of Coventry, 84, died peacefully September 30, 2007, in Newport. Mr. Walbert was born May 30, 1923, in Suddlersville, Maryland, a son of Theodore and Ruby (Jewell) Walbert Sr. He was a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force; he flew as a bomber pilot during World War II. On January 20, 1947, he married Eleanor Carlson, who survives him. He held memberships with Moose and Elk Lodges and American Legions in Massachusetts and Florida. He was an avid golfer. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Walbert, of Coventry; by a daughter, Sandra Brown, of Coventry; by a son, Theodore J. Walbert III, of Barton; by three grandchildren: Meagan, Kaylan, and Ryan Brown; by a brother, Terrence J. Walbert, of Wilmington, Deleware; and by several nephews and their families in Maryland. He was predeceased by a brother, Sterling Walbert; and by a sister, Phyllis Logan. A gathering for those who wish to pay their respects or share a memory of Mr. Walbert will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, at Sandra Brown's home at 5707 Airport Road in Coventry. Interment will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Springfield, Massachusetts, at a later date. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Walbert's memory may be made to The Meeting Place, adult day services, 100 Second Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 44, of Troy died unexpectedly at his home on Monday, September 24, 2007. Born on November 25, 1962, in Dover, Delaware, Mr. Moore grew up around horses in the shadow of the Dover Air Force Base. He loved the winter, especially snowmobiling and four-wheeling. He first moved to the Waterbury-Stowe area in the early 1990s before settling permanently in Troy with his mother, Shirley, who predeceased him. His rough exterior and love of muscle cars could never quite conceal the heart of gold that beat in his chest. He was the kind of guy who opened his door to anyone in need - and frequently did over the years - touching many lives as a mentor, big brother, and friend. A natural in the kitchen, there was always plenty of food and room around the table, no matter who showed up. Nothing made him happier than putting smiles on people's faces - touching their lives in a positive way - something he did every day in his work for Great Auk Wireless. He is survived by "little brother" Kyle Norris of Newport; by his aunt Barbara Brown of Delaware; and by his cousin Rebecca Bessinonette of Delaware. He'll be sorely missed by good friends Chris Powers and Albert Brault of Troy, Jim, Sherry, and Dana Norris of Newport Center, Susan Babineau of Newport Center, and Charles Capaldi of Derby. Mr. Moore hated ties, so don't feel compelled to wear one to the celebration of his life at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Lake Road in Newport on Thursday, October 4, at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, friends are requested to make donations to the Chrysalis Center for Human Development, facilitated riding program, P.O. Box 785, Newport, Vermont 05855. He loved kids and horses a whole lot more than flowers.

, 88, of Freehold, New Jersey, died peacefully on September 27, 2007, at Madison Center in Matawan, New Jersey. She was born in Freehold and was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Freehold. She is survived by her children: Charles R. Fauser of Farmingdale, New Jersey, Ned B. Fauser of Westmore, and Bonnie Gann of Monroe Township, New Jersey; by a sister, Marion Corliss, of Freehold; by five grandchildren; and by three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, in June 1975; and by two sisters, Helen and Matilda. A funeral service will be held Wednesday October 3, at 1 p.m. at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Westmore.

, 83, of Brownington died Wednesday, September 26, 2007, in Burlington following a long illness. Mrs. DeGennaro was born in Bellmore, New York, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Ida (Zimmerman) Frank. She grew up and graduated from high school in Bellmore on Long Island. During World War II she worked for the Grumman Aircraft Company on Long Island. On August 17, 1952, she married Louis Frank DeGennaro in St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Bellmore. They moved to Freeport, New York, and later Glen Cove, New York, where they raised their family. They later retired to their farm in Brownington, where they resided for almost 30 years. In Brownington they enjoyed raising sheep, gardening, and being active in community affairs. She had a great love of animals, often taking in stray dogs and cats, and she was an avid birdwatcher. She cherished her many friends and neighbors in the Northeast Kingdom and the "auction gang" in New Hampshire. She is survived by her daughter Amy Haskell and her husband, Peter, of Milton; by her son Roger DeGennaro of New York; by her sister Carolyn Staros of North Port, Florida; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis, in 2002; by her two brothers, Lawrence and Leonard Frank; by her sister Margaret Stavish; and by her faithful dog Sheffield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association Hospice Program, 1110 Prim Road, Suite 1, Colchester, Vermont 05446. There will be no funeral services.

