarence J. and Joyce F. (Kemmerer) Yocum. A resident of Vermont since the 1950s, first in Burlington then Lyndon and Lyndonville, she retired from New England Telegraph & Telephone, now Verizon phone company. Marilyn was a gifted soprano and sang in the church choir, and along with her caregiver Marguerite Ritter, conducted hymn sings on Saturday mornings at the Pine Knoll Nursing Home for many years until she was unable to continue due to illness. She previously did volunteer work at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital. Marilyn was an avid baseball fan, always rooting for her favorite Boston Red Sox. She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Bruce D. Yocum; a niece, Suzanne Yocum; and a nephew, Eric Dengler. She is survived by three sisters, Joy F. Altemose of Kunkletown, Pa., Diane C. Bartholomew and her husband Jack of Breinigsville, Pa., and Madge E. Ferguson and her husband Lynn of Greenville, Pa.; a brother, C. John Yocum and his wife Dianne of Trexlertown, Pa.; 15 nieces and nephews; and many grand-nieces and -nephews. She is also survived by her caregiver and dear family friend, Marguerite Ritter. She was a member of the Lyndonville United Methodist church and previously a member of the South Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 1, at 11 a.m., at the Pearsons Funeral Home Chapel. Visiting hours will be one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the spring at Lyndon Center Cemetery.

, of Morgan, Vt., passed away quietly and peacefully on Feb. 25, 2006, at the age of 90. He shared 67 years of his life with his loving wife Ruth. Roger was born Sept. 2, 1915, in Springfield, Vt., the son of Frank and Maude (Gutterson) Whitcomb. Roger came to Newport after graduating from the University of Vermont in 1938 and served as the Orleans County Agriculture Agent until retiring in 1974. In addition to his wife Ruth; he is survived by their four children, Nancy Dowd and her husband Thomas of Middle Grove, N.Y., Martha Montague and her husband Richard of Groton, Vt., John Whitcomb and his wife Ida of Elburn Ill., and Alan Whitcomb and his wife Cathy of Theresa N.Y. He and Ruth have nine grandchildren, Michael Dowd and his wife Elicia, Christopher Dowd and his wife Trish, Maura Dowd Kammerman and her husband David, Patrick Dowd and his wife Aimee, Jeffrey Whitcomb and his wife Anne, Thomas Whitcomb and his wife Amy, Sara Whitcomb Provost and her husband James, Hannah Whitcomb Cargill and her husband Benjamin, and Ashlee Whitcomb and her friend Christopher Thomas; and by 19 great-grandchildren. Roger is also survived by his brother, Richard Whitcomb of Springfield, Vt.; and by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Florence Whitcomb Plumb. Those who knew him remember his many activities and service to his profession, church, community and individuals. He served on many committees and boards in association with his many interests and took special satisfaction from service on the Derby School Board and also the Community National Bank. While retirement continued to fill his life with many volunteer services, his family came first among many blessings. Those who knew and spent time with him, whether admiring the county and its farms, in his home, shop or sugarhouse, rarely left without the unique experience of hearing one of Roger's many stories usually preceded by "I'm sure I've told you this before or stop me if you've heard this ..." He considered himself a very lucky and blessed man. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport, Vt., Tuesday evening, Feb. 28, 2006, from 4-7 p.m. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Spring interment will take place at the Derby Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to North Country Hospital Renal Dialysis, in care of Wendy Franklin, Development Office, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, VT 05855; or IROC, P.O. Box 558, Derby VT 05829.

, 50, of Derby, died suddenly on Feb. 24, 2006, in Coventry. He was born Sept. 9, 1955, in Newport, a son of George and Lillian (Moeykens) Corrow. On Sept. 21, 1991, he married Rose Seguin, who survives him. Harry graduated in 1973 from North Country Union High School and in 1977 from the University of Vermont. He was recreational director for the city of Newport for many years. Among his hobbies, he loved hunting, golfing, fishing and watching his boys play hockey. He is survived by his wife, Rose Seguin of Derby; two sons, Nathan and Tucker Corrow of Derby; a brother, Douglas Corrow and his wife Beverley of Morrisville; and a sister, Joan Brown and her husband Jeffrey of Castleton. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Kimberly Corrow, Kristy Noreault and her husband Scott, Kenneth Corrow, and Chad and Emily Brown; and by his mother- and father-in-law, Jean Paul and Elizabeth Seguin of Stanstead, Quebec. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road (formerly Sias Ave.), Newport, Vt. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 2, 2006, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport with the Rev. Phillip Branon celebrating a Mass of Christian burial. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI-Vermont), 132 South Main St., Waterbury, VT 05676, telephone 800-639-6480. Spring interment will be in Coventry Cemetery.

