Jill Sherndal Jones
....show , 88 of St Johnsbury, Vermont died peacefully on October 7, 2016 in Concord, Vermont surrounded by the love of her family that was so dear to her.
Jill S. Jones was born February 8, 1928, in Montclair, N.J., the daughter of Alfred E. Sherndal and Beatrice (Jaques) Sherndal of Old Chatham, N.Y. She graduated from St. Agnes School in Albany, N.Y. and Wells College in Aurora, N.Y., class of 1949 and in 1985 received her Masters from Lyndon State College.
On June 14, 1952 she married Theodor Jones and they raised their four children in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
In 1983 she moved to Jill’s Hill in S. Wheelock, Vermont where she lived in the company of her beloved dogs, Tacka, Elsie and later Peppi and Beau. She also had a beautiful Norwegian fiord horse "Susi" that she kept for years, driving and riding.
Jill led an active life in S. Wheelock, cross-country skiing snowshoeing and tending Susi. She was an avid reader and did the NYT crossword puzzle religiously every day, in pen! She volunteered delivering Meal-on-Wheels and taught art classes in St Albans. Her own artwork flourished when she lived in St Albans where she became an active member of the Bishop Street Artist group.
She loved classical music and played piano well. She also sang for years with the North Country Chorus in St Johnsbury. They traveled to Prague and Sweden. A highlight for her was singing as a young woman with the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood in Massachusetts under the direction of Serge Koussevitsky in a 100-member chorus.
Her beloved children, daughter Winnie Jones and her partner Susan Aldrich of Vermont, daughter Jill Agnew and her husband Charlie, of Maine, son Tom Jones and his partner Diana Gipe of Vermont and son Ted of Florida survive her. She leaves her grandchildren Jenny and Charlie of Maine, and Lindsay, Nick, Ben, Sam, Max and Jenna of Vermont and three great-grandchildren Mason and Keegan and Arlo.
A Celebration of Jill’s life will be held at a later date.
Lois A. Bimson
....show , age 71, of East Village Road, passed away at the Pines Health & Rehabilitation Center in Lyndonville Sunday afternoon, October 9, 2016, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Lois was born in Quincy, MA, on March 15, 1945, daughter to the late Alfred and Alice Cobb. Her family moved to St. Johnsbury in mid-1950’s and she went on to graduate from St. Johnsbury Academy in the Class of 1963. Lois began working as a secretary at Fairbank’s Scales out of the Academy and married Ross Bimson on July 1, 1967. She continued working until their daughter, Barb, was born. In 1984 she resumed a secretary position, but this time, in the business office of the Academy and continued there until retiring in 2011 after 27 years. Lois and Ross did some travelling to Florida, Alaska, Las Vegas and many individual trips to Maine throughout each year, and over the years Lois was heavy into crafts. She and Barb would have booths at the local shows, especially in the fall holiday season. From making teddy bears to quilts, she did most everything.
Lois is survived by her husband of over 49 years, Ross Bimson, of Waterford, her daughter Barb Bimson of St. Johnsbury, her brother: Donald Cobb (Gerri) of Swanton, VT, her sister: Louise Anderson of Claremont, NH, sister-in-law: Sue Anne Drown of S. Burlington, a special niece: Debbie Lavigne (Peter) of Waterbury Center, VT, several nieces and nephews, her 2 cats that meant everything to her: Kady & Molly and her grand-dog: Fenway.
She was predeceased by her sister and her husband: Judy Hauf (Ronnie) and two-brothers-in-law: Norman Anderson and Jared Drown.
A private graveside service will be held at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at the convenience of the family. There will be no Calling Hours.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Kingdom Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 462, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
Michael E. Nichols
....show , age 61, of Gaskill Hill Rd, passed away at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on Saturday, October 29, 2016, following a long period of declining health.
Mike was born on March 22, 1955, son to Howard Clinton Nichols and the late Virginia (Davis). He grew up in East Concord graduating from Concord High School in 1973. He worked for 41 years for Weidman retiring as the Shipper’s Lead Foreman. He enjoyed his work, loved to cook and liked being a loner, and he absolutely loved his granddaughters.
He is survived by his son: Michael E. Nichols, II and his wife, Tara, of Lyndonville and their daughters: Bailey and Kamryn, his father: Howard Nichols and his companion, Sandy Gonyer, of N. Concord, VT, a brother: Steve Nichols and wife, Louise, of Littleton, NH, his sister: Patricia Celino and husband, Ron, of Monroe, NH, his only niece: Stephanie Cogswell and a very close friend: Brenda Hackett of West Burke.