, 71, of North Troy, beloved husband of Linda Combs, died suddenly on September 25, 2007, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Mr. Combs was born December 1, 1935, in Richford, a son of David and Sarah (Dueso) Fletcher Combs. He served in the United States Army for 12 years. He was wounded in battle during the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart Medal for his bravery. On October 23, 1976, he married Linda Gentley, who survives him. He was a boiler operator for Agri-Mark creamery in Troy for 15 years. He retired in 1990. He was a member of American Legion Post 28 in North Troy. He enjoyed camping and hunting in his earlier years. He is survived by his wife, Linda, of North Troy; by his twin daughters, Shawnna Hammond and her husband, Dan, of Newport Center and Sheila Combs of North Troy; by his grandson James Harley Hammond; by siblings: Herschal Fletcher and his wife, Nancy, of Newport Center, Robert Combs and his wife, Alice, of North Troy, Gerald Combs and his wife, Beverly, of Claremont, New Hampshire, Esther McElvry and her companion of Clarmont, New Hampshire, Sara Ouellette and her husband, Guy, of Weathersfield, New Hampshire, and Madeline Henderson of Connecticut; and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Sarah Fletcher Combs; by brothers: William, Wilfred, and David Fletcher and Raymond Combs; and by a sister, Marilyn Rebinski. Funeral services were held September 29 at the Church of God in Derby with the Reverend Laurence Wall officiating. Interment followed at the North Troy Village Cemetery with full military honors.

, 72, of East Hardwick died Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. Mr. Bachert was born August 24, 1935, in Summit, New Jersey, a son of the late Curtis and Mary K. (Yurecsko) Bachert. He graduated from Chatham public schools. On September 3, 1960, he married Jane Mary Gravel at St. Paul's Church in Barton. In his earlier years he worked on construction in New Jersey. In the early 1950s he moved to Vermont and worked on the family dairy farm in West Glover for more than 15 years. When the family farm was sold in 1969, he went to work for Pizzagalli Construction in Burlington. He retired at age 62 due to failing health. He was a member of St. Norbert's Catholic Church in Hardwick. Several years ago, he moved to East Hardwick and made his home with his daughter Diane Holbrook and her husband, David. He enjoyed fishing, sitting outside with family, and taking trips to Out & About in Morrisville. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor. Survivors include a daughter, Diane Holbrook, and her husband, David; a son, Lawrence Bachert Jr., and his wife, Sherri, of East Hardwick; three grandchildren: Jennifer Stratton and her husband, Eric, of Walden, Jessica Gouin and her husband, Ross, of Hardwick, and Kaleb Holbrook of East Hardwick; one great-grandson, Gavin Stratton, of Walden; two brothers, Robert "Bobby" Bachert of Arizona and Charles Bachert of Florida; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary, on September 16; and by his father, Curtis, in 1977. Graveside services were held October 1 in the Fairview Cemetery in Hardwick with the Reverend Jon-Daniel Schnobrich officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr. Bachert's memory may be made to the Lamoille Area Cancer Network, P.O. Box 38, Lake Elmore, Vermont 05657.