, of St. Johnsbury, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2006, in Burlington, Vt., at Fletcher Allen Health Care at the age of 63. He was born in St. Johnsbury on Oct. 12, 1942, the son of Richard and Mary B. Handy. Gib spent his life working for St. Johnsbury. As a dispatcher for the Vermont State Police for nearly 30 years, he was able to blend in a high civic commitment. From 1973-1984, he served on the Town Planning Commission. In 1984, he started a 20-year commitment to the St. Johnsbury Board of Selectmen where he spent many years as chairman. Additionally, he was a strong member of the Jay Cees, the Industrial Park Board, St. Johnsbury Development Fund, the Jay-Lyn Revolving Loan Fund and the St. Johnsbury Elks. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church. In 2003, the St. Johnsbury Town Report was dedicated to Gib where it noted, "Gib Handy's honesty, great sense of humor, integrity and in-depth knowledge of St. Johnsbury has made him an exceptional community representative. Gib Handy made a difference in St. Johnsbury. The positive impacts of Gib's many years of dedicated community service will be appreciated by the people of St. Johnsbury for generations to come." Survivors include three sisters, Annie M. and her husband Gene Boivin of Morrisville, Marion T. Handy and Isabel Rae Handy, both of St. Johnsbury; a nephew, James R. Boivin of Johnson; a niece, Sharon Moran of Morrisville; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nephews and -nieces, and many friends. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church Friday, March 3, 2006, at 11 a.m., with Fr. Patrick Forman. Spring burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Friends are invited to meet the family at Sayles Funeral Home Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Good Shepherd Foundation, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; or to Caledonia Home Health Care Agency, P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 83, died Saturday morning, Dec. 31, 2005, at her home in East Thetford, Vt. She was born Nov. 14, 1922, in Topsham, Vt., the daughter of Claude and Mary Jane (Stevenson) Barr. She attended school in South Ryegate and graduated from Woodsville High School in 1940. In February 1941, Gladys started nurse's training at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, N.H. She graduated in 1944 and a short year later joined the Army Nurse Corporation. She served during World War II, stationed in Naples, Italy. Because the war in Europe was nearly over, she was able to do quite a bit of site-seeing when not tending to her nursing duties. Shortly after her discharge from the service she returned to New England and went to work in Lyme, N.H., for Dr. William Putnam and his associates. She also helped start a home for handicapped infants. In 1949, she met Merton H. Boyd and they were married June 12 of that same year. They lived in Fairlee for 18 years. Gladys continued to work part-time and stayed quite active with community affairs. In 1968, they built a new home in East Thetford. She went back to work for Dr. Putnam and Dr. Lacey where she stayed until her retirement in 1985. During her retirement, she often served as school nurse for the Orford, Fairlee and Thetford Schools. She was very community minded and served on the Thetford School Board for two terms, the board of trustees of the Latham Library and also on several boards and committees for the First Congregational Church. She was elected justice of the peace for several years and also served on the board of civil authority. Gladys was on the committee which started the Norwich-Thetford Visiting Nurse Association. Both she and her husband delivered Meals on Wheels to many area seniors and she was a regular volunteer for the weekly senior luncheons. Gladys enjoyed swimming and traveling. Following the death of her husband in 1993, Gladys took many trips overseas. She was quite an international traveler. But most of all, Gladys loved her children, grandchildren and her two great-grandsons. She is survived by three sons, Peter J. Boyd of East Thetford, Steven J. Boyd of Vershire, Vt., and Andrew B. Boyd of Wellseley Hills, Mass.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two half-sisters, Vera Meyette of West Newbury, Vt., and Virginia Williams of South Ryegate, Vt.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two half-brothers, Harry Williams and Robert Williams; as well as a half-sister, Dorothy Sargent. A memorial service will be celebrated Friday evening, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m., at the Thetford Hill Congregational Church. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, Vermont Affiliate, 77 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446; to the Visiting Nurse Alliance of Vermont and New Hampshire, 20 South Main St., White River Jct., VT 05001; or to the Ladies Benevolent Society, in care of Janice Mousley, Pavillion Road, East Thetford, VT 05043.

, 93, of Bristol, Conn., widower of Thelma (Champany) Hadley, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005, at the Sheriden Woods Health Care Center in Bristol. Mr. Hadley was born in Barnet, Vt., Aug. 29, 1912, a son of the late George H. and Mary Ann (Sturgis) Hadley. Raised in Vermont, he lived in Bristol for 20 years, working at Stanley Works in New Britain. He retired and moved to Morgan, Vt., where he lived until returning to Bristol in 1999. He was a member of the Morgan United Church, B.P.O.E. Newport Elks Lodge 2155, and he was an avid fisherman, hunter and loved to snowmobile. Mr. Hadley is survived by a son, David Hadley of Bristol, Conn.; two daughters, Marion McLam of Terryville, Conn., and Shirley Daniels of Morgan; 27 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sons, Donald and James Hadley; and a daughter, Beverly Winters. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006, at the Morgan United Church with the Rev. Michael DeSena officiating. Spring interment will be in Pleasantview Cemetery in Barnet, Vt. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to Seymour Lake Association, in care of Janet Selby, P.O. Box 43, Morgan, VT 05853.

, 53, a Lyndonville resident, passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005, at his residence. The son of Robert A. and Nellie A. (Lund) Shores, he was born Sept. 6, 1952, in St. Johnsbury. Bobby graduated from Lyndon Institute, Class of 1970, and graduated with high honors as first in his class from Vermont Technical College, Class of 1974, with a combined degree in electrical/mechanical engineering. Bobby spent many hours tutoring numerous college students from all over the country. He enjoyed hunting, skiing, skating, basketball and most of all, racing. Following an alcohol-related crash, in which he was a passenger, that left him a paraplegic, he continued to be involved with racing as long as his health permitted. Bobby always had a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. He could make you feel good no matter what. Bobby is survived by his father, Robert A. Shores and his companion Carolyn Desrochers of Lyndon Center; sister, Sherri Mitchell, brother-in-law, Andy Mitchell, niece, Staci Lynn Mitchell, and nephew, Andrew Hazen Mitchell, all of West Burke; and an uncle, Vernon E. Shores and his wife Jane of Charlton, Mass. He was predeceased by his mother, Nellie, in 1988; a special grandmother, Maude N. Lund; and an aunt and uncle, Katherine and Byron Young. Calling hours will be held Friday, Jan. 6, from 5-8 p.m., at the Pearsons Funeral Home, located at 70 Church St., Lyndonville. A graveside service will be in the spring at Lyndon Center Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Bobby's name to the charity of one's choice.