A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 2PM on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the East Concord Cemetery, on Cozy Nook Road.
There will be no calling hours.
Phyllis Warner Blanchard
....show of Danville died early Wednesday morning, Oct. 26, 2016 at the age of 91. She had resided at The Pines in Lyndonville since 2010.
She was born in Orleans, Vermont on May 26, 1925, daughter to the late Urban and Lillian (Emerson) Warner. She and her husband Jack met in first grade and enjoyed a lifetime of love.
A graduate of Orleans High School, she continued her education at Bryant & Stratton Secretarial School in Boston, Larson Junior College in Hamden, CT and Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA.
Phyllis worked as a private secretary and received her B.A. in English while raising her children. She taught English and Latin at the Kimberton Farms School in Pennsylvania. The family summered in Danby, Vermont many years.
Phyllis was an avid gardener; she loved spending time caring for and harvesting her flowers, vegetables and berries. After returning to Vermont in 1985, Phyllis became a vendor at local farmer’s markets where she was known as "The Pie Lady". Phyllis also enjoyed making jams, weaving baskets, and collecting antiques. She had a deep appreciation for the beauty of Vermont and was a member of the 251 club as well as the Danville United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Harry ‘Jack’ Blanchard; children Mark, David and Jamie; grandchildren Stacey, Ashley, Javin, Miranda, Hannah, Sheldon, and Nigel; many nieces, nephews and her lifelong best friend, Dorothy (Domina) Willard.
Funeral services will be held in Danville on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Danville United Methodist Church (89 Park Street) with the pastor Sue Mackay officiating the service.
Memorial contributions could be directed to The Vermont Food Bank, 33 Parker Rd., Barre VT 05641, or to the Danville Senior Meals Site.
Richard Alan Falconer
....show , age 63, of Troy, passed away at the North Country Hospital in Newport Wednesday evening, October 12, 2016 surround by his family.
Richard was born in Newport on May 3, 1953, son to the late Raymond and Emily (Wormsley) Falconer. He began driving at the young age of 14 and continued to be a truck driver for all of his life. Most recently he worked for Ivan and Marlene Maxwell of Derby.
Richard was a simple man, he didn’t like things too complicated, he liked things short, sweet and to the point. He enjoyed spending time riding his Harley Davidson and at camp in Westfield.
Richard is survived by his three children: Brett Falconer (Blake Leighton) of Troy, Rhonda Mayhew (Stacey) of Newport Center, and Chad Falconer (Dawn) of Lowell; twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by many siblings, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Richard’s life will take place on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 3 p.m. at Degree Auction Services located at 1571 VT-100 Westfield, VT. The family has asked that anyone with a motorcycle or truck meet at D & C Transportation in Orleans at 2 p.m. to ride in procession to the celebration.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, 1080 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Richard Taylor
....show , 73, of St. Johnsbury passed away at home unexpectedly Wednesday morning, Oct. 26, 2016 after a period of declining health.
He was born in Washington D.C., Aug. 25, 1943, the son of John Cullember and Esther (Rogers). He married Debra Driscoll of St. Johnsbury on Aug. 24, 1984.
Richard was a retired substance abuse counselor for the State of Vermont Department of Parole and Probation. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Kingdom Recovery Center on Summer St.
He is survived by his wife Debra, son Nathan Taylor and his wife Katie and their children Natalie Michelle and Ella Kate of Danville; mother-in-law Forrestine Driscoll of St. Johnsbury; and many close extended family members.
He was predeceased by daughter Michelle Taylor.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Sayles Funeral Tuesday evening, Nov. 1 from 6-8 p.m. concluding with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m.
Memorial contributions could be directed to Kingdom Recovery Center, 297 Summer St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
Rupert F. "Jack" Weston
....show , age 82, of Jamieson Road, passed away at his home surrounded by his beloved family on Friday, October 28, 2016, following a long decline in health.
Jack was born at Brightlook Hospital in St. Johnsbury, VT, on November 30, 1933, son to the late Lyle Dudley and Ester Mae (Ball) Weston. He grew up on Bible Hill in St. Johnsbury Center and on September 14, 1957, he married his sweetheart Betty Potter. Jack worked at St. Johnsbury Trucking for 34 years retiring in 1990. After retiring he started a lawn mowing business. He could be seen (and thoroughly enjoying) mowing half of Danville.
