, 71, died on January 4, 2012. She was born on August 23, 1940, in Fort Benning, Georgia, the daughter of Sidney Thompson Telford and Virginia Allen Telford. Ms. Paull attended Derby Academy, graduated from Newport High School, and attended Burdett College in Boston. She enjoyed living and traveling to many states and countries during her formative years. In 1972, she returned to Newport and was employed by North Country Union High School, North Country Hospital, the Greater Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Northeastern Vermont Development Association. She served two terms in the Vermont Legislature. During her years in Vermont, she was a member of the Vermont Small Business Region I Advisory Council, the Vermont Aviation Council, the Newport Airport Commission, the Vermont Travel Information Council, the Orleans County Development Committee, the North Country Career Center Regional Advisory Board and the North Country Business and Cooperative Committees, the Vermont Interactive Television Committee, the Newport Rotary, the Border Crime Stoppers, the Newport City Charter Committee, and the Newport High School Alumni Committee. Her survivors are her son James Paull of Malaysia; a niece, Rosanna Telford, of Costa Rica; a nephew, Andrew Telford, of California; and a niece, Carla Telford, of Virginia. Ms. Paull was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother, Sid Telford. There will be no calling hours. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family. Contributions in her memory may be made to Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 93, of Lantana, Florida, died December 29, 2011, after a long illness. He was born on February 8, 1918, in Stanhope, Quebec, the son of Joseph and Bertha Crete Fouthier. On June 17, 1944, he married the love of his life, Helene De La Bruere. He operated his own dairy farm from 1945 to 1972 in Troy. The next phase of his life was to travel with their camper and spend many days at different campgrounds and eventually settle in sunny south Florida. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved to be surrounded by his family and friends. He participated in many sports such as playing cards, shuffle board, bowling, boating, etc. Not too many days went by that Mr. Routhier didn't sing us a few songs, which always terminated with a beautiful smile. Even towards the end, he saved some energy for a last song. Your smile and kindness will be truly missed. For many years he was a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus. His memory will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Helene, of 67 years; by his son Raymond and his wife, Colette, of Newport; his son-in-law Normand Prive and his wife, Noreen, of Morrisville; his six grandchildren: Lisa, Alan, Angela, Michelle, Josee, and Joel; his two step-grandchildren: Kim and Kathy; his 11 great-grandchildren; his two brothers: Bernard and his wife, Angele, of Bloomfield, and Maurice and his friend, France, of West Palm Beach, Florida; his three sisters: Marieange Sage of Burlington, Madeline Routhier of Troy, and Rejeanne and her husband, Arnold McAllister, of Lowell; his in-laws: Gerry De La Bruere of Derby, Eugene, Gilles, and John De La Bruere, all of Newport, Jeanne Harvey of Canaan, and Louise Boutin of Sherbrooke, Quebec. He was predeceased by three brothers: Lucien, Camille and Conrad; by two sisters: Lucienne and Mari Paul; and by his daughter Pierrette "Penny" Prive, who predeceased him in 1981. A memorial Mass will be celebrated in Vermont this coming spring. Funeral arrangements are by Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home in Newport, and Gary Panoch Funeral Home in Boca Raton, Florida.

, 45, of Sutton died on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at the Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndon, surrounded by his wife and family, following a long illness. He was born on January 9, 1966, in St. Johnsbury, the son of Donald and Connie (Elliott) Simpson. He graduated from Lyndon Institute in 1984 where he played football. On July 14, 1984, he married Daniele Kelley. They operated the Burke View Dairy Farm for many years in Sutton until Mr. Simpson's illness forced him to retire. Working the land, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, hunting, shooting skeet, spending time with his family, and attending church brought him great pleasure. Following Mr. Simpson's illness, his nephew, Ryan Simpson, developed a special relationship with him and now operates the farm with his family and longtime employees. Survivors include his wife Daniele Simpson of Sutton; four daughters: Jaclyn Simpson and her son, Brayden, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Amanda Simpson of Lyndon, Stephanie Simpson of Sutton, and Melissa Riendeau and her husband, Kevin, of Wheelock; his father Donald Simpson and his wife, Susan, of Sutton and Florida; two brothers: Tim Simpson and his wife, Dianna, of Sutton, and Bruce Simpson of Essex Junction; his friend Kathy Armstrong of East Burke; a sister, Karla Barrett, and her husband, Mark, of Sutton; his mother in-law Diane Kelley of Derby; two brothers in-law: Larry Kelley and his wife, Peggy, and Shawn Kelley and his fiancee, Chantel Robert, also of Derby; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends. He was predeceased by his mother Connie Simpson in 1996, and a baby sister, Susan Simpson, in 1955. Funeral services were held on January 7, in Sutton. Spring burial will be in Sutton Village Cemetery on Tuesday, May 22, at 2 p.m. Donations made in his memory may be directed to Lyndon Institute, Football Program, care of Paul Wheeler, P.O. Box 127, Lyndon Center, Vermont 05850.

