, 58, of Groton Road, Barnet, died March 18, 2008, at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, following a lengthy illness. Stan was born in St. Johnsbury, on Sept. 26, 1949, to Lawrence Alexander and Barbara Ellen (Thompson) Davidson. Following graduation from the Vermont Police Academy, Stan served as a police officer for many years, working for the Montpelier Police Department, the Caledonia County Sheriff Department, and then retiring from the St. Johnsbury Police Department. Following his career in law enforcement, he was employed with Northeast Kingdom Mental Health in St. Johnsbury, until 2001. He married Cynthia Finney on July 9, 1983. Stan attended the First Baptist Church in Groton, and, in his youth, was a member of the Brigade Boys of the church. His interests included Farm-All tractors and he had a profound love for animals, most importantly his Golden Retriever, Sandy. Stan was proud to be a native Vermonter and equally proud to have lived in Barnet his entire life. His service to the community through law enforcement was of great pride. However his greatest pride in life were his daughters and family. Most important to Stan, was that he believed in Jesus Christ as his Savior. Stan was predeceased by his father Lawrence Davidson on June 16, 1983, and his mother Barbara Davidson on March 24, 1998. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Davidson of St. Johnsbury; his two daughters, Sara Marshall Davidson, a senior at American University, Washington, D.C., and Stacy Thompson Davidson, a freshman at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind.; and his sister, Bette Dell Davidson of South Ryegate. Calling hours will be on Friday, March 21, 2008, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. A funeral service will be on Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Scott Highway, Groton, with Pastor John McCullough officiating, and Mr. Lawrence Daniels sharing in the service. Burial will be in Walter Harvey Cemetery, Mosquitoville, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FAHC Renal Services at Berlin, PO Box 547, Berlin, VT 05641.

, It is with profound sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Beverly Elaine Cheney Britch, on March 17, 2008, at North Country Hospital in Newport where she was surrounded by the love of her children. She was born on Dec. 1, 1929, in Newport the sixth child of 12 to Leo and Thelma (Morse) Cheney. Bev attended the former South and West Schools in Newport and later attended the former Sacred Heart Convent in Newport in their two year commercial course. At the age of 15, Beverly and her family moved to a farm in Lowell, where she engaged in farming with her family and began her duties of milking one cow before she went to school each morning and again upon her return home. On Aug. 1, 1950, she married Roland Neil (Hun) Britch Sr. at the First Congregational Church in Westfield, who predeceased her on Feb. 24, 1998. After her marriage she worked hard to help her husband support their family. She was employed at one time as a waitress by the former Green Valley Restaurant in Troy, for many years at the Veneer Mill in Newport and in 1991 she retired from Tivoly Tap & Dye in Derby Line as a machinist. Her passion in life was being a devoted wife and raising her four children. Some of her characteristics were her wisdom, sense of humor, quick wit, and her ability to love everyone. Among her hobbies, she was an avid reader, crossword puzzle whiz, and she was very proud of making and completing four beautiful quilts for her children's Christmas gifts this past year. She also fed the birds and her family was always happy to see her face light up when a cardinal would arrive at the feeder. Another part of her life that her family recently knew of her, was her faithful financial support of several charities including St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Disabled Veterans, Cancer Society and many others. One local commitment was to North Country Union High School Cafeteria where she would make sure a particular student had money in his account for meals. After the death of her husband, she moved in with her son Ron Britch at 37 Lake Road, Newport, where she made her home on the third floor of the funeral home. She is survived and mourned by her children: Gail Fecteau and her husband Dean of Coventry, Debi Hammond and her husband Dale of Newport Center, Roland (Ron) Britch Jr. of Newport, and Crystal M. Britch of Newport. She is also survived by four wonderful grandchildren: Julie Hammond and her companion Kirk Cooper of Highgate, Corey Hammond and his wife Quyen of Williston, Dean Fecteau Jr. (D.J.) of Newport and Catherine Cheney and her friend Chris Burgess of Acworth, Ga.; also by two dear great grandchildren: Noah and Abigail and by Riley who will be born in May. She is survived by a dear brother Francis Cheney Sr. of Newport and by a dear sister Diane Renihan and her husband David of Jupiter, Fla., and by several wonderful nieces and nephews. She is also survived by other cherished family members: Richard and Louise Bouffard and their children: Brandon, Soleil and Jolee of Newport Center. She was predeceased by the following sisters: Barbara Warner and Donna Lontine, and by the following brothers: Leo, Walter, Edgar, Erwin, Donald, Robert, and Wayne Cheney. Her four children state the following quotes: Mom, you were my most loyal and loving friend, love from your son, Ronnie; Mom, you loved us with abundance, but we love you more, love your daughter Crystal; Mom always dropped a nugget of love to everyone she met, love your daughter Debi; To my Mom, I'm glad God chose you to be my mother. With your pretty blue eyes, your beautiful smile, and your loving and caring heart, all my love your daughter Gail; Bev, you'll always be in my heart and thank you for treating me and my family like your own. We will miss you, love Richard. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2008, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Memorial Chapel, 37 Lake Road, Newport, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday March 22, 2008, with the Rev. Richard Whitehill and Rev. Phillip Branon officiating. (Parking and easy ramped entrance in rear of funeral home.) A reception will follow upstairs at the funeral home. Spring interment in Pine Grove Cemetery in Newport. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to: North Country Union High School, Student Activities Lunch Program Fund, For students in need, c/o Amber Limlaw, P.O. Box 725, Newport, Vt. 05855.