, 78, of Lyndonville, succumbed to cancer and died Sunday evening, Jan. 1, 2006, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born May 1, 1927, in Needham, Mass., son of the late Grant A. and Elsene L. (Dresser) Hodges. Alan was raised on his parents' dairy farm in North Danville with his brother Guy. At the age of 17, Alan enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw action in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Vermont Technical Collage in 1947. On June 26, 1951, he married Virginia Hall of South Wheelock. Together they successfully operated a dairy farm in Sutton for 15 years. In 1966, the Hodges launched their own farm supply merchandising business servicing over 300 farms in the Northeastern Vermont and New Hampshire area until they retired in 1992. An avid hunter, hiker and outdoorsman, Alan and his family enjoyed many memorable days at their camp on Walden Mountain. He was a member of the Masonic Crescent Lodge 66 of Lyndonville, and the VFW post 10038 of Lyndonville. Survivors include his wife of nearly 55 years, Virginia H. Hodges of Lyndonville; their two children, Pamela Hodges-Woodworth and her husband Fred of East Montpelier, Vt., and Michael Hodges and his wife Cheryl of Pine Bush, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Sarah, Fred, Kelly, Laurie, Joshua, Esther, Lydia and Grace; a great-granddaughter, Ava; a sister-in-law, Annabelle Hodges of North Danville, Vt.; nieces; nephews; and two very close friends, Leonard Cantin of East Haven, Vt., and Hap Hutchins of North Danville, Vt. Besides his parents, Alan was predeceased by his brother, Guy A. Hodges. Graveside services are being planned for Monday, May 1, 2006, at 11 a.m., at Lyndon Center Cemetery with military honors. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Alan Hodges' memory may be directed to Caledonia Home Health Inc., P.O. Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819-0383.

, 76, of Bethlehem, N.H., passed away on Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. David was born a son to Joseph and Elizabeth (Fontain) Hinerth on June 8, 1929, in Champlain, N.Y. David served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War. He was a member of the V.F.W. Howard Shawney Post 816 in Littleton, N.H. He worked as a store manager for 35 years and retired from Aubuchon Hardware. He enjoyed his work with the public and his favorite hobby was woodworking. Surviving family members include his wife, Cecile (Girouard) Hinerth of Bethlehem, N.H.; two sons, Alan Hinerth of Bethlehem, N.H., and Todd Hinerth of Littleton, N.H.; one daughter, Michelle Flanders of Tallahassee, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, Jan. 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Church in Littleton. Burial will be held in the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, N.H. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Hospice of the Littleton Area, 600 St. Johnsbury Road, Littleton, NH 03561.

, of Lancaster, N.H., passed away at his home on Jan. 2, 2006, surrounded by his family. He was born in Berlin, N.H., on Sept. 12, 1931, to Alida (Plante) Dubreuil Ashby and Henry Dubreuil. He grew up on the Dubreuil farm on North Road and was a graduate of Lancaster Academy. Rene married Jean Savage on July 2, 1952, and the couple made their present home on Williams Street after moving there in 1957. Rene retired in 1995 from the Groveton Paper Co. mill after working there 40 years. In his earlier years, Rene enjoyed woodworking, playing guitar and singing, dancing with friends, playing pool, hunting, fishing, pitching horseshoes and a little R & R. During retirement he filled his days with working on the woodpile, feeding the birds, playing with his dog Woody, nurturing his garden and watching his grandchildren grow. Family members include his wife of 53 years, Jean of Lancaster; sons, Ronald and his wife Lesley Jacobson of Bennington, Vt., Michael and his partner Vicki Yoder of Canaan, N.H., Kenneth of Navarre, Fla., and Peter and his wife Janet of Lancaster; a daughter, Patricia Ainsworth and her husband Greg of Lancaster; a brother, Robert of Nashua, N.H.; a sister, Cecile Dutremble of Biddeford, Maine; grandchildren, Micah, Joshua, Abbie, Aaron and Janelle Dubreuil, Heather Kelley, Katie and Tessa Yoder, Riley and Jacob Moyer, and Emma Ainsworth; four great-grandchildren, Morgan, Adrian, Chelsea and Taylor; and many other family members, including brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, all who will miss Rene. He was predeceased by a brother, Raymond; a sister, Theresa Hartlen; a son-in-law, Richard Moyer; and a daughter-in-law, Diane (Bernier) Dubreuil. Visiting hours will be held Thursday afternoon and evening, Jan. 5, 2006, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster, N.H., and funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m., at All Saints Catholic Church, Lancaster. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in the spring. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to The Lancaster Ambulance Association, in care of Ron Wert, 25 Main St., Lancaster, NH 03584.