, 87, of Glover died on January 3, 2012, after a short illness in Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut, with family near. He was born on May 13, 1924, in Glover, a son of the late Benjamin and Lillian Thompson. After eighth grade, he attended the National Youth Administration Machine Shop Program in Barton from 1941 to 1942. This program was funded by the U.S. government to train individuals to produce products for war time use. He remained in the machine shop training others until he was called to active duty on May 16, 1943. Mr. Thompson was a veteran of World War II, European Campaign. In 1946, he married Rachel Elizabeth McNamara of Orleans and they spent the next 24 years living in various locations while Mr. Thompson worked in heavy construction as a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #98. In 1970, he returned home to Glover with his family, building their permanent home and eventually retiring. But he never really retired; he was always fixing or building something for someone. He looked forward to the Boy Scouts visiting his woodworking shop every winter to cut out the design for their cars for the derby. Since the passing of his wife in 2003, he could be found most afternoons at Shadow Lake. He loved to be out on the lake in his pontoon boat fishing or relaxing in front of his camper on the deck, holding his dog, talking to friends. Sometimes the big one didn't get away! Survivors include his three sisters: Virginia Gray of Greensboro, Katherine Dean of St. Albans, and June St. Louis of Greensboro; his two daughters: Rebecca Twombly of Shelton, Connecticut, and Jacalyn Bennetta and her husband, Joseph, of Stratford, Connecticut; his three grandchildren: Judith Richard and her husband, Jeff, of Oxford, Connecticut, Chad Benjamin Twombly and his wife, Teresa, of Oxford, and Carolyn Murphy and her husband, Patrick, of South Burlington; six great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Brian Richard, Kaitlyn and Christopher Twombly, and Taylor and Colton Murphy; and by his numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and -nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Rachel Elizabeth McNamara of Orleans. Funeral services were held on January 7 in Barton. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to the Glover Community Church's Steeple Fund, and can be sent to: Roland Woodard, care of Glover Community Church, P.O. Box 198, Glover, Vermont 05839.

, 92, of Sanford, Florida, died on January 4, 2012, after a short illness at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford. He was born on July 31, 1919, in Newport Center, the son of the late Will and Lena (Davis) Wright. He grew up on the family farm with his two brothers, Milton and Kenneth, and attended Wright School District #4 near the farm. He learned to fly and kept an airplane on the farm, giving airplane rides to many locals. He volunteered into the U.S. Navy in March of 1941 before the war was declared. He served in the Pacific Theater until being honorably discharged in March of 1947. After spending six years in the Navy, Mr. Wright returned to the family farm in Newport Center where he furthered his education by receiving his A&P license to work on aircraft as well as upgrades in his pilot's license to teach people to fly. On September 24, 1949, he married Beverley LeBaron and they shared the last 62 years together. At the request of the Newport City fathers, Mr. Wright was asked to run the local city airport in Coventry. He ran the airport for 17 years and taught many people in the area how to fly. He also owned a successful airfreight business serving southern Quebec, northern New Hampshire, eastern New York, and most of Vermont for another 18 years. When he retired, he and his wife spent winters in Florida and summers in Vermont for many years. His love for aviation was always there. He rebuilt many aircraft in the big white house next to the airport drive and received an Aviation Maintenance Safety Award from the Federal Aviation Administration. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association for many years and built a couple airplanes from plans. He continued his love of aviation after he moved to Florida by building a hangar and collecting several aircraft. He lived for the love of his family, the Lord, and aviation. He is survived by his wife Beverley; and two children: Patty Ames and her husband, Terry, and Duane Wright, all living in Sanford, Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, Will and Lena Wright; two brothers: Milton and Kenneth Wright; and by his mother-in-law, Esther LeBaron. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Lake Region Senior Center, care of Irene Lanoue, 15 Main Street, Orleans, Vermont 05860; or to the United Christian Academy, 65 School Street, Newport, Vermont 05855.

, 44, of Newport, died suddenly on December 20, 2011, at her home. She was born November 16, 1967, in Newport, a daughter of Damien and Lucille (Guillette) Couture. Ms. Couture was a cosmetologist at Hairlines by Tracey in Derby. She was an active member of the Mater Dei Parrish of Newport, as well as the Blessed Sacrament Church in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she was a member for 20 plus years. She assisted with the Adoration Chapel as well as being a reader, cleaning the church, and doing God's work. She loved her family, which includes her many aunts, uncles, and especially her cousins of which there are many, as well as many friends. She enjoyed gardening, working in many different areas of crafts, and she was always willing to give a hand to anyone including just listening. She is survived by her sister Michelle Longtin and by Ms. Longtin's two children: Abigail and Benjamin Longtin of Manchester; and by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at a later date in Manchester. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 14 Elm Street, Manchester, New Hampshire, 03104.

