Natalie R. (Rodger) Capron , 86, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Hardwick on March 29, 1922, the daughter of Earl Clyde Rodger and Mary Martha (Ayer) Rodger. She grew up in West Danville where her parents owned and operated a country store and automotive garage near Joe's Pond. Natalie graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury in 1939. She studied to be a teacher at the State Normal School in Lyndon Center (now known as Lyndon State College) where she was active in the Drama Club and graduated in 1942. She taught for one year at the East Barnet Elementary School in East Barnet. She met her future husband, Ronald C. Capron, in East Barnet and they married on June 19, 1943. They moved to Springfield in 1945 where they remained and raised their family. Natalie was active in the First Congregational Church in Springfield for many years while her children were young. She worked at Springfield Hospital for two years and was a full time mother and homemaker the rest of her years. She did volunteer work for RSVP and every year knitted many mittens that were donated to the Santa Claus Club. She loved knitting, making quilts, doing crafts, gardening, feeding the birds and reading. She was an avid student of history and enjoyed historical books, programs and visiting museums. She had a life-long love of the ocean and loved walking on the beach, listening to the waves crashing on the rocks and feeding the seagulls. She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Ronald Capron and also by her sister, Barbara Emmons. She is survived by her four children, Rodger Capron, Dennis Capron and Ronna Liberty, all of Springfield, and Catherine Capron of Boscawen, N.H.; 11 grandchildren, Nathan Willard, Jeremiah Liberty, Jessica Liberty, Rebecca Howard, Rachael Stagner, Alison Kennett, Christi Capron, Scott Capron, Daniel Capron, Derek Capron and Debra Dunkerson; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; her brother Earl Rodger of Olympia, Wash.; her sister Marilyn Guy of Philadelphia, Pa.; and nieces, nephews and cousins including Alpa Sweatt Boutwell of Fort Collins, Colo. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Vermont Historical Society, 100 State St., Montpelier, VT 05609.