, 59, Littleton, N.H., died Feb. 4, 2009, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., after a brief illness. She was born in Utica, N.Y., Dec. 1, 1949, the daughter of Suzanne E. and the late John V. Underhill. She graduated from New Hartford, N.Y., High School in 1968 and Green Mountain College in the class of 1970. Debbie is survived by her husband, Schuyler W. Sweet of Littleton; her mother, Suzanne of Barneveld, N.Y.; sisters Judith (McMullen) of Ludlow; Wendy (Underhill) of Farmington, Conn.; Pamela (Karaz) of Remsen, N.Y.; a special niece Kate (McMullen) of Falmouth, Mass.; and two step children Jolyn (Sweet) of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and Wallace (Sweet) of San Diego, Calif. She also leaves behind her two best friends, Smoke and Shadow (Black Labradors). Debbie was well-known for her wit and humor, as well as her love for the outdoors and her athleticism. She was formerly ladies singles tennis champion of the Sadaquada Club in Whitesboro, N.Y., and formerly ladies golf champion of the Glass Hill Club in Remsen, N.Y. She enjoyed skiing, fishing, bird hunting and, in recent years, maple sugaring. A celebration of Debbie's life will be held on Feb. 15, 2009, at the Maplewood Country Club in Bethlehem, N.H., from noon until 3 p.m. Internment will be at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made in Debbie's name to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, 37 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301.

of St. Johnsbury, Vt., passed away Monday, Feb. 9. 2009, at DHMC in Lebanon, N.H., at the age of 54. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Rivers Auclair, of St. Johnsbury, son "Rain" Shenandoah Auclair, and Holly of St. Johnsbury; daughter Bethany Auclair and Jamie of Lyndonville; two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Ryleigh; Theresa's parents, Ted and Pauline Rivers, of St. Johnsbury. There will be a gathering of friends and family in the spring. Memorial contributions could be directed to the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVT), 37 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401-4390.

, 78, of St. Johnsbury, died Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 10, 2009, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndon. She was born Aug. 16, 1930, in Newark, the daughter of Edgar and Lena (Donna) Austin. In 1949 she graduated from Lyndon Institute. Elgie worked as a waitress at the former Town and Country Restaurant in Lyndonville for 15 years. She also had been a waitress at Aimee's Restaurant in St. Johnsbury for two years. For more than 20 years she was on the Women's Bowling League at Gold Crown Lanes in St. Johnsbury and attended tournaments in Tucson, Ariz., which she truly enjoyed. Snowmobiling, camping in Bloomfield, picking berries, gardening, taking trips to Old Orchard Beach, dancing and listening to a good joke, brought her much pleasure. She loved her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her companion of nearly 40 years, Donald Daley of St. Johnsbury; a son, Edward Brown Sr., and wife Sonja of Wheelock; three daughters, Donna Percy and her companion Bruce Richardson of Lyndonville, Jackie Young and husband David of Sebring, Fla., and Darlene Pilbin and husband Bill of East Burke; seven grandchildren, Michael, Buddy, Angela, Joshua, Jason, Edward Jr., and Corey; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Clara Melcher and her friend Rod Burnham of West Burke, and Gertrude Wilson of Guilford, Conn.; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; an infant daughter, Christine Brown; a son-in-law, Allen Percy in 2004; her former husband William Brown; two brothers-in-law, Lloyd Wilson this past November and Wayne Melcher; and two brothers, Harvey Austin and Edgar Austin Jr. A celebration of her life will be held Friday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m., at the Lyndonville Methodist church with the Rev. Barbara Dwyer officiating. Spring burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Bloomfield. Donations made in her memory may be directed to either, Caledonia Home Health Inc., 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05851 or the Pines, Patient Activities Fund, 601 Red Village Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851.

, 73, of McIndoe Falls, Vt., died on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, N.H. He was born in Bloomfield, Vt., May 13, 1935, the son of Edgar and Mildred Alice (Rowell) Bunnell. He worked in the construction and logging industry as a heavy equipment operator. He is survived by his children; a brother, William Bunnell of Monroe, N.H.; and a sister, June Mitchell of Concord Corner, Vt. At Mr. Bunnell's request there will be no public services.