, 78, of Orleans died on December 24, 2011. He was born on April 3, 1933, in St. Johnsbury, to Rose and John Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a kid at heart who knew how to joke around and put a smile on your face. He was a jack of all trades doing anything from road construction to farm work to working on trucks. He is survived by two children: his son James Cunningham of Irasburg, and his daughter Tammy Cole and her husband, Terry, of Brownington; four loving grandchildren: Heather, Kassie, James and Amber Cunningham of Newport; four very special great-grandchildren: Jeremiah, Javan, Brooke, and Ella of Newport; his sister Viola Cunningham Parker, and her one son and three daughters, of New York; his ex-wife Phyllis McKinney of Orleans; and by many other friends and family members. He was predeceased by both parents: John Cunningham of Massachusetts and Rose Cunningham (Alma) of New York; and his siblings: Eddie Cunningham, Clara Cunningham, and Della Cunningham (Mitchell). Services will be held at the convenience of the family some time in mid-spring. Cards to the family may be sent to P.O. Box 93, Newport Center, Vermont 05857.

, 61, of Westerly, Rhode Island, died on December 20, 2011, in her home surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Curtin was born on July 16, 1950, in Hartford, Connecticut. She was the daughter of Madeline (Lake) and John D. Safford of Bloomfield, Connecticut. She was a graduate of Bloomfield High School. For many years, Mrs. Curtin lived in East Charleston, before moving to Westerly over 20 years ago. She made friends everywhere she went and brightened lives with her kindness, compassion and constant understanding. She especially loved sailing in the Virgin Islands with her husband, Geoff. And in the past couple years, nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her new grandson, Leo. She leaves behind countless close friends in Vermont and Bloomfield, as well as in the Westerly area. Mrs. Curtin was the beloved wife of Geoffrey Curtin of Westerly, a devoted mother to her daughter, Hannah Curtin, and a loving grandmother to her three-year-old grandson, Leonardo Paradise. She is survived by her brothers: Duncan Safford of Derby Line, and Stewart Safford of Fort Myers, Florida; and by her stepdaughter Melanie Curtin of Washington, D.C. A memorial service was held December 27, 2011, in Westerly. Burial took place December 28, 2011, at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bradford Jonnycake Center, Inc., P.O. Box 273, Westerly, Rhode Island 02891.

, 88, of Orleans died on December 27, 2011, in Newport. She was born on April 30, 1923, in Calais, a daughter of Vern and Minnie (Spraig) Wheeler. On August 29, 1942, she married Harry Decker who predeceased her on August 30, 2008. Mrs. Decker was a member of the Orleans Federated Church and the Community Circle and she was also a Justice of the Peace for 36 years. Mr. and Mrs. Decker traveled a lot, after his retirement, with the Community Circle and enjoyed going to dances at the Elks Club. She made latch hook rugs for many of her family members. The most important events in Mrs. Decker's life were family visits and gatherings which she thoroughly enjoyed, and secondly her many friends. Mrs. Decker is survived by her two children: Terrence Decker of Newport and Lori Mayhew and her husband, Larry, of North Troy; six grandchildren: Christopher Decker and his wife, Deb, of South Carolina, Lance Decker of Newport, Daniel LaBarron and his fiance, Stephanie Blouin, of Newport, Caitlyn LaBarron and her companion, Dennis Labbee, of North Troy, Megan Simpson and her husband, Devon, of North Troy, and Amanda Effrig and her husband, Mark, of Derby Line; by seven great-grandchildren; and by nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Megan LaBarron, in 1987; by her sister Mildred Davidson; and by her daughter-in-law Madeleine Decker. Funeral services were held December 31, 2011, in Orleans. Spring interment will be held at the Pleasantview Cemetery in Orleans. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Vermont Division Inc., 55 Day Lane, Williston, Vermont 05495.

, 71, died on December 23, 2011. She was born in St. Albans on March 21, 1940, a daughter of Vincent and Irene Rushford. Ms. Gaire grew up in North Troy and Newport where she graduated from Sacred Heart High School. She moved to New York City to attend The College of Mount St. Vincent, and graduated with a B.S. in chemistry. She earned her master of arts in teaching degree at Montclair State College in New Jersey. While raising her family, she served on the board of education in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and worked for the New Jersey State Board of Education. Prior to her retirement, Ms. Gaire worked for the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey, and developed some of their most creative and groundbreaking tools in education testing and program design. After retirement, she moved to Strafford, New Hampshire, where she made many friends and enjoyed many activities including: the Strafford Garden Club, hiking, book club, bridge, crossword puzzles, travel, yoga, and watching her favorite sports teams. The Strafford Garden Club recently honored her with their "Citizen of the Year" award. She served as vice-president, as well as co-chair of the plant sale, and planner of the River Birch Garden. She was very passionate about the environment and worked diligently on various committees as secretary of the Managed Growth Group, and an active member of Bear Paw Regional Greenways. Ms. Gaire's intelligence and wit were always an inspiration to her many friends and family. She is survived by her daughters and her sisters and will be sorely missed by her family and friends. Donations may be made to Bear Paw Regional Greenways, or to the Salvation Army in Rochester, New Hampshire