, 82, of Manchester, N.H., died March 19, 2008, at Elliot Hospital, Manchester after a long illness. She was born in Lowell, Mass., on Jan. 22, 1926. She lived in St. Johnsbury, Vt., and Manchester, N.H., for many years. Page enjoyed playing bingo, knitting, crocheting and needlepoint. She was predeceased by her husband, Almon G. "Al" Page, in 1993, and by a son, Richard A. Page, in 1998. The family includes a daughter, Linda Bennett and her husband Paul of Londonderry, N.H.; two granddaughters, Megan Bennett and Erin Bennett; two nieces, Diane Tuttle and Doris Mahoney. There are no calling hours. A funeral service will be held Friday, March 21, at 11 a.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester, N.H. Private burial is at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Manchester.

, 85, of Bethlehem, N.H., passed away on March 17, 2008, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. She was born Betty Jane Weddle on Feb. 28, 1923, in St. Louis, Mo., a daughter to Cleo and Helen (Newton) Weddle. Her family moved to Portsmouth, N.H., shortly thereafter, where she graduated from Portsmouth High School, Class of '41 and married William F. Rathman of Reading, Pa. in November 1945, after meeting him through the USO. Betty was an avid collector of cookbooks, recipes, friends, and enjoyed cooking, especially for family gatherings. Her many nieces and nephews will attest to her love of children, and unwavering pride in their varied accomplishments. She loved the ocean, flowers, and a good laugh. She will be greatly missed by a certain blue-eyed sailor named Bill, her companion of 62-plus years, immediate family, other relations and friends who think her journey ended all too soon, and her passing creates a hole in our hearts. In addition to her husband, Bill Rathman of Bethlehem, N.H., she is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Laurie Rathman and grandchildren, Ben and Emily, of Bethlehem; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Cleo and Helen Weddle; a brother, Rodney; and sister-in law, Jewell. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 25, at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, located at 101 Union St. in Littleton, N.H., from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a brief memorial service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to The Salvation Army, 121 Cedar St., Manchester, NH 03101, and/or The New Hampshire Association for the Blind, 25 Walker St., Concord, NH 03301.