, beloved son of Leslie J. Ruch and Karl L. Ruch, and brother of Patrick J. Wagner-Ruch and Carrie D. Ruch; passed away on Feb. 9, 2009, in Cheyenne, Wyo. Joe was a 2007 graduate of Groveton High School where he excelled in soccer, basketball and developing meaningful friendships. After graduation, Joe, with his typical zest for life and desire for adventure, journeyed to Cheyenne where he was born April 16, 1989. Upon his arrival in Wyoming, and having an interest in construction welding, he joined the local Plumbers and Pipe fitters UA, Local 192. The members of the Local 192 quickly embraced their "hardworking and fun loving kid" and he advanced rapidly in his apprenticeship program. When not working or attending classes, Joe, a hardy and skilled New Hampshire outdoorsman, explored the mountains and plains of Wyoming - camping, hunting, and fishing with his western family and friends. Joseph lived his life with enthusiasm and great compassion for all. Please remember his winning smile, bright mischievous eyes and deep love for family and friends. Joe is survived by his parents and siblings of Groveton; Aunt Jo Hurwitz and her husband Tom; cousin Greg Pitts and wife Heather and their children Marcus and Ryan who all reside in Cheyenne, Wyo.; Aunt Dawn Wagner and Aunt Jeri Wiedkehr both of Pittsburgh, Pa. Aunt Lauren Wagner of Las Vegas, Nev.; Uncle Kurt Ruch of Groveton and his daughter Jessica; Aunt Alice Corbett and her husband Gary of Gainesville, Va.; Uncle Greg Ruch of New Windsor, N.Y.; maternal grandparents Frederick and Shirley Wagner of Hummelstown, Pa.; paternal grandmother Frances of North Stratford, N.H.; girlfriend Michaela Doolan of Whitefield, N.H. and several cousins. Joe was predeceased by his grandparents Lewis and Joan Ruch and "Grandma" Naomi Wagner. Family members will receive visitors at the Armstrong-Charron Funeral Home, 100 State St. Groveton, NH from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Groveton High School Athletic Dept., Memory of Joseph M. Wagner-Ruch, c/o Brock Ingalls, 65 State St., Groveton, N.H. 03582.

, of Peacham and Lyndonville, passed away at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital early Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2009, at the age of 29. He had suffered a stroke a week before. He was born in Hanover, N.H., March 13, 1979. Aaron attended area schools and graduated from Danville High School with the class of 1999 where he was an active member of his class. Aaron loved life and great adventures, and was always excited about learning. Fire trucks were special to him. He was lovingly called "Mr. Aaron" by those who loved him. He is survived by his mother and dad, Cindy and Jeff Berwick, of Peacham; his brother and sister Cody and Cassie Berwick, of Peacham; his grandmother Lois Jones of St. Johnsbury and her special friend Elwin Cross; and aunts, uncles and cousins. His special caregiver, Beth Keans, of Lyndonville, lovingly cared for him over these past 12 years. He is also survived by all his extended NEK Mental Health and Human Services family. Services will be held in Lyndonville on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Lyndonville. The pastor, Rev. Judy Horgan, will officiate. Burial will be in Peacham Cemetery in the spring. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions could be directed to NEK Human Services, PO Box 368, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

, age 53, of North Danville, died unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, of heart failure, in his proudly restored 1967 White log truck. He was born in St. Johnsbury, Dec. 23, 1955, the son of William and Lucia (Johnson) Pearl. John was a graduate of the class of 1973 at St. Johnsbury Academy. After high school he was employed at ET & HK Ide Company starting his lifetime career in dairy farming. He most loved being at home, in the woods, and working with his family. In the summertime, he especially enjoyed long motorcycle rides with his family. John was a throwback to Vermont ingenuity. "If something was broke, John could fix it." He was well loved by all who knew him and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. John was predeceased by his brother, Tom in 1982. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sheri (Sargent) Pearl; two sons, Henry and Isaac Pearl and wife Logan; parents, William and Lucia Pearl; sisters, Margaret Pearl of Ryegate, Elizabeth Sargent and husband Robert of Danville; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful dogs Rufus and Mudder. At John's request there will be no service or visiting hours.