, of Hinesburg, died Jan. 1, 2006, at the Vermont Respite House in Williston at the age of 84. Born at home on April 8, 1921, Grace Lucille Cahoon was the last of five children born to Walter and Viola (Huff) Cahoon. She was named for her aunt, Grace Cahoon Rogers. Most of Grace's youth was spent at the Elm House, a boarding house on the Danville Green owned by her parents. She attended Danville schools, graduating from Danville High School in 1939, then continued her education at Bay Path Institute in Springfield, Mass. Following graduation from Bay Path in 1942, she was employed as a secretary by U.S. Envelope Company in Springfield until April 27, 1945, when she married Rolfe Lawrence Chickering of North Danville in Selma, Ala. Rolfe had just returned from combat duty in England with the Army Air Corps. When Rolfe finished his military service in late 1945, the couple returned to Danville to make their home. In 1951, when he was recalled to active duty during the Korean War, their small family of two daughters (with one on the way) moved to Ethan Allen Air Force Base in Colchester. When Rolfe was dismissed from active duty in October 1952, the family moved to Hinesburg where Grace and Rolfe lived the rest of their lives. Grace took her responsibilities as wife, mother, homemaker, chauffeur, seamstress and community volunteer very seriously. From the 1950s into the '70s, she was active as a Girl Scout leader as well as with the Parent Teacher Association for Hinesburg schools. She was also an active member of the United Church of Hinesburg. Always an avid reader, she passed the love of reading down to her children as well as the desire to further their education beyond high school. All six children attended the University of Vermont. It was only natural that when she returned to the workplace in 1967, after being a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years, she worked as an aide at the Hinesburg Community School library, retiring in 1985. She loved reading children's books as much as she did adult books. Grace also spent hours at her sewing machine making clothes for her daughters, dozens of sets of doll clothes and many dance costumes. In more recent years, she made a quilt for each of her children and grandchildren. She was hospitalized on Christmas Day 2005 for pains associated with liver cancer. Four days later she was transferred to the Respite Center and spent the remaining few days in a peaceful setting with family close by. Grace was predeceased by Rolfe, her husband of 60 years who had passed away only seven weeks earlier, on Nov. 11, 2005; her parents; sister, Gladys Cahoon Peck (1968); and brothers, Leland J. Cahoon (1924) and Lawrence Cahoon (1994). She leaves behind one sister, Barbara Abney of Miami, Fla.; one son, Mark and his wife Susan Osgood of Brattleboro; and five daughters, Sharon Moller and her husband Peter of Leadville, Colo., Lorene of South Burlington, Janet and her partner Dr. Kenneth Burchesky of Lyndonville, Mary Ellen and her husband Abubaker Sassi of Denver, Colo., and Heidi of Charlotte, N.C. She also leaves four granddaughters, Pilar Moller, Felicia Moller and her husband David Inglis, Seah Chickering-Burchesky, and Hibbi Sassi; and two grandsons, Ameen Sassi and Caleb VanNoy (son of Heidi); as well as her niece, Shirley Lathrop, and nephew Arthur Abney. The wake will be held on Friday, Jan. 6, at the Osborne Parish House in Hinesburg from 6-8 p.m., with the funeral service at the United Church of Hinesburg on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to the Carpenter-Carse Library or to the United Church of Hinesburg.

, of Monroe, N.H., formerly of Teaneck, N.J., died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006, at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill, N.H., at the age of 84. She was born in Arendal, Norway, the daughter of Jakob and Gudren Myhren. Esther emigrated to the U.S. at 18 months; she was naturalized a U.S. citizen in 1957. In 1982, she moved to Monroe with her husband Frederick C. Dolch. On Jan. 10 they would have been married 64 years. Frederick predeceased her Dec. 23, 2005. She took great pride in her home and family. Survivors include two children, Frederick and his wife Carol Dolch of Teaneck, N.J., and Elaine Gail and her husband Stephen Pacholek of Passumpsic, Vt.; four grandchildren, David Frederick Dolch and his wife Kerri Lynn, Stephen Christopher Pacholek and his wife Jennifer, Brian William Dolch and his wife Jennifer, and Lauren Elaine (Pacholek) Morse and her husband Spencer; four great-grandchildren, Caitlin Dolch, Mackenzie Dolch, Caitlin Morse and Liza Morse; and nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her parents; her brother, Harold Myhren; a sister, Lillian (Myhren) Andreassen; and a daughter, Linda Christine Dolch, in 1950. Funeral services will be held at the Sayles Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. James Llewellyn officiating. Friends are invited to meet the family one hour prior to the service. Spring burial will be in the North Monroe Cemetery.