, age 90, of Lancaster, N.H., and formerly of Lisbon, N.H., passed away on Tuesday, March 18, at the Country Village Center in Lancaster. Maude was born on April 30, 1917, a daughter to Almon and Flossie (Meade) Paige in Lisbon, N.H. Maude worked at Lisbon Shoe Company and Connors and Hoffman Shoe in Littleton for many years before her retirement. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and playing bingo. She was an active member of the Methodist Church in Lisbon. Maude and her family celebrated her 90th birthday last year at the Country Village Nursing Home in Lancaster, where she has lived for the last six years. Surviving family members include her two sons: Rodney Laleme of Lisbon, N.H., and Ronald and his wife, Jennie Laleme of Landaff, N.H.; three grandsons: Brian and his wife, Tammy of Landaff, N.H., Craig and his wife, Lisa of Rockland, Mass., and Michael Laleme; three great-granddaughters: Kristy of Landaff, Sarah and Rachel of Rockland, Mass.; one step great-granddaughter, Jordyn, and one step great-grandson, Norman of Landaff. Maude was predeceased by her husband, Edward Laleme, on Nov. 23, 1988, as well as her sister, Florence Landry, and brother, Almon Paige Jr. A graveside service will be held in the spring in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Lisbon, N.H.

, 82, of Albany, died Wednesday evening, March 19, 2008, in the loving care of her daughter, Deborah Locke, and family. Mildred was born in Lowell, Vt., Feb. 8, 1926, the daughter of George and Jennie (Simino) Mason. On Feb. 9, 1946, she married Roland Larocque who died in June, 2001, after 55 years of marriage. Mildred was a very hard and devoted worker. She worked many years for W P Brow in Albany on the potato farm, helped her husband with dairy farm work at the Lake Hosmer Farm in Albany for several years as well as doing house work for her own and for others. She did some cooking at the Orleans Country Club restaurant, was a laborer at the former Anderson Mill in Orleans, and retired in 1999 after a combined 30 years at Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Orleans where she was a hand sander and inspector. Mildred loved family, cooking and gardening, even submitting some of her produce to the Orleans County Fair, canning and making pickles. She enjoyed reading romance novels, music and dancing, collecting salt and pepper shakers and cookie jars as well as taking many photos of family, friends and travels. She leaves her daughter, Deborah, and her husband, Lyman Locke Jr., of Albany; a granddaughter, Angela, and her husband Ben McAllister, and two very special great grandchildren, Emma and Seth McAllister, also of Albany; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Roland; two infant children, Guy and Marie; a brother, Sammy Mason; and three sisters, Ione Sawyer, Germaine Cote, and Marie Chaffee. A funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, March 24, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Craftsbury, with Father Michael Augustinowitz officiating. Spring interment will be in the Albany Village Cemetery. Friends may call at the Davis Funeral Home in Craftsbury Common, Sunday, March 23, from 4 to 7 p.m.

, 75, passed away in Boca Raton, Fla., on March 1, 2008. She was born in Flushing, N.Y., and was raised in St. Johnsbury. She graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1947 where she was a star basketball player. Survivors include her two children Richard and Debbie Easter and two sisters Patrycia (Boylan) Welcome and Katherine (Boylan) Yam. Burial will be at the families convenience.

, 58, of Groton Road, Barnet, died March 18, 2008, at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, following a lengthy illness. Stan was born in St. Johnsbury, on Sept. 26, 1949, to Lawrence Alexander and Barbara Ellen (Thompson) Davidson. Following graduation from the Vermont Police Academy, Stan served as a police officer for many years, working for the Montpelier Police Department, the Caledonia County Sheriff Department, and then retiring from the St. Johnsbury Police Department. Following his career in law enforcement, he was employed with Northeast Kingdom Mental Health in St. Johnsbury, until 2001. He married Cynthia Finney on July 9, 1983. Stan attended the First Baptist Church in Groton, and, in his youth, was a member of the Brigade Boys of the church. His interests included Farm-All tractors and he had a profound love for animals, most importantly his Golden Retriever, Sandy. Stan was proud to be a native Vermonter and equally proud to have lived in Barnet his entire life. His service to the community through law enforcement was of great pride. However his greatest pride in life were his daughters and family. Most important to Stan, was that he believed in Jesus Christ as his Savior. Stan was predeceased by his father Lawrence Davidson on June 16, 1983, and his mother Barbara Davidson on March 24, 1998. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Davidson of St. Johnsbury; his two daughters, Sara Marshall Davidson, a senior at American University, Washington, D.C., and Stacy Thompson Davidson, a freshman at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind.; and his sister, Bette Dell Davidson of South Ryegate. Calling hours will be on Friday, March 21, 2008, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. A funeral service will be on Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Scott Highway, Groton, with Pastor John McCullough officiating, and Mr. Lawrence Daniels sharing in the service. Burial will be in Walter Harvey Cemetery, Mosquitoville, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FAHC Renal Services at Berlin, PO Box 547, Berlin, VT 05641.