, 74, of Bradenton, Florida, and Newport died unexpectedly on October 2, 2007. On December 2, 1932, Mr. Willis was born in Newport to Earl and Ethel Watts Willis, who predeceased him in 1971 and 1979, respectively. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in March 1955. He hated cold weather, and after many years of complaining, he moved to Florida and worked at Tropicana, making liquid sunshine. The last five years he had been living at Horseshoe Cove Park in Bradenton where he was active in the park golf cart parades, bingo, bowling, potluck meals, plays, and singles outings. He loved going out to eat with friends and family. He loved his bingo buddies and participating in senior meals in Westfield and Orleans. His joking sense of humor, tell-it-like-it-is, no-frills personality will be missed by everyone who knew him. His older sister Barbara Comstock of Barton predeceased him in 1999. He leaves his younger brother Darrell Willis and his wife, Vera, of Bradenton; his brother-in-law Dean Comstock and his fiancée, Sarah Ryan, of Westmore; his aunt Esmond Willis of Westfield and family; his special friends: Francis, Larry, and Karl Davignon and family of Brownington; and many nephews and nieces who remember him fondly. A memorial service at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel in Newport was held October 6 with the Reverend Jiggs Petit officiating. Burial followed at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Willis requested that memorial donations be made to the senior meals at the Lake Region Senior Center, in care of Irene Lanoue, 23 Maple Street, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

, 68, of Derby died Sunday, October 7, 2007, at her home following a long illness. Mrs. Whitcomb was born April 4, 1939, a daughter of Samuel and Daphne (Loukes) Villeneuve. On July 23, 1964, she married Richard Whitcomb, who survives her. She was a former member of the United Church of Derby and sang in the choir. She and her husband took in people who needed a new start and helped them get started again. She enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and playing video games. She enjoyed art and loved her grandchildren. She is survived by her sons: Mark Shelton and his wife, Donna, of Browington, David Whitcomb of Salem, Connecticut, and Richard Whitcomb and his wife, Nichole, of Salem; by a daughter, Karen Whitcomb, of Salem; by eight gandchildren; by two brothers, Samuel Villeneuve of California and Larry Villeneuve of Newport; by two sisters, Gloria of Oregon and Rachel of Morgan; and by several nieces and nephews. There will be no formal funeral service. There will be a dinner held in her memory served at the Derby United Church for friends and family on Thursday, October 11, at 4:30 p.m. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Whitcomb's name may be made to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemond Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 71, of Sherbrooke, Quebec, formerly of North Troy, died peacefully October 2, 2007, in Sherbrooke. Mrs. Pigeon was born August 22, 1936, in Windsor, Quebec, a daughter of Eugene and Lea (Geaudreau) Pion. She married Wilfred Pigeon Jr. of North Troy in 1961. They lived briefly in Corinth before returning to North Troy, where they lived on the Pigeon Farm for years. She moved to Sherbrooke in 1992. Throughout her life she fought through illness and served as an example of courage for many fellow patients with her zest for life. She enjoyed painting and had two showings of her artwork. She was a board member and treasurer of the L'HospitaleD'argyll where she resided and was an activist for the rights of handicapped people in the city of Sherbrooke. She is survived by two children, Wilfred Pigeon and his wife, Catherine, of Rochester, New York, and Susan Vanier and her husband, Alan, of Newport Center; by grandchildren: Sydney Vanier and Patrick, Galen, Conor, and TaranFaurot-Pigeon; and by sisters: Marcel Doyon,Rolande Bolduc, Yvette Cadorette, and Lucille Pion. She was predeceased by a brother, Gerard Pion; and by a sister, Rejean Cheney. A graveside service was held October 5 at the Notre Dame Cemetery in North Troy with the Reverend Yvon Royer officiating.