Jack was a friend to everyone and would be the first to stop and help a stranded motorist or a neighbor. Jack loved motorcycling, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, archery, skiing, camping with the family, and his dog, Ella, that snowmobiled with him.
He and Betty traveled many miles on his beloved Harley Davidson. Jack was a member of the St. Johnsbury Elks Club, Caledonia Forest and Stream, Caledonia County React and St. J. Archery Club. He was a former member of both the St. Johnsbury and Danville Fire Departments.
Jack loved to swim and he was an avid bowler, but most of all he loved his family and he will be sadly missed by all of us.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Weston of Danville and her mother Pauline H Potter, also of Danville, 4 daughters: Susan Laliberte (Mark) of W. Charleston, VT, Sharon Weston ( Bruce Grady) of Danville, Sheila Weston (Maurice Bouffard) of Danville, Shelly Marquise (Dennis) of Ryegate, 2 sisters: Lorna Minor of Terryville, CT, Mabel Morin of W. Springfield, MA, 2 sisters-in-law: Glynda Rosebrook (Edward) of Lancaster, NH, Geraldine Potter of Manchester, NH, 6 grandchildren: Andre Laliberte, Melissa Timson (Kenneth), D.J. McLaughlin, Charles T. Simonson, Jr., Benjamin Favreau, Jackson Weston, 5 great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A gathering to celebrate Jack’s life will be held at the Elks Club on Western Ave in St. Johnsbury. Family will receive guests from 1:30-4PM on Saturday, November 5, 2016. A service by the Elks members will begin at 1:30. Burial will take place at a future date at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery.
Donations may be directed in Jack’s name to the Danville Rescue, whose members took such wonderful care of him whenever they were called. Mail to: 379 Brainard Street, Danville, VT 05828.
Stewart C. Smith
....show , age 84, of Cross Ave, passed away at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 30, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
Stewart was born in East Calais, Vermont, on April 27, 1932, the youngest son of Norman George and Leona (Bullock) Smith. He grew up in Danville where he attended the one room school house on Joes Brook Road in Danville. He later graduated from the Vermont Agricultural School in Randolph, Vermont in 1949. He then enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Korean War and in Japan. In 1952 he was honorably discharged and started his employment with the HP Hood Company in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. While working there, he was introduced to his future wife and "Lover Duck," Cecile M. Prevost, on a blind date on a dead end street. On September 11, 1954 they were married. They shared over 62 wonderful years, touching many lives on their journey together.
After their marriage, Stewart went to work for Fairbanks Morse Scales Company for 40 years until his retirement in 1997. Stewart loved spending time with his family, gardening and hunting, especially with his son-in-law Herb and grandson, Jeffrey.
Stewart is survived by his beloved wife, Cecile, three children, Norman C. Smith (Nadia S.) of Ferrisburgh, Barbara A. Ziter (Herbert J., Jr.) of Waterford, and David J. Smith (Lorie M.) of Johnson; four grandchildren, Michelle Ziter Fox, John Peter Smith, Anna Elizabeth Smith, and Jeremy Stewart Smith (Jen Fiona); two great-grandchildren, Patrick Fox and Ashley Fox, and many nieces and nephews.
Stewart was pre-deceased by his grandson, Jeffrey Ziter, in 2003, and two siblings, Richard Smith and Elizabeth Keach.
Stewart was a long-time and faithful member of St. John’s Parish where he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. He also ministered as an altar server at many funerals.
Stewart was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He will be greatly missed by all.
The family would like to thank Debbie Ogden, Brenda Powers, Ashley Hoyt and Cindy Davis, who helped care for Stewart and Cecile and enabled them to stay in their home over the last year and a half.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Church, Winter Street in St. Johnsbury, with Rev. Fr. Bernard Gaudreau as celebrant. There will be a private burial service at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Friends may call on the family on Wednesday, November 9th, from 5 to 8 PM at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
Memorial Donations may be made in Stewart’s name to the Jeffrey Ziter Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Good Shepherd Catholic School, 121 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Travis N. Gray
....show , age 47, of 199 Cross Ave, died at home on Sunday, October 30, 2016 from Addison’s Disease.