, 75, of Porrell Road, Granby, Vt., died Friday afternoon, March 21, 2008, at Country Village Genesis Elder Care. Brown was born in Concord on July 18, 1932, a daughter of Sulings and Jennie (Wilson) Hodgdon. She was the postmaster in Granby for 30 years. She loved her flowers and lived for her family. Family members include her husband Sherwood Brown of Granby; a daughter, Cindy Bilodeau of Granby; three sons, Robert Brown of Upton, Maine, Gene Brown of Lyndonville, and Jeff Brown of Granby; two brothers, Fred Hodgdon of Granby and Murray Hodgdon of Guildhall; a sister, Barbara Brown of Granby; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Gary Brown, and a brother, Donald Hodgdon. At Vivian's request, there are no calling hours. A funeral service will be held Monday March 24, 2008, at 11 a.m., at the Lancaster Congregational United Church of Christ in New Hampshire. The Rev. Gerry Piper of Danville will officiate. Burial will be in the spring in Appleton Cemetery in Granby. In lieu of flowers donations maybe made in her memory to Hospice of Weeks Medical Center, Attn: Abby Pollender or Gail Patton-Giampaolo, 278 Main St., Lancaster, NH 03584.

, 61, of Second Street, Lancaster, N.H., died suddenly at his home Thursday March 13, 2008. LaRoche was born in Keene, N.H., on Sept. 26, 1946, the son of Edward and Shirley (Perry) LaRoche. Raised in Keene, he was a graduate of Keene High School. He served in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps and later attended Keene State College and Plymouth State College and acquired a degree as a master electrician. For a time, he lived and worked in Texas, later returning to New Hampshire where he started his own company, Dalton Electric. He enjoyed fishing and swimming and was known as a workaholic and a perfectionist. Family members include two sons, Alex LaRoche of Dalton, N.H., who is presently stationed in Iraq, Matt LaRoche, also of Dalton, and Lyndon State College; two daughters, Lenna Bell of Grenbury, Texas, and Shirley Reagon of Grand Prairie, Texas; his mother, Shirley S. LaRoche of Keene; a brother, Timothy LaRoche Sr. of Gilsum, N.H.; a sister, Linda Sbeiral of Willington, Texas; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father and a brother, Charles LaRoche. A visiting hour will be held Saturday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lancaster Congregational United Church of Christ in New Hampshire. A funeral service will follow immediately after at 11 a.m. The Rev. Virginia Alvarez, pastor, will officiate. Burial with military honors will be held at a later date in the Surry Village Cemetery, Surry, N.H.

, 49, passed away March 10, 2008, at her residence in Shapleigh, Maine. She was born in Littleton, N.H., a daughter to John E. and Julie A. (Hanks) Ellsworth, on Dec. 13, 1958. Cindy attended Littleton area schools. Cindy enjoyed shopping, being outdoors and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Joshua Fenoff of Wells, Maine, Nacole (CQ spelling) Eldridge of Northfield Falls, Vt., and Arlee Mossey of Sanford, Maine; her parents, John E. and Julie Ellsworth; two sisters Robin Fenoff and Heidi Stillings, and one brother, John Ellsworth, all of Littleton, N.H.; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life and internment will be held on April 5, 2008, at the Glenwood Cemetery in Littleton, N.H., at 12:30 p.m.