, 85, of Glover died on December 22, 2011, in Newport. She was born April 21, 1926 in Barton, a daughter of John and Gertrude (Green) Baird. On May 15, 1946, she married Robert Gray who predeceased her on December 17, 2001. She graduated from Heath Graded School in Barton. Mrs. Gray's first employment was with Progressive Furniture in Barton. Later in her life, she was a nurse's aide at what is now Union House Nursing Home in Glover. She was a member of the Glover Community Church and its Women's Union. She was a member of the American Legion Post #76 Auxiliary and a longtime treasurer for the Perron Hill Home Dem Club in Glover. She was also a scorekeeper for the Glover Gustos women's softball team. Her hobbies included embroidery, reading, playing bingo, and watching horse pulling. She is survived by her sons: Donald Gray of Springfield and Ron Gray and his wife, Elaine, of Waterford; and by her grandchildren: Christopher and Meghan Gray; by her sister Cora Paquette of Bellows Falls; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three sisters: Dale Baird, Beverly Baird, and Barbara Gray; five half-sisters: Irene Brooks, Jenny Sanborn, Minnie Monier, Lena Hinton and Ila Davis; and by three brothers: Ray, Lyle, and Emery Baird. Funeral services were held on December 28, 2011, in Glover. Spring interment will be in Westlook Cemetery in Glover. Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be sent to the Union House Nursing Home Activities Fund, 3086 Glover Street, Glover, Vermont 05839

, 75, of Newport, died on December 26, 2011, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 4, 1936, in Port Jervis, New York, a daughter of Rutherford and Lillian (Rogers) Ross. She graduated from Matamoras High School in Matamoras, Pennsylvania. During her lifetime, she was employed as a seamstress by Anmore Company Manufacturing and as a cashier at the Grand Union Supermarket in Port Jervis. She enjoyed crocheting, making Christmas ornaments, and she held membership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars post #798 Auxiliary. She is survived by her children: Florence May Robbins of Newport, Lawrence Calvin Robbins Jr. of Newport, Erin Earlene Robbins of Newport Center, and Shawn Michael Robbins of Newport; and by the following grandchildren: Shawn, Michael, Jessica, Tasha, Everett, Joshua, Christopher, Amber, Timothy, Katina, and Stacey; by her great-grandchildren: Brooke-lyn, Jayson, Logan, Alexander, Ashtin, Isabella, Benjamin, and Payton; by her brothers: Bill Ross and his wife, Linda, of Key West, Florida, Melvin Ross and his wife, June, of Rapid City, South Dakota, Clare Ross and his wife, Carol, of Chino Valley, Arizona, and Thomas Ross and his wife, Jennilyn, of the Philippines; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Charlotte Louise Morgan; by her sister Lillian Ross; and by her brother Rutherford Eugene Ross. Funeral services were held on Friday December 30, 2011, in Newport.

, 66, of Lyndonville died on December 27, 2011, at his home. He was born in Springfield, the son of Joseph and Adele (Kennedy) Ryda. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Mr. Ryda was a self-employed landscaper for many years. He also had worked at Joe's Garage in Ludlow, Massachusetts, for a few years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and four-wheeling. He is survived by his cousins: Thomas and Marlene Kennedy of Chicopee, Massachusetts, Brian and Deanna Kennedy of Jeffersonville, and Kimberly and Craig Kitovich of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Graveside funeral services with full military honors will be held at a later date at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Agawam, Massachusetts. There are no calling hours.

, 86, of Monkton, and a summer resident of Island Pond, died on December 24, 2011. Ms. Toombs was born on November 26, 1925, the daughter of William J. and Marjorie R. Post. She raised her family of four daughters in Massapequa, New York. Her life's passions were dogs and Morgan horses. Ms. Toombs leaves behind her daughters and their families: Leslie and James Bell of Saratoga Springs, New York, Patricia and Alan Cole of Westmore, and Joanne and Fred Doucette of Monkton; her brother W. Deane Post of Massapequa; and a son-in-law, Andrew Vessalico also of Massapequa. She was predeceased by her husband Kenneth L. Toombs, and her daughter Nancy Parke Vessalico.