, 61, of Douglas, Wyoming, died peacefully at his home on October 2, 2007, after a short battle with liver cancer. Mr. Paquette was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on December 28, 1945, a son of Raymond L. and Theresa A. Paquette. He was raised and educated in Barton. He entered the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a member of American Legion Post 0008. In 1968 he married Nancy Lea Guild. They lived in Westmore, where they had a good life raising their three children: Christopher, Julie, and Richard. In 1989 he had the desire to move his family west to Butte, Montana. He made several trips back to Vermont to visit wonderful relatives and good friends. He loved adventure and new discoveries. In 1991 he found where he belonged when he moved to Douglas, Wyoming. Throughout his life he was a true entrepreneur, but his main professions were as a logger and a carpenter. Anyone who knew him knew he was a free spirit who enjoyed life immensely and was extremely generous. His interests included reading, attending family gatherings, golfing, hunting, flying his ultra-light, having coffee every day with his buddies at the Plains Restaurant, and fishing in the streams and lakes locally. He enjoyed going to Alaska every summer to salmon fish with his friend Jim. He also loved to travel. He visited many countries. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Douglas; by his sons Christopher and his wife, Brandi, and Richard and his wife, Shandi, of Douglas; by his daughter Julie and her husband, James, of Douglas; by six grandchildren: Sebastian, Jacob, Faith, Katelynn, Amy, and Taelor of Douglas; by his brother Raymond "Moe" of Douglas; and by his sister Theresa "Toots" of Barton. He was predeceased by his parents, Theresa and Raymond; by his sister Patsy; and by his granddaughter Kaylee. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 13, at 3 p.m. at the Douglas High School auditorium in Wyoming.

, 54, of Newport died October 3, 2007, in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Ms. Withers was born June 25, 1953, in Champaign, Illinois, a daughter of Wayland and Betty (Wright) Withers. She graduated from Hazen Union High School in Hardwick. She enjoyed doing cross-stitch, knitting, and fishing. She held membership with Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxillary Post 798 of Newport. She is survived by her daughter Christina Sevene and her fiancé, Jeremy Senecal, of Northfield; by her mother, Betty Withers, of Glover; by her fiancé, Richard Rowe, of Newport; by her grandchildren: Amber, Natasha, Danielle, Miranda, and Kyla; by her siblings: Beverly Withers of St. Johnsbury, Mike Withers and his wife, Mary, of Plainview, Minnesota, Linda Moulton and her husband, Tim, of Marshfield, and George Withers of Marshfield; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Jerry Sevene in 1999. Funeral services were held October 8 in Newport with the Reverend Roger Fletcher officiating. Interment followed in Newport Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Ms. Withers' memory may be made to the American Heart Association, Vermont Affiliate, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 63, died at home in Bridport on September 30, 2007, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Dodge was born November 23, 1943, in South Royalton, a son of George M. Dodge and Arlene C. Dodge. He was raised on the family farm in South Royalton. After high school he attended Vermont Technical College in Randolph and earned his degree in electrical engineering. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, including his wife, Joanne T. Dodge, of Bridport; daughter Tammy Dodge and her partner, Maurice Jacobs, of Derby; parents, George and Arlene Dodge, of South Royalton; brother Theodore Dodge and his partner, Barb, of Norfolk, Virginia; sister Marie Huggins and her husband, Dale, of Richmond, Virginia; brother Harry Dodge of South Royalton; 12 grandchildren, including Jonathan Dudley of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Travis Dudley of Irasburg; five great-grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He loved camping, dancing, taking photographs, and spending time with family and friends. His grandchildren gave him great joy, and he was very proud of them. They always brought a smile to his face. He was the best grampa they could ever ask for. He was a member of the Elks Club in Bellows Falls and the Moose Club in Claremont, New Hampshire. He was an extremely civic-minded man and a terrific friend. He was always the first one to lend a helping hand. He held various job positions over the years in Springfield, Burlington, and Rutland. Before he got sick, he was self-employed, working with SI Control Technologies. His spirit was strong, and he was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He showed all how to live life to the fullest and face challenges with courage and dignity. There was never an ounce of self-pity as the disease continued to consume him. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 13, at the Bridport Congregational Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, Vermont 05753.