, 84, a longtime resident of Cassville in Bradford, Vt., died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at Blue Spruce Home for the Retired in Bradford, Vt., surrounded by her family. She was born Jan. 4, 1925, in Littleton, N.H., the daughter of Bert and Florence (Clark) Gilman. She attended grammar schools in Bradford and graduated from Bradford Academy in the class of 1944. On Sept. 9, 1944, in Sherburne, Vt., she married Donald Furman who predeceased her Aug. 30, 1963. After their marriage they resided in Woodstock, Vt., before moving to Bradford in the early 1950s. She was employed as a custodian at Dartmouth College for over 30 years. She was a member of the Bradford United Church of Christ and the Women's Fellowship as well as Charity Lodge #31 Order of Eastern Star. Lucy enjoyed being with family, mainly her grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling, Christmas holidays, and dancing. Survivors include two daughters, Luana Rich and husband Curt of Bridgewater, Mass.; Lynnelle Sargent and husband William of East Topsham, Vt., and a son Frank Furman and wife Sandra of Bradford, Vt.; six grandchildren: Heather, Eric, Amy, Linnzi, Dylan and Kelsi; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother Roger Gilman. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. in the Bradford United Church of Christ in Bradford. Visiting hours will be held on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Hale Funeral Home, Upper Plain, Bradford, Vt. Interment will take place in the family lot in Sawyer Cemetery Bradford in the spring. Contributions in Mrs. Furman's memory may be made to Operation Santa Clause in Bradford.

, beloved daughter of Steve Kline of St. Johnsbury, and Johanna Stanko of Winsted, Conn., sister of Suzanne Kline and Merrick's special Aunt, passed away at her Mom's house, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at the age of 27. Jenny was born in Simsbury, Conn., May 28, 1981, and grew up surrounded and loved by a large extended family. She was trained as an LNA, and was happiest when taking care of children and those in need, and busily involved with all her friends. She is survived by her mom and stepdad Johanna and John Stanko; her maternal grandparents Kay and Vince Tomasello of Simsbury and Port St. Lucie, Fla.; her maternal aunts and uncles Carol, Jane, Cathy, Mark and Jimmy and their families; her maternal great aunts and uncles and dozens of cousins. Jen resided in St. Johnsbury for several years with her dad and loving stepmom, Steve and Linda Kline, where she helped take care of "Grammy" and had a second family that included her stepsister Kelly Prevost and Kelly's children Brittany and D. J. She is also survived by Stepsister Carrie Del Conte and Carrie's family Mike, Leah and Samantha of Enfield, Conn. Jen attended St. Jay Academy and Concord High School in Vermont from 1997 to 2000, where she made many special friends who ask after her to this day. Jen loved Margaret, Brittany, Curtis, Rusty and his family. Jenny hung with Katie, Becky, Mike and their Mom, Heather, George, Adam, Tammy, Seth and Amy, Patty and Tisa and many others who meant the world to her. Jen is also survived by her aunt and uncle Patricia and Mitchell Kaplan of Bloomsbury, N.J., and many extended paternal family members in Long Island and Pittsburg, Pa. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents Steve and Adelaide (Pat) Kline of New Jersey and Florida. We'll see you again, Jen!

, 77, a lifetime resident of Carroll (Twin Mt.), N.H., died Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, in the presence of his children and several family members. He was born in Carroll, N.H., the son of the late Larry S. and Charlotte E. (Harriman) Gooden. In August 1950, he married Virginia C. Pelotte. They were loving companions for 44 years until her passing on June 16, 1994. Robert (Bob) lived, built his own home, and raised his family on the original homestead of his grandparents, John S. and Elfleda (Rines) Gooden in the town of Carroll. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church of Carroll, Twin Mt. Volunteer Fire Department, Twin Mt., Whitefield, N.H., and Jefferson Snowmobile Clubs. He retired in 1991 after 43 years of service with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. When he retired he was foreman for the Franconia Notch crew and was responsible for 200 lane-miles which was the largest territory at that time in the state. His passion was traveling, and he especially loved the west and the Rocky Mts. He will be remembered as a hard working, generous, and loving man. He was a man with many talents that included being a builder, mechanic, tinker, and inventor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Family members include two sons, Michael and his wife Judy of Carroll, Stephen and his wife Diane of Warren; two daughters, Catherine Fontaine of Groveton, Alberta Walker and her husband Thomas of Jefferson; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Their infant son, Robert L. Gooden Jr., died in 1952; a sister, Barbara Grimard of Antrim, N.H.; five brothers, Bradley, (deceased) formerly of Whitefield, N.H., Lewis of Whitefield, Larry Jr. of Milford, N.H.; Raymond of Carroll, and Richard of Antrim, N.H.; step-sister Beverly Lovering of Defuniak Springs, Fla.; and companion Mildred Wilson of Whitefield. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Ross Funeral Home Whitefield Chapel, from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m., also at the Whitefield Chapel. A graveside committal service will be held in the spring at the Straw Cemetery, Carroll (Twin Mt.), N.H. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to the Twin Mt./Bretton Woods Historical Society, Attention John Gardiner, P.O. Box 464, Twin Mt., NH 03595.