Travis was born in Newport, VT, on September 1, 1969, son to Niles O. Gray and Doreen M. Billig. He was educated in his early years in Island Pond, VT graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1987. He then attended and graduated Bryant College in Smithfield, RI in 1991. He worked in fundraising at Lyndon State College, Middlebury College, St. Michael’s College and finally at the University of Hawaii. His last work title was Senior Director of Annual Programs and Community Colleges.
He lived in Honolulu, Hawaii for thirteen years. He served on the board of many non-profit organizations. As Travis’ health began to fail he moved back home to live with his mother the last sixteen months of his life.
He is survived by his loving mother Doreen Billig of St. Johnsbury; brother Paul G. Gray (Kathy) and their children Allison, Sam and Luke all of Island Pond; Step-brother Kurt Billig (Elke) and their children Jasper and Kaiya all of Montreal, QB; and a special companion Jan Orgue of Honolulu, HI
Travis was pre-deceased by his father Niles O. Gray in 2013, step-father Michael Billig in 2012, and sister Wendy Gray in 1987.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 2 PM on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the United Community Church (South) 1052 Main Street with Rev. Ann Hockridge officiating, followed by a gathering downstairs. There will be no calling hours and burial will be private at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ‘Wendy Gray and Travis Gray Scholarship Fund’ c/o St. Johnsbury Academy Alumni Association, 1000 Main Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Zachary Hartwell
....show , 21, of Lyndonville died Saturday, October 22, 2016 after a courageous six year battle with cancer.
Zach was born July 13, 1995, the fourth child of William and Nancy (Rexford) Hartwell. He graduated from Lyndon Institute with the class of 2014 and briefly attended the Community College of Vermont.
He was a gifted artist and vocalist with an amazing wit and wisdom beyond his years. He was a member of both the LTS and LI choruses as well as the Vermont Children's Theatre. He sang with the Caledonia Chordsmen Barbershop Quartet. He won the LTS talent show in 8th grade with an incredible rendition of Have You Ever Seen The Rain. He was elected to go to the Vermont state choral festival in his sophomore year at LI, but cancer kept him from attending. Zach loved music. He had an amazing way of relating songs to life; always able to come up with an appropriate song or lyric that fit a given situation perfectly. His favorite group was The Beatles but when asked about his favorite song, could never come up with one. He would say he just liked music. He was a self-taught guitarist. He and his brother Tyler had started to work on original music.
As an artist, Zach would spend hours on his computer creating and voicing animations including several characters loosely based on himself and his friends. He was able to post some of the animations to websites where only the best animators were allowed.
Zach battled cancer for six years. He never complained. He was always happy even though so much had been taken from him. He loved his family very much and especially loved being Uncle Zachy. He looked forward to spending time with his tight circle of friends who stuck with him throughout his entire battle.
Zach is survived by his Mom and Dad, Nancy and Bill Hartwell of Lyndonville (PO Box 777 05851); four brothers and sisters: Robert Hartwell of Lyndonville, William Hartwell Jr. and fiancée Angela Calkins of West Burke, Malinda Howard and husband Josh of Derby, Tyler Hartwell of Lyndonville; nieces and nephews: Willow and Rowan Hartwell, Cameron Barney and Audrey Hartwell, Elizabeth, Kaity-Jo and Joseph Zachary Howard.
He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Tim and Linda Hartwell of St. Johnsbury, Debi Rexford and Ted Ismail of Wasilla, AK, Louise and Steve Harris of East Burke, Pam and David Chase of East St. Johnsbury; cousins: Tim and Christopher Hartwell, Dave, Dana and Dan Goodwin, Amber Spear, Cassi Gallagher, Kristy Walker, Kari Isham, Stephen Harris, Matt and Karl Scott; and his " Brother's from other Mothers": Mitchell Stowell, Jason Harris, Rory Bean, Michael (Markle) Durfee, Francis Lawler and Ayan Cole.
Zach was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Harold and Vicky (Pond) Hartwell of East Haven and maternal grandparents Robert and Audrey (Edmunds) Rexford of Lyndonville.
Visiting hours will be held in Lyndonville at the Guibord Funeral Home Thursday evening, October 27 from 5-8 p.m.