, 77, of East Lyndon, died Thursday evening March 20, 2008, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndon. He was born Sept. 9, 1930, in Sheffield, the only son of Perley and Pearl (Basnar) Simpson. On May 4, 1950, he married Catherine Baird. Wendell worked with his father on the family farm for many years. They also operated a small logging and sawmill operation and had a maple orchard that they looked forward to tapping each spring. When they stopped farming, Wendell opened Simpson's Antique Shop, which he operated for 30 years. He could be seen at yard sales finding antiques to clean, fix and resell. He enjoyed Sunday family picnics at Crystal Lake. He lived within the hills of the Northeast Kingdom all his life. Most of all, Wendell loved playing his harmonica and guitar for family, friends, and at area nursing homes. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Catherine Simpson of East Lyndon; two sons, Lawrence Simpson and his wife Kathleen of Lyndon, and Edward Simpson and his wife Nancy of East Lyndon; three grandchildren, Daniel, April, and Holly Simpson; three sisters, Lois Gaskin of East Lyndon, Eleanor Hart of Whitefield N.H., Alice Baird and her husband Richard of East Lyndon; his aunt, Nellie Burelle of Massachusetts; his wife's family, Roberta Baird of West Virginia, Paul Southhouse of Glover, Gladys Aldrich of Texas, Eunice Bishop and her husband Marvin of Wilder; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, a sister Edith Simpson, his in-laws Roland Baird, Marion and Dale Wallace, Ruth Southouse, Kenneth Aldrich and Frank Gaskin. Graveside funeral services will be held in the spring in Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke. There will be no visiting hours. Donations made in Wendell's memory may be directed to Caledonia Home Health Inc., PO.Box 383, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

died March 11, 2008, in Cleveland, Tenn. He was born April 25, 1923, in Hardwick to James M. Quimby and Daphne Craig Quimby. The family moved to Pasadena, Calif., the same year, returning to the family farm in Peacham in 1932. Following his 1941 graduation from Peacham Academy, Quimby enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He served his country in the Pacific theater of World War II. Throughout the war, he corresponded with his sweetheart, Mary Kinerson, also of Peacham. They were married in April 1945. Quimby was honorably discharged the following December. The Quimbys made their home in Peacham where they operated a dairy and maple farm. In partnership with his son Gerry, Quimby founded Quimby Builders. The company built custom homes and was sought after for restoration of historic homes. Quimby held elected offices in Peacham. He was a long-time member of the board of directors of the Washington Electric Cooperative. He also served on the board of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. In 1997, the Quimbys retired to Brevard, N.C. In Brevard, they joined the First United Methodist Church and Quimby continued his life-long passions for fine woodworking and gardening. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and gave bountiful crops of fruit, vegetables and flowers to friends, neighbors and the soup kitchen. In 2006, the Quimbys moved to Tennessee. Quimby's survivors include Mary, his wife of 62 years; their son, Gerry Quimby and his wife, Janet of Lyndonville, their daughter Cynthia Young and her husband David of Venice, Calif.; and grandchildren Alex, Manny and Julia Young and their families. Quimby also leaves his brother, Richard Quimby and Richard's wife, Lorna of Peacham; sisters-in-law Florence Kinerson of Ryegate, and Irene Kinerson of Barnet; and brother-in-law David Kinerson and his wife, Sheila of Orlando, Fla. His many nieces and nephews include Donald and Nancy Kinerson of Cleveland. A memorial service will be held next month in Cleveland. Interment will be in Peacham.

, 94, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at the Mayo Healthcare in Northfield. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition of the paper.

, 62, of Bradford, Vt., died Friday, March 21, 2008, at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H., after a brief illness. He was born in Hanover, N.H., the son of Ralph and Madolin (Kelly) Messenger. He attended schools in Bradford and graduated from Bradford Academy, Class of 1964. He was a past member of the Vermont National Guard of Bradford, Vt. In Fairlee, Vt., on Sept. 6, 1969, he was married to Bethellen Blake who survives. John worked for the Bradford Veneer and Panel Company of Bradford and for the past 23 years had been employed for the State of Vermont Highway Department in Bradford. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed going to Dover and Loudon in the spring and fall races. He also enjoyed camping, riding his motorcycle and spending many hours will his children and grandchildren and great grandson. For a number of years he was on the pit crew for Lennie Stockwell Racing # OO the Flying Tiger. John was one of the founding members of the Northern Softball League in Ryegate and was very involved in planning and installing the softball field, he played for Bradford Motors and the Colotina Exit. He is survived by his wife, Beth Messenger of Bradford, Vt.; one son, Ralph Messenger of Bradford, Vt.; one daughter, Rachel Sweet and her husband Cameron of Newbury, Vt.; five grandchildren, Katelyn, Blakelee and Jobie Messenger, and Kyle and Daniel Sweet and one great-grandson, Griffin Pike. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at 3 p.m. at Hale Funeral Home, Upper Plain, Bradford, Vt., with Rev. Cindy Batten of the West Newbury Congregational Church officiating. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in the spring in the family lot in the Upper Plain Cemetery in Bradford, Vt. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Newbury Recreation Board, Newbury, VT 05051 or to the Bradford Fire Department, 807 Upper Plain, Bradford, VT 05033.