, 85, died Monday morning, October 8, 2007, in Newport following a long illness. Friends may call at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill in Newport on Thursday, October 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the United Church of Newport on Friday at 1 p.m. An obituary will appear in next week's paper.

, 90, of Island Pond died October 10, 2007, of cancer at North Country Hospital in Newport. Mrs. Sackett was a daughter of William George and Anastasia Cecelia (White) Baird of Island Pond. She was a teacher. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Island Pond in 1933 and from Farmington College in 1935. She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Norton at age 18; she taught there for two years. She recalled having 19 students in eight grades and communicating in French with those who were learning English, all in one room, which she took in stride, as that was the norm of the time. She said there was no electricity in the building, the bathroom was an outhouse, and the janitor fired up the stove in the morning. She was paid $18 a week, and boarded with a family in Averill, spending weekends with her parents in Island Pond. From 1937 to 1942 she taught grades one and two at the Canaan public school, again boarding with a local family. She taught at the Brighton school, starting in 1947. Thirty-three years after graduating from St. Mary's, she returned there to take a teaching position from 1966 to 1969, which saved the elementary school from shutting down for lack of staff. She traveled by train to Louisiana to marry Lawrence Gideon Sackett on July 2, 1942. They were married at Camp Claiborne in Alexandria by the camp chaplain and spent several days together in New Orleans before her husband shipped off to World War II in Europe. They would not see one another again until the fall of 1945 after the war. In 1942 she went to work at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Hartford, Connecticut, to contribute to the war effort. The plant built engines for bombers. She did administrative work on an all-night shift, living at a nearby rooming house with a group of friends, returning to Island Pond when the war ended. Her children and grandchildren take immense pride in her achievements. At a time when very few women entered institutions of higher learning, she graduated both from high school and from what was then called teachers college. It is no small feat that she achieved this, and did so during the height of the Great Depression. Her teaching methods were far ahead of their time, and her dedication to her profession, her family, and her Roman Catholic faith was selfless. She was an unshakable optimist to the end, constantly telling those around her, "Look at the bright side." Dorothea Sackett was one of the last of the group best described as The Great Generation. All who knew her are saddened by her death. She is survived by her two sons, Bill Sackett of Ottawa, Ontario, and Donald Sackett of Island Pond; by five grandchildren: Sydney (Sackett) Williams of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sandra Inutiq of Iqaluit, Nunavut, SonyaSackett of Irasburg, Lawrence Inutiq-Sackett of Ottawa, and JessiSackett of Island Pond. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence G. Sackett, in 1990; and by her five siblings: Lucille, Donald, Muriel, Bernard, and Bernadette. Funeral services were held October 13 at St. James Catholic Church in Island Pond with the Reverend William Morgan celebrating a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond.

, 88, died Sunday evening, October 7, 2007, at her home in West Glover. Mrs. Nelson was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on November 16, 1918, a daughter of Charles and Elsie (Higgins) Ephraimson. She received a registered nurse degree from Columbia-Presbyterian Nursing School in 1940. During her long career as a nurse, she worked in many capacities: as a nurse in New York hospitals; for the American Red Cross; as the school nurse at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Connecticut; and as a stroke unit supervisor and peer review leader in Wakefield, Rhode Island. After retiring, she put on her cap again and was the director of the Greensboro Nursing Home for several years. She volunteered her skills as a nurse in Marietta, Ohio, and Sistersville, West Virginia. On December 14, 1940, she married Henry Wade Nelson Jr. They lived in New York City, Connecticut, West Virginia, and Rhode Island. After they retired, they built a home and moved to West Glover. Her life centered on her family and friends and her love of nursing. And how she enjoyed music, politics, and her garden! She loved the natural beauty of this part of the world. She was an elegant, beautiful woman who possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a keen wit. She had a never-ending interest in people and a great desire to learn. Her optimism and spirit were unquenchable. She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Nelson, of West Glover; by her grandsons: James Coe and his wife, Neila Cargioli, of Portland, Oregon, Eric Coe and his wife, Sara Davies Coe, of Johnson, and Jesse Coe and his wife, Carol Martin, of Barton; by eight great-grandchildren; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Wade, in 1978; by her sister Drusilla Darrah and her brother-in-law Hal; by her sister Joan Sawtelle and brother-in-law Walter; by her brother Ernest Ephraimson and sister-in-law, Adelaide; and by a son-in-law, Jeffrey A. Kinsey, who died June 26, 2005. Contributions in Mrs. Nelson's memory can be made to the American Red Cross, 29 Mainsfield Avenue, Burlington, Vermont 05401; or to Orleans-Essex Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont 05855. There will be a memorial service at the United Church of Christ in Greensboro on Friday, October 19, at 4 p.m. with the Reverend Tony Acheson officiating.