, 91, formerly of Dummerston, Vt., and most recently residing at the Thompson House of Brattleboro, died peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006. Miss Little was born in Hartford, Conn., March 22, 1914, the daughter and only child of Allen Lemuel Little and Harriet Josephine Hendrickson Little. Her childhood years were spent in Hartford where she graduated from Hartford Public High School with honors in English and Achievement and was a member of the Honor Society. She was accepted at Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., majoring in English composition and graduating in 1935. Her poetry was selected for the 4th volume of the series of Best Pocket Poets devoted to undergraduate verse. It was at Mt. Holyoke that she published a small volume of verse, "The Singing of the Skies." Her first teaching position was at the Crossnore School, a settlement school, in western North Carolina. Here she found valuable training in finding riches beyond material wealth through the guidance of Dr. Mary Morten Sloop. After three years, she returned to Connecticut to the Hartford Seminary Foundation for two years of advanced study in education, psychology, religion and sociology, culminating in the awarding of a master of arts degree. At the beginning of World War II, she became director of the Tuller School in Bridgewater, Mass., and in 1943 accepted a position of chairperson in the English department and director of extra curricular activities of the MacDuffie School in Springfield, Mass. In 1952, she sailed to Turkey to teach in the Girl's College in Ismir, teaching English as a second language. Returning to the United States the following year, she was appointed assistant executive director of the Springfield, Mass., Girl Scouts where she was responsible for camping activities and training of adults. In 1956, she returned to teaching at the Birchland Park School in East Longmeadow, Mass., was appointed chairperson of the English department and Minnechaug Regional High School for the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District. This was a new school at the time and her responsibilities included creating a new department, assisting in the selection of staff, developing a correlated English department manual for teacher, and preparing budgets for supplies and equipment. In 1965, Miss Little was named Massachusetts Teacher of the Year in a program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers and Look Magazine. Miss Little retired from teaching in 1972. In retirement, she served as a Vermont Conference-approved lay minister, both at her own church, the Dummerston Congregational Church, and at others, filling pulpits both as a supply pastor and interim minister. She was president of the Women's Fellowship of the Vermont Conference UCC for two years. Miss Little was active throughout her lifetime in issues of social and global justice. During the 1960s and early 1970s, she served on various committees in the Springfield, Mass., area working for better housing and the easing of racial tensions. She served on the board of the Urban League. In her church work, she was active in Church World Service Projects, including corresponding with a family in Greece and sending financial aid. She enjoyed many varied interests. Her home was filled with books, which she read and treasured. Her garden, containing vegetables and flowers, was of immense pride to her. Her writing talent continued as she published poems and articles in professional journals and other periodicals, as well as editing the local church paper. Camping during summer and in her travels, hiking a good part of the Appalachian Trail, and traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Europe gave her enjoyment as well as experience to be shared in the classroom. Her interest in Scouting continued all through her life and she was presented with a 50-year membership pin. Perhaps her greatest material joy was Stonehaven, the little house in Dummerston on the Connecticut River, where she lived, first on weekends and vacations and then full-time during her retirement. Her home was also home to beloved cats and dogs. Her housemate and traveling companion of over 50 years, Jennie "Jane" I. Couture, died Jan. 2, 2002. She leaves Jane's great-nephews, Brian and Norman Schaffer of Lee, Mass., and John Smith, another great-nephew and her godchild, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Former colleagues and students remember her fondly. A memorial service will be held at the Dummerston Congregational Church at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 29 following the 10 a.m. church service. For those who wish, memorial contributions in her memory may be sent to the Thompson House Nurses Scholarship Fund, or the Dummerston Congregational Church.

, 63, Woodsville, N.H., died Dec. 4, 2006, at her residence. She was born in Fall River, Mass., Dec. 10, 1942, the daughter of Arthur F. and Rena E. (Piche) Bouthillier. She was employed at Northern Telecom in Los Angeles, Calif., as a corporate secretary for 23 years. She currently attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Woodsville, N.H. She is survived by her mother, Rena E. Bouthillier of North Haverhill, N.H.; two daughters, Erin L. Krissman of Woodsville, N.H., and Marian E. Krissman of Wells River, Vt.; and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by a grandson. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Woodsville, N.H. Father Daniel Sinibaldi will officiate. Burial will take place in June, at the Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. Memorial contributions can be made to North Country Home Health & Hospice, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, lifelong South Kirby dairy farmer, passed away at DHMC in Lebanon, N.H., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006, at the age of 68. He was born on the farm in Kirby on March 16, 1937, the son of Herbert and Edith (Thurston) Wood. He was a 1954 graduate of Concord High School and married Phyllis Gorham on June 4, 1960; she passed away in 1993. Disability forced Don's early retirement from the farm 15 years ago. Always active in Kirby town affairs, Donald was a past selectman and town lister and was currently serving on the planning board. He was a past director of the county farm bureau and was currently serving as a director on the NEK Waste Management board. He enjoyed being a member of Country Corner Square Dancers. He spent six years in the National Guard in the late 1950s/early 1960s. In his later years he had worked part-time at The White Market in Lyndonville. He is survived by two sons, Steven Wood of Lyndonville (P.O. Box 1065, 05851), and Gregory Wood and his wife Pamela of Barnet (P.O. Box 76, 05821); two grandchildren, Susan and John Wood of Barnet; special friend Janice Somers of Lyndon (753 Brook Rd., East Burke VT 05832); Donald became part of the Somers family; two sisters, Priscilla Allen and her husband Frank of Middlesex, Vt., and Marion Warden and her husband Carl of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; sister-in-law, Phyllis Wood of Concord; his wife Phyllis' sisters: Ruth Houghton and her husband Joe of North Kirby, Norma Garfield and her husband Dwayne of Lyndonville, Suzanne Wood and her husband Bob of South Kirby, Sandra McRae and Al Berry of Lyndonville; nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Albert Wood, in May of 2004. Funeral services will be held this Monday at 11 a.m. at the Sayles Funeral Home with Mr. John Sleeper officiating. Burial will be in May at the Grove Cemetery in East St. Johnsbury. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 6-8. Memorial contributions could be directed to The Concord FAST Squad, P.O. Box 113, Concord VT 05824.

, 75, of Mechanic Street, Lancaster, N.H., died Jan. 7, 2006, at Country Village Health Care Center, Lancaster. James was born in Lancaster, N.H., on May 14, 1930, the son of Peter J. and Olivene (Morrisette) Morin. Mr. Morin was a lifetime resident of Lancaster. During the Korean Conflict he served with the U.S. Army. He was employed at Whitney Motors for a time and later purchased it in 1969, he also sold Moto-Ski and Arctic Cat snowmobiles until his retirement in 1980. After his retirement, he worked various jobs in the summer and wintered in Paisley, Fla., for 19 years. He was a member of the John W. Weeks VFW Post 3041, and the Military Order of Cooties. Family members include his wife, Beverly (Kiser) Morin of Lancaster; a stepson, Gary Savage and his wife Sharon of Lancaster; a stepdaughter, Sharon Welch and her husband John of Groveton; two brothers, John A. Morin of Lunenburg, Vt., and Paul H. Morin of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepson, Dennis Savage; and three brothers, Peter Morin Jr., Fredrick Morin and Francis Morin. There are no visiting hours. A memorial Mass is planned and will be announced at a later date.