, age 67, of Bethlehem, N.H., passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at the Littleton Regional Hospital. Raymond was born on Dec. 18, 1940, a son to Harry A. and Ellen (Danford) Sidney in Littleton, N.H. He attended area schools. Raymond was employed by Norton Pike as a kiln operator for many years. He was meticulous when it came to the care of his lawn, and enjoyed mowing it with his John Deere tractor. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, local stock car racing and spending time with his family and dog, Doc. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sylvia Sidney of Bethlehem, N.H.; three sons, Harry and wife Anita Sidney of St. Johnsbury, Vt., Raymond Sidney Jr. of Bethlehem, N.H., and Cris and wife Diane Sidney of Bethlehem, N.H.; one sister, Ila and husband Bill Hoar of Barnet, Vt.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Raymond was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pillsbury Funeral Home located at 101 Union St. in Littleton. A graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Above the Notch Humane Society, 59 West Main St., Littleton, NH 03561.

of St. Johnsbury Center passed away at home early Sunday morning, March 23, 2008. He was born in Sanford, Maine, March 25, 1927, one of nine children born to Charles and Melverta (Whitney) Allen. His dear wife Gloria passed away Oct. 29, 2007, after their marriage of over 57 years. In 1999, Bud and Gloria suffered the loss of their son Wayne. Bud operated Budd's Auto Repair in St. Johnsbury Center, a business he started with his brother-in-law Everett Roy. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served in the European theatre. His family was always first and foremost. Bud's sense of humor was unique and special. For instance, one of his favorite sayings was "I must owe somebody for this!" Just two days ago, on Saturday, he bought his first and only new car and enjoyed a long ride up Willoughby Lake. Bud is survived by six children, Christine Allen and husband Tom Lafavore of Portland, Maine, Judy Knowles (who has been living with Bud and Amanda since Gloria's passing) and her husband Steve of Biddeford, Maine, Michael Allen and wife Denise of Biddeford, Maine, Bruce Allen and wife Pam of St. Johnsbury, Brian Allen and wife Susan of So. Portland, Maine, Dean Allen and Pauline Desilets of St. Johnsbury. Bud is also survived by Curtis and Amanda, Wayne's two children, whom Bud and Gloria raised for the past nine years; eight other grandchildren, Paul, Matthew, and Nathaniel, Jonathan, Jessica, Melissa, and Heather and Phoebe; two great-grandchildren Tamika and Gage; two sisters, Margie Bean of Chelmsford, Mass., and Bev Acker and husband Al of Bowdoinham, Maine; sister-in-law Leone Rumbarger and husband Don of Sarasota, Fla.; nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 26, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church. Father Jon-Daniel Schnobrich will be the celebrant. Burial with military honors will be held Monday, May 5, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Tuesday evening 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to: American Diabetes Association, Vermont Affiliate, 512 Troy Ave., Colchester, VT 05446.