Memorial services will be held in St. Johnsbury at the United Community Church, (1325 Main St.) on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 2 p.m. The Rev. Ann Hockridge, friend of the family and current Caledonia Home Health chaplain, will officiate at the service.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Jazzy's Children Fund, 1506 Annis Rd., Groton VT 05046
Barbara Ann Brewer
....show , age 87, of 40 Avenue B, passed away at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family, on November 29, 2016.
Barbara was born in St. Johnsbury, on November 18, 1929, daughter to the late Truman and Beulah (Gregory) Brewer. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1947. For many years she was a chambermaid at the Holiday Inn and then head cook at the Darling Inn until her retirement. Barbara was a member of the Lyndonville VFW. She loved to cook and was quite good at it. She enjoyed Bingo, traveling all over to play, and going to meal sites especially with friends. Barbara loved taking time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She loved family gatherings, family barbeques, dancing, chips and dip. She also loved her cats and had nine at once.
She is survived by her son: Robert Dale Jenkins of St. Johnsbury; a daughter-in-law: Donna Jenkins of St. Johnsbury; a step-daughter: Barbara (Phillip) Nelson of St. Johnsbury; a step-son: Richard (Judy) Fisher of St. Johnsbury; thirteen grandchildren: Kimberly Smith, Kristina Vigeant, Larry Shumway, Justin Jenkins, Christopher Jenkins, Robyn Noyes, Shannon French, Allison Rowell, Kevin Fisher, Melissa Sumner, Tiffany Fisher, Lori Nelson and David Nelson; many great-grand and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; her good Bingo friends: Evelyn and Allen Thompson, Brenda and Jim Wheeler; her luncheon companions: Charlotte, Lisa, Loraine; and all her friends at the meal sites.
She was predeceased by a son: Dennis K. Jenkins; a daughter: Norma Mae Shumway; a brother: Truman Brewer; three sisters: Norma Brewer, Marilyn Simons and Donna and Raymond Allard; and two former husbands: Donald Jenkins and George Fisher.
Friends may call on the family from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
Burial will be May 5, 2017, at 3:00pm at the St. Johnsbury Center Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
Memorial donations may be made to SAD SAC (Save a dog, save a cat) c/o Caledonian Record, PO Box 8, St. Johnsbury, VT, 05819.
Donald Mechant
....show , 67, of Lowell, VT died peacefully surrounded by his family on November 28, 2016.
Donald was born to Wilson and Geraldine (Gray) Merchant on February 28, 1948 in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Many will remember Donny working at Shop & Save, Butson’s and Marty’s. He loved going to flea Markets and playing bingo. Playing cards with his family and friends was also a favorite pass time for Donny.
He leaves behind a sister, Evelyn (Alan) Thompson of Lyndonville, two brothers; Kenneth Merchant of St. Johnsbury and Linwood Merchant of Lowell; a niece, Elizabeth (Randy) McClure and two great nephews, Joshua and Nicholas McClure.
He was predeceased by his parents and an older brother, Lawrence Merchant.
Howard S. Reynolds
....show of Lyndon passed away at the age of ninety at his home on November 19, 2016, surrounded by four generations of his family.
He was born January 16, 1926 in East Barre, Vermont to Howard G. Reynolds and Margaret Mercier Reynolds. He graduated from Spaulding High School with the class of 1944 after which he enlisted in the US Navy where he served out the war on the USS Randolph. After his honorable discharge, he attended Baltimore College of Commerce in Baltimore, Maryland. On August 20, 1949 he married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca Wheatley of East Brookfield, VT who survives him. Howard went to work for Grand Union Stores in Barre and Lyndonville as manager of the meat department until he became an agent for Hopkins Insurance. A few years later he established the Reynolds Insurance Agency which he operated successfully until his retirement in 1988.
Always active in the community, Howard as a school board member was instrumental in making much needed improvements to the Lyndon Corner School and in the development of the Marigold Apartments. He served on the Prudential Board of the The First Congregational Church of Lyndonville for several years and, a member of the American Legion and Past Commander of the VFW, he often worked on efforts to support our veterans, including making sure they had recreational activities including bingo. Howard was also in leadership roles for the Lyndonville Rotary Club, active in Masonic Crescent Lodge #66 and member of Mount Sinai Shriners.