, 91, of 55 River Glen Lane, Littleton, N.H., formerly of South Sutton, N.H., born April 29, 1914, to Henry Asa and Lula G. Andrews, Oxford, Maine, passed away after a brief illness in Franconia, N.H., on Jan. 5, 2006. She lived on the family farm in Oxford, Maine, and graduated with valedictory honors from Oxford High School in 1931. She graduated from Farmington Normal School in 1933. She started her 40-year career as a teacher in Welchville, Maine, and taught in South Paris, Gorham, Maine. She married Thomas E. Abbott in 1944, and followed his career as a school principal teaching in Topsfield and Wenham, Mass.; also in Cohasset and Scituate, Mass. They retired to South Sutton, N.H., in 1964 and she continued teaching in Bradford and Sutton, N.H. She was an outstanding primary school teacher and taught many children to read in her long career. Her husband died in 1971 and she returned to Mechanic Falls, Maine, in 1988 to be near her sister. Her daughter, Norrine A. Williams, and son-in-law, Paul Williams, of Lower Waterford, Vt.; her sister, Eleanor A. Abbott; two granddaughters, Lissa Modesitt of Savannah, Ga., and Lianne Trombley of Newport, Vt.; one special great-granddaughter, Lauren Trombley; and two nieces, Eleanor Lasky and Sidney Kapinos, survive her. Her parents; and her brother, Wallace H. Andrews, predeceased her. She has lived at the Riverglen House in Littleton, N.H., for the past three years and was actively leading their daily exercise class until the last week of December. She loved being with her family and cherished her many friends across the New England states. She was a member of N.H. Retired Teachers, National Retired Teachers, Maine Association of Retirees, the Sutton Historical Society and the South Sutton Homesteaders. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Mechanics Falls Congregational Church, Mechanic Falls, Maine. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions be made in her name to Ammonoosuc Community Health Services Inc., 25 Mt. Eustis Road, Littleton, NH 03561, who lovingly cared for her the past three years.

, formerly of School Street, St. Johnsbury, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Jan. 7, 2006, at the age of 89. He had resided at the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center since August 2004. He was born in Orange, Mass., on April 16, 1916, the son of George and F. Catherine (MacLean) Scott. He was the youngest of four children. He was predeceased by his wife Madelyn (Brough) Scott on Feb. 16, 1991. His love and devotion to her was limitless. Scotty served his country during World War II and served as a flight engineer with The Eager Beavers flight crew, named after their bomber, during the African Theatre. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed his time at his camps at both Echo Lake and Stannard Mountain. He was a lifelong member of Caledonia Forest and Stream Club. For years Scotty owned and operated Scott's Marine Center out of his home on School Street. There he repaired lawnmowers, boats, motors and hundreds of bicycles for area kids. Scotty also worked at Sears, Pecks, and Fred W. Lewis Oil Co. He drove school bus for the St. Johnsbury School District for several years. At the age of 77 he took up golf and was a faithful volunteer with the youth program at St. Johnsbury Country Club. He is survived by his four children, David Scott and his wife Tari of Barnet (1089 Roy Mt. Rd. 05821), Danny Scott of St. Johnsbury (205 School St. 05819), Christine Scott of Colchester (100 South Bay Cir. 05446), and Jeffrey Scott of Peacham (1493 Thaddeus Stevens Rd., Barnet VT 05821); seven grandchildren, Kati Furs, Lindsey, Ian and Todd Scott, Emily and Tim Scott, and Kate Wolford; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Walter Scott and his wife Clarice, and Harold Scott and his wife Irene; and his sister, May Desroches and her husband Syl. Memorial services will be held at Sayles Funeral Home, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, at 11 a.m., with Pastor John Sanderson officiating. Following cremation his remains will be buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in the spring. There will be no visiting hours. Memorial contributions, marked for the "Resident Activity Fund," may be directed to St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center, 1248 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

, 79, of Commercial Avenue, Gilman, Vt., died Jan. 8, 2006, at Weeks Medical Center, Lancaster, N.H. Mr. Wood was born in Gilman on Jan. 15, 1926, the son of Reuben and Flora (Savoie) Wood. Richard was a lifetime resident of Gilman. During World War II he served with the U.S. Army. After returning home, he married his wife Irene Tuttle in 1948. At that time he began working at the Gilman Paper Company where he retired after 46 years of employment. He also worked in the building construction trade and logging. He was a member of the Gilman Methodist Church. Family members include his wife, Irene of Gilman; two daughters, Nancy Nye and her husband Alan of Essex, Vt., and Barbara Hartshorn and her husband Bruce of Lancaster; two brothers, Robert B. Wood of Saint Johnsbury, Vt., and Delwin R. Wood of Lunenburg, Vt.; five grandchildren, Benjamin Nye, Melinda Nye, Nicholas Hartshorn, Abigail Hoppe and her husband David, and Elizabeth Nye; and great-granddaughter, Anna Hoppe. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held Wednesday morning, Jan. 11, at 11 a.m., at the Gilman Methodist Church, Gilman. The Rev. Henry Cheney, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the spring in Riverside Cemetery, South Lunenburg, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Gilman Methodist Church, in care of Pat Briggs, Box 11, Lunenburg, VT 05906; or the Dalton Congregational Church, in care of Edith Switser, 98 Blakslee Road, Dalton, NH 03598.