, 94, of 21 Waterman Circle in St. Johnsbury, Vt., passed away peacefully at home, with family by his side, Saturday, March 22, 2008. He was born in St. Johnsbury Dec. 6, 1913, the son of Arthur G. and Elisabeth (Merrill) Sprague. On March 21, 1947, he married Julian Ingraham Rankin, who predeceased him in 2005. He graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1931 and then completed a post-graduate year at Phillips Exeter Academy. He received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1936, his law degree from Hartford College of Law in 1939 and was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1939. Except for his time serving in the U.S. Army (1941-1946), William Sprague practiced law continuously in Hartford. From 1960 to 1992 he was a partner in the law firm of Howard, Kohn, Sprague, and Fitzgerald. Mr. Sprague was a member of the American Judicature Association as well as the American and Connecticut Bar Associations. During the 45 years he lived in Newington, Conn., he held the following positions: member of the Newington Board of Education, deputy judge of the Newington Town Court, treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Newington Town Attorney, member of the Newington Volunteer Fire Department, and longtime member of the Newington Civitan Club. The Spragues were members of the Church of Christ, Congregational UCC. In 1992 he retired from practicing law and moved back to St. Johnsbury. Mr. Sprague had a great love for St. Johnsbury Academy. He was appointed trustee in 1969 and trustee emeritus in 1999. He was a member of the 10 a.m. coffee club. He and his wife were members of North Congregational Church. He is survived by three daughters: Polly Baslock and husband James E. Baslock of St. Johnsbury; Megan M. Alexander and husband James G. Alexander Jr. of Bloomfield, Ky.; Julia Ann Barnas and husband Ron J. Barnas of East Hartland, Conn.; and six grandchildren: William J. Baslock, Daniel M. Baslock, Cole H. Alexander, Elisabeth G. Alexander, Matthew S. Loveland, and Rebecca A. Loveland. He also leaves an older brother Richard M. Sprague and his wife Marjorie of Willoughby, Ohio. He was predeceased by a brother Arthur G. Sprague Jr. and a sister Margaret Lord. Visiting hours will be held at Sayles Funeral Home this Tuesday, March 25, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the North Congregational Church in St. Johnsbury. Burial will be in May at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William Sprague's memory to St. Johnsbury Academy, 1000 Main St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, 94, passed away quietly at Mayo Healthcare in Northfield, Vt., after a long journey with Alzheimer's. She was born in Wells River, Vt., on Jan. 2, 1914, the daughter of Peter and Eugenia Monfette and spent her childhood in Woodsville, N.H. In 1932, she married the love of her life, Thornton Conant. Together they spent most of their married life in McIndoe Falls, Vt., where they raised their family. Her family was her greatest source of pleasure. In addition, she enjoyed cooking, knitting and crocheting, camping with her family and traveling with her best friend and sister, Ronnie and her husband Henry. Cecile was predeceased by her husband, L. Thornton Conant in 1988 and by her eldest child, Leslie Thornton (Bucky) Conant in 1951. Survivors include her daughters: Judy and Dick Jarvis of Northfield, Vt., Sally and Bob Bluteau of Hampden, Mass.; and her son, Bill and Tess Conant of Barnet, Vt.; 10 grandchildren; five step grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Cecile also leaves her devoted sister, Ronnie Gardner and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Dr. Fowler and the nurses and staff at Mayo Healthcare who have lovingly and skillfully cared for our mom for more than 19 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Vermont, P.O. Box 1139, Montpelier, VT 05601, or to Mayo Healthcare, 71 Richardson St., Northfield, VT 05663. There will be no calling hours. Services will be held later in the spring.

of Waterford passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 22, 2008, at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury. He was born in Barre, May 12, 1939, the son of Peter W. Gordon Sr. and Dorothy Gonyo Gordon. Peter worked for 25 years in the stone sheds, principally for C.R. Davidson in South Ryegate. He drove school bus for 15 years in Wells River, St. Johnsbury, and Waterford; he also drove fall foliage bus tours for senior citizens and for the Blue Mt. basketball team. He is survived by his companion Shirley Belmore of Waterford; five children, Peter W. Gordon III of Piermont, N.H., John A. Gordon of Wells River, Michael P. Gordon and wife Karen of Groton, Donna M. Linnell of Rumney, N.H., Debra J. Ruggles of Benton, N.H.; stepdaughter: Diane I. Duquette of Concord; nine grandchildren: Ashley, Scott, and Bryan; Chris and Nick; Amanda and Timothy; Travis; and Errol; one sister, Elaine Russell of Marshfield; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Rosalie Sicley and Beverly Gordon. Public graveside services are scheduled for Friday, May 2, at 2 p.m. at the Riverside Cemetery in Lower Waterford. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Memorial contributions could be directed to Waterford Fire and Rescue, PO Box 90, Lower Waterford, VT 05848.