, 55, of Newport Center died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 12, 2007, at his home. Mr. Grenier was born June 17, 1952, in Direali, Quebec, a son of Renaud Grenier and the late Georgette Brown. He was a truck driver for Pike Industries for 13 years, SCI for two years, and Rod Barrup for four years. He enjoyed snowmobiling, four-wheeling, working with his father in the woods, and especially spending time with his dog Timber. He is survived by his children Craig Grenier and his wife, Kiristen, of Newport Center and Shawn Grenier of North Troy; by his grandchildren: Desiree, Hailey, Brandon, and KaitlynGrenier; by his father, RenaudGrenier, of Florida; by his brothers Gilles Grenier and his wife, Claudette, of Derby and Andre Grenier and his wife, Wendy, of Coventry; by his sisters: LauretteRiendeau of Coventry, Gaetane Butcher and her husband, Mike, of New York, and Chantal Martinez and her husband, Luis, of Washington; by his fiancée and companion of seven years, Nancy Gleason, of Newport Center; and by a special friend, Mom Chaput. He was predeceased by his mother, Georgette Grenier; and by a brother, Richard Grenier. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, at the Curtis-Britch Converse-Rushford Funeral Home on Darling Hill Road in Newport with the Reverend Dallas St. Peter officiating. Friends may call from 6 p.m. until the hour of the service. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Grenier's memory may be made to the oncology department at North Country Hospital, in care of Wendy Franklin, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 85, of Newport died Monday morning, October 8, 2007, following a long illness. Mr. Parsons was born January 9, 1922, in Bangor, Maine, a son of Augustus G. Parsons Sr. and Lettie (Page) Parsons. On June 7, 1947, he married Elizabeth Robinson, who predeceased him August 25. He was an active member of the community. He served as mayor of Newport for two terms in the 1970s and was on the city council for several years. He served on the board of directors for North Country Hospital. He was a member of American Legion Post 21 Newport, a former member of the Newport Rotary Club, and a member of Newport Lodge 2155. He had recently become a life member of the Newport Country Club. In his earlier years he was a football coach for Newport High School along with being the basketball coach. He later became an International Association Approved Basketball Officials-certified referee. He is survived by his two sons, James Parsons and his wife, Sandra, of Fairlee and John Parsons and his wife, Naomi, of Barre; by grandchildren: Emily Morse and her husband, Rob, of Newport, Ben Parsons and his wife, Tiffany, of Beebe, Maggie Parsons of Derby Line, Cory Girard of Derby Line, Alex Parsons of Derby, and Alicia, Savannah, Kelsi, and Zackory; by great-grandchildren: Paige, Haven, Rider, Chase, Tanner, and Mirra; by former daughter-in-law Linda Parsons of Derby; by brother Richard and his wife, Barbara, of Wadsworth, Ohio; and by sisters Marilyn Levering of Greenfield, Indiana, and Carolyn Fletcher of Waterville, Maine. He was predeceased by brothers: Forrest, James, and Donald; and by sisters: Janet, Elizabeth, and Elaine. Funeral services were held October 12 at the United Church of Newport with the Reverend Martha Peck and the Reverend Joy Toll officiating. Interment of both he and his beloved wife, Betty, will take place on October 27 at Pine Hill Cemetery in Derby. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Parsons' name may be made to the Newport Country Club Junior Golf Program, P.O. Box 434, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 72, of Essex Junction died Monday, October 15, 2007, at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. Mrs. Gray was born in Newport, New Hampshire, on January 19, 1935, a daughter of Harold and Ellen (Conroy) Nelson. She was a graduate of the Gifford Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Randolph and worked for many hospitals in the course of her career. On July 14, 1956, she was married in Newport Center to Wayne C. Gray. The first 25 years of their life together was spent moving from station to station with the U. S. Navy. They lived in places such as Edzell, Scotland, Anchorage, Alaska, and Homestead, Florida. Following their retirement from the Navy, they lived and worked in the Newport area for 20 years. After their retirement, they spent their winters in Tucson, Arizona, and summers in the Burlington area. She is survived by her husband, Wayne C. Gray, of Essex Junction; by her three children and their spouses: Melanie and Robert Henderson of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jeri and Gerald Frank of Essex Junction, and Peter and Maria Gray of Chula Vista, California; by her eight grandchildren: Matthew, Gregory, Bradley, Spencer, Tonya, Stephanie, Adrianna, and Tyler. To Mrs. Gray, these eight special people meant the world. She is also survived by two sisters, Ila Starr and Clara Mayhew, both of North Troy; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Laura Baker. A funeral service was held October 17 in the Ready Funeral and Cremation Service Mountain View Chapel in Essex Junction. Burial followed in the Vermont Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Gray's memory to the American Cancer Society, 121 Connor Way, Suite 240, Williston, Vermont 05495-1460.