, 84, with his loving family by his side, passed away peacefully to join his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in the Greensboro Nursing Home. George was born in Canada on Feb. 20, 1921, the youngest son of 15 children from the late Domina and Eva Demers. As a young boy, George came to the U.S. with his family, where they purchased a dairy farm in Walden, Vt. As a young man, he left the farm and became a logger. While cutting wood for a landowner, he met a young lady that became the love of his life, "Bernadette Couture." They were married on May 28, 1949. The couple purchased a farm in East Hardwick, Vt., which they operated for 30 years with the help of their seven children. They received many soil and dairy awards over the years. George was very proud of his land, the herd and the quality they produced. In the early 1980s, they sold the farm and moved into the village of Hardwick where they shared their retirement years. George was a member of Saint Norbert Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Council 1568. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend. George was a proud man, with strong family values and a deep religious faith, who enjoyed being around those he loved. He will be deeply missed by all. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Bernadette (Couture) Demers; his seven children, Ray Demers and his wife Susan of Williston, Dennis Demers and his wife Lori of East Hardwick, Michael Demers and Sheila Weston of East Hardwick, Claire (Demers) Hill and her husband Howard of East Hardwick, Roger Demers of Hardwick, Paul Demers and his wife Susan of Concord, and Giselle (Demers) Patch of Dummerston and her fiance Gordon Chamberlain; 19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marie Paule (Demers) Dunbar of Greensboro Bend, and Marie Jane (Demers) Haggard of Long Beach Calif. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m., at Saint Norbert Catholic Church in Hardwick, Vt. Donations may be made in his memory to Greensboro Nursing Home, Greensboro, VT 05841.

, 84, of Woodsville, N.H., passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006, at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill, N.H., after a 13-year battle with emphysema and the last four years with Parkinson's. Maurice was born on May 13, 1921, a son to Francis and Louise (Lunderville) Dezan in Charleston, Vt. Maurice was employed by the Lisbon Wire Mill for several years. Surviving family members include his wife of 60 years, Viola (Hannux) Dezan of Woodsville, N.H.; two daughters, Suzanne and her husband Robert Placey of Lisbon, N.H., and Brenda and her husband Michael Wisz of New York; two grandsons, Scott Placey of Maine, and Robert M. Placey of Lisbon, N.H.; two great-granddaughters, Kelsea Placey of Lisbon, and Breanna Placey of Conway, N.H.; one brother, Clayton Dezan of Franconia, N.H.; two sisters, Beatrice Gardell of St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada, and Viola Rheaume of Milan, N.H.; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, at 2 p.m., at the Pillsbury Funeral Home - Lisbon Chapel, 77 South Main St., Lisbon, N.H., with the Rev. Lyn Winter officiating. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery in the spring. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Lung Association of New Hampshire, 9 Cedarwood Drive, Unit 12, Bedford, NH 03110.

, 85, of Fairview Street, Littleton, N.H., died Monday, Jan. 9, 2006, at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born in Littleton on Nov. 24, 1920, the daughter of Francis A. and Kathleen (Beville) LeClair. She was a lifelong resident of Littleton, attended local schools and worked at local businesses. Her family was a major source of interest, pride and comfort to her, and she was dearly loved in return. She was predeceased by her husband, Winston Richards, in December 1982; by her daughter, Gail, in 1973; and by her son, Edwin, in 2003. Members of her family include two daughters, Patricia McLure and son-in-law Chuck of Lancaster, N.H., and Kathy Richards and son-in-law Jim Damon of Ridgefield, Conn.; three grandchildren, Heather Richards of Dracut, Mass., Mike Richards of Franconia, N.H., and Emily Damon of Ridgefield, Conn.; as well as several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at the Glenwood Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 13, 2006, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Country Home Health and Hospice Agency, 536 Cottage St., Littleton, NH 03561.