, 63, passed away peacefully at his home in Detroit, Mich., after a courageous fight with Pancreatic Cancer on Feb. 2, 2009. Paul was born on May 23, 1945, to Paul Sr. and Murrium (Williamson) Aiken in St. Johnsbury, Vt. Paul grew up in the St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville area. He graduated from Lyndon Institute, class of 1963. After a near-death car accident, he enlisted in the air force. Paul served in the Vietnam War, where he was stationed in Guam for four years. Paul had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He had volumes of stories to tell that would keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for more, never knowing if there was any truth behind them or if he was just waiting for a reaction. He had a great love for Vermont. He had a special connection with Miles Pond in Concord, where his grandmother had a camp when he was growing up, as well as Joe's Pond in Danville where he would vacation with his wife, Kim. Paul continued his education into his adulthood. He had an Associates of Applied Science degree in Water/Wastewater Technology, an Associates of General Studies in Mathematics and Science, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health majoring in Environmental Health and Science with a Minor in Biology from Indiana University. He worked for MIOSHA as an Industrial Hygienist. Paul enjoyed his job and was very proud of all of his accomplishments. Paul moved around the United States from Colorado to Indiana to Michigan as his wife was a professor at various colleges. Paul was predeceased by his father, Paul M. Aiken Sr. in February 2004. He is survived by his wife, Kimmerly Piper-Aiken (16596 Rosemont Ave., Detroit, MI 48219); his children, Bryr Aiken of Australia, Lyndsay Vigil of Colorado, Penney and Brandon Aiken of Michigan; three grandchildren; his mother, Murrium Aiken (PO Box 433, Sheffield, VT 05866); his sister, Lauri Aiken and spouse, Myscha of Lyndonville; nieces, nephews and many friends who will keep his spirit alive in their hearts. Although Paul lived away from Vermont for most of his adult life, he was always drawn back. He was always available when his family needed him, when his mother was ill and for his niece, Jessica's wedding. His family was blessed with one last visit in August of 2008. That visit will be cherished forever.

, age 26, a resident of Altus, Okla. since 1995, and formerly of Danville, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009, at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus. Raymond was born in Bitburg, Germany, on Oct. 12, 1982, to Franklin A. and Ling Lih McBlain. Raymond was a member of the Highland Heights United Methodist Church in Altus and worked at Fox Building Supply in farm and ranch supplies. On Oct. 14, 2006, Raymond married Diana L. Boyce at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds during the Morgan Grand National Horse Show where their horse competed. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in May of 2008 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in animal science with an emphasis in ranch operations. He was a member of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association and the American Quarter Horse Association. Raymond enjoyed working on the family farm and he loved animals, especially his horses, cows, cats and dogs. Raymond loved his wife, Diana, and enjoyed being with her and traveling together whenever they could. He liked target shooting and diesel trucks and being the all-American cowboy. He will be missed very much. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jennie Elizabeth McBlain. Raymond is survived by his wife, Diana McBlain of the home; his parents, Franklin and Ling Lih McBlain of Altus; one brother, Shawn McBlain and his wife, Marie, of Stillwater, Okla.; one half-brother, Franklin McBlain and his wife, Tracy, of San Antonio, Texas; two half-sisters, Beth Allyn Eberhart and her husband, Mike of Salt Lake City, Utah; Wendy Cordell and her husband, Joe, of Elgin, Okla.; and numerous other relatives and many friends.