, 84, a former resident of the Darling Inn in Lyndonville and Monitor Manor in Barton, died at the Newport Health Care and Rehab Center on Friday evening, October 12, 2007. Mrs. Gage was born in Eden on July 29, 1923, a daughter of J. Ernest and Florence (Stewart) Johnson. She was a 1940 graduate of Craftsbury Academy. She received her teaching certificate from Johnson Normal School, and after further education, she obtained a master's in education from Dartmouth University in Hanover, New Hampshire. She taught in several Vermont schools, retiring from the Star School in Walden in the 1960s. She married Harland W. "Buster" Gage Jr. on November 18, 1944. He died in March 1997. She leaves her dear friend, Corinne Bailey, of West Glover; three nieces: Alberta Goodrich of Craftsbury, Elaine Whitcomb of Hardwick, and Anna Dyment of Concord, New Hampshire; and a nephew, Everett Blaise, of Boscawen, New Hampshire. She was predeceased by her husband, Buster; and by a sister, Edna Johnson Blaise. At her request, there will be no public services. A private committal service will be held at the convenience of the family at the Craftsbury Village Cemetery.

, 99, of Irasburg died peacefully at his home, with his family by his side, on October 12, 2007. Mr. Cutting was born in Newport Center on December 25, 1907, a son of Charles and Henrietta (Brown) Cutting. He was an avid farmer and loved farm life. His life centered around his family and farm. He married Gladys Donaldson on October 17, 1931. She predeceased him on October 17, 1995, on their sixty-fourth wedding anniversary. The couple farmed for many years in Newark after they were married. Since 1965 they had farmed in Irasburg. His devoted grandson Allen carried on the farm operation when Mr. Cutting was no longer able to do so. He leaves his four children: Mary Corbett of Middlebury, Florence Stowell and her husband, Clayton, of Coventry, Barbara Lawson and her husband, William, of Irasburg, and Donald Cutting and his wife, Lynette, of Irasburg; ten grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters; by two brothers; and by two great-grandsons. At his request, there will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family at the family plot in the Newport Center Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Mr. Cutting's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.