, of Lyndonville, passed away at home with her family by her side Wednesday morning, Jan. 11, 2006, after a brief illness, at the age of 81. She was born on May 2, 1924, in Concord, VT, one of thirteen children born to the late Clinton H. and Marion M. (Morton) Gale. Ruth was a member of Lyndon Institute's Class of 1944. On July 12, 1953, she married Lawrence Currier. A cashier at Shop & Save in Lyndonville for 14 years, Ruth had also worked as a cashier at Grand Union, Hills Department Store and the First National Store. A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many, Ruth enjoyed helping others. She loved the summer vacations spent in Wells, Maine, as well as the Gale family reunions and shopping trips. She enjoyed walking, bowling, attending her church on Sunday mornings, going to the area diners, and most of all her family. For the last few years she helped out at the Darling Inn Senior Meals sight also. An avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, Ruth was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 30 of Lyndon, and the Lyndonville First Congregational Church. Survivors include her three daughters, Evelyn Olcott and her husband Glen Jr. of Lyndonville, Margaret Allard and her fiancee Michael Pavlikowski of Lyndonville, and Thelma Wilkins and husband Harold "Bub" Jr. of Lyndonville; seven grandchildren, Wendy Olcott Nelson, Greg Olcott, John Hall Jr., Jeffrey Hall, Brian Wilkins, Darcy Norcross and Dana Wilkins; eleven great-grandchildren, Mitchell, Danika, Trevor and Bret Norcross, Jacob and Jarrett Wilkins, Katelyn and Tyler Sanville, Shawna Whitcomb, Shyanne Marcotte and Jessica Lee; two great-great-grandchildren, Kadienne Whitcomb and Taylor Farnsworth; two sisters, Ethel Easterbrooks of Massachusetts, and Helen Amidon and her husband Stanley of Waterbury Center; five sisters-in-law, Rachel Gale of Connecticut, Christine Gale of St. Johnsbury Center, Leone Gale of Lyndon Center, Elva Currier of Connecticut, and Vivian Currier of Newport; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Lawrence Currier in 2001; six brothers, Delmar, Bernard, Lyle, Charles, Paul and Clinton Gale; and four sisters, Marion Morin, Charlotte Watson, Arlene Derosier, and Carol Ann Gale. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m., at the Lyndonville First Congregational Church with the Rev. Joan Vincent officiating. Friends may call on the family Friday evening from 6-8 at the funeral home. Burial in Lyndon Center Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Ruth Currier's memory may be directed to the Darling Inn Senior Meal Sight, 76 Depot St., Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, formerly of Lyndonville, died unexpectedly at her home in Island Pond on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, at the age of 78. She was born Feb. 16, 1927, in Buffalo, N.Y., daughter of the late Robert F. and Edith M. (Collins) Buckley. Betty and her family moved to Lyndonville in 1972. She worked on many business ventures here, including Betty's Bull Pen Daycare, Oscars Bakery, The Pizza Keg, Slice and Spice Deli, and a small mall called the Weather-Vane Complex located on Broad Street. Later she moved to Florida, spending several years there, and then returned to the Lyndon area where she worked at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville as a licensed practical nurse, retiring in 2003. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada. Survivors include her three sons, Bill Walsh of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Jason Bull of Lyndonville, and Kevin Bull and his wife Nathalie of Sherbrooke, Quebec; her daughter, Holly Bull and her husband John Wall of Indianapolis, Ind.; six grandchildren, Mark and Christina Walsh, Zachery Wall, Joshua Bull, Christophe Bull and Juliette Bull. Betty was predeceased by her oldest daughter, Lisa Bull, in 1985. Following Betty's wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Betty Bull's memory may be directed to the Pines Patient Activities Fund, 601 Red Village Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, of Danville, passed away peacefully and gracefully Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, surrounded by her husband and children at Fletcher Allen Hospital in Burlington at the age of 78. Joan was born in 1927 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in Hollis, N.Y. She graduated from Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, N.Y. She and her two brothers, Bud and Jack, and her sister, Carol, spent many summers at Lake Mohawk, N.J. It was at Lake Mohawk where a chance meeting with a recent college grad and Navy veteran, Allen Vohden, grew into a courtship and marriage that lasted well over half a century. Joan and Allen settled in Millburn, N.J., where they raised their five children, Pam, Allen Jr., Jeff, Judy and Jim. Allen Sr.'s love of the outdoors fostered Joan and Allen's lifelong enjoyment of camping. It also introduced them to the beauty of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, where they eventually retired. Even late in her life, Joan enjoyed spending nights with Allen sleeping in a tent or their RV and, most especially, soliciting every Irish prayer she could think of as she tried to outfish Allen. Joan's deep faith in God was exemplified by her commitment to countless church activities, especially at her final home parish, Our Lady Queen of Peace in Danville, where she served many years on the parish's Parish Council. She taught this faith to her children and grandchildren through her words and actions, and she lived it right up to her final moments. Even with a trunk full of equestrian awards won as a child, a 55-year marriage to her loving husband, Allen, a family of five children and their spouses (John, Judy, Mary, Matt and Jane) who loved her deeply, a personal calendar full of volunteering commitments helping others around her Danville, Vt., home, and rich memories of the many trips she and Allen have taken, Joan's greatest satisfaction and happiest times came when she was surrounded by - and playing with - as many of her 13 grandchildren as she could muster for a campout or holiday. By any measure, Joan Vohden's life was successful, meaningful and blessed. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Queen of Peace Church, Danville, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, at 11 a.m. Spring burial will be at Danville Green Cemetery. Friends are invited to meet the family at Sayles Funeral Home, tonight from 6-8 p.m. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of DART, NVRH and Fletcher Allen Hospital for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, Allen and Joan would appreciate donations made to the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT 59004-1001.

passed away at her home on Jan. 12, 2006, after suffering a long illness. She was born Joyce Elaine Rose on Dec. 3, 1931, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., to Clayton Lester Rose and Edna (Eastman) Rose. Her father was a farmer and woodsman. Her mother was a homemaker who raised three of her own children and cared for foster children as well. Joyce spent her childhood in the greater St. Johnsbury area. She graduated from Concord High School, Concord, Vt., in 1949. She spent many of her summers in Maine, staying in the home of her aunt, Jessie Cook of Naples. She met and married Maurice Edwards of Naples, Maine, on Sept. 2, 1950. She spent many years serving her family as a mother and housewife. In the early years of her marriage she was a member of the congregation at Spring Hill Gospel Hall in Westbrook and later spent several years involved in the fellowship at Oak Hill Chapel, Standish where her husband ministered as a pastor. Joyce was the birth mother of six children, two girls and four boys. She was also a foster mother to several other children in the state foster care system. She was "Grammy" to 12 and great-grandmother to 14 with one more on the way at the time of her passing. During her years raising a family she worked part-time as a clerk at W.T. Grants in Portland. She also worked as a nursing assistant at local nursing homes. Later when her children were mostly grown she spent several years at various restaurant jobs, the last of which was at Chute's in Casco. For the past 26 years, Joyce and her husband have lived in Naples. During the last 12 years of her life she suffered from debilitating arthritis and during the recent three years has been pretty much restricted to her home. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Gospel Church, Route 114, in Naples. Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 at Hall Funeral Home in Casco. Joyce is survived by her husband, Maurice; daughter, Gail Hastings of Moultonborough, N.H.; son, David Edwards of Naples; son, Bruce Edwards of Saco; son, Rodney Edwards of Standish; son, Charles Edwards of Eureka Springs, Ark.; and daughter, Jessie Lowe of Charleston, W.Va.