Predeceased by his parents, bother Russell Reynolds and nephew, Jay McPhetres Howard is survived by his sister Eloise McPhetres (Floyd), sister-in-law Jane Reynolds; children: Steven H. Reynolds (Susan) Deborah Reynolds (Joe) Patricia Ste. Marie (Barry); grandchildren Jason (Lisa), Jessica Jackson (Derrick), Nicole Peters (Scott), Chad Ste. Marie (Crystal), Bligh (Dawid), Grace (Brian) and Elizabeth (Simon), ten great grandchildren; Carson, Mason, Jayden, Logan, Giavanna, Rebecca, Hunter, Emily, Erin and Ethan and many special nephews, nieces and friends.
Services will be held November 26 at 1:00 P.M. at The First Congregational Church, 52 Middle St, Lyndonville, officiated by Rev. Judi Horgan.
Burial will take place at the VT Veteran’s Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, Contributions in Howard’s memory may be made to: Caledonia Home Health Care and Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, The First Congregational Church of Lyndonville, P.O. Box 193, Lyndonville, VT 05851 or the Upright Steeple Society, P.O. Box 224, Lyndon, VT 05849.
Lenna Rose Bliss Ranney
....show , 89, of 148 Stetson Terrace, St. Johnsbury Center, VT died Monday, November 21, 2016, at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, VT.
She was born on June 10, 1927 in Addison, VT to John and Adeline (Winch) Bliss. When she was about two years old, her parents separated and Lenna was placed in an orphanage in Shelburne, VT. She lived there until the age of 16 when the owners of Vermont Transit Company, Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Thompson, hired her to assist in the care of their two young children. She lived with the family and graduated from Burlington High School.
Lenna married Theodore C. Ranney on October 22, 1950 at the Thompson home in Burlington. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls and then made their home in St. Johnsbury. In 1962 they moved to their new house on Stetson Terrace. They had three daughters. Lenna was a homemaker and delighted in her daughters. They were very close all of their lives. The family spent many weekends camping at locations around the state. Lenna loved to knit, do cross-word puzzles, and had a life-long love of reading until her eyesight declined in 2016. She was an avid card player and was always ready for a game of Spades or Canasta. Lenna also enjoyed eating at restaurants with many of her friends and family. She was a Boston Red Sox fan until the end and watched their games on TV.
Lenna and Ted were active CBers and charter members of Caledonia County REACT #2424 as Unit #1. They served REACT for over 31 years with Lenna holding the position of secretary and treasurer for many years. She was the glue that held the team together and helped organize and schedule team activities such as traffic control to assist local police departments at accident scenes and at parades until the team dissolved in 2004.
Ted predeceased her on March 29, 2007. Lenna never learned to drive so it was very difficult for her after his death, but she was a survivor. She began using the RCT bus for trips to the mall. Lenna volunteered for LifeLine and enjoyed contacting many of the local subscribers each week to check on them and make sure their LifeLine was working.
Lenna had a big heart that included many people from all walks of life. She was always calling people to see how they were feeling or just to chat. Her "sassy" attitude was always with a smile as she loved to tease and be teased. When she moved to The Pines in April 2016, the staff learned to love her. Many comments were made to the family about how her smile would make their day or she would have a story to tell that cheered them up. Despite the hardness of her early life and the years after Ted’s death, she was always a positive person and tried to find the best in everyone.
Survivors include her three daughters, Donna (and Reed) Garfield, 97 Liberty Lane, Lyndonville, VT 05851; Linda (and Stephen) Burson, 349 N. 14th Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087; and Bonnie (and George) Babcock, P.O. Box 1, Lyndon Center, VT 05850; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Lenna was predeceased by her sisters, Marjorie Howe in 1967 and Gertrude Hathaway Eckert in 2008, and her brother, Lawrence Bliss in 2015. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Christine Ranney of South Windsor, CT, and Dorothy Bliss of Essex, NY along with their families.
At Lenna’s request, there will be no visiting hours or memorial services. Graveside services will be at the discretion of the family.
Lenna Rose Bliss Ranney
....show , 89, of 148 Stetson Terrace, St. Johnsbury Center, VT died Monday, November 21, 2016, at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center in Lyndonville, VT.
She was born on June 10, 1927 in Addison, VT to John and Adeline (Winch) Bliss. When she was about two years old, her parents separated and Lenna was placed in an orphanage in Shelburne, VT. She lived there until the age of 16 when the owners of Vermont Transit Company, Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Thompson, hired her to assist in the care of their two young children. She lived with the family and graduated from Burlington High School.
Lenna married Theodore C. Ranney on October 22, 1950 at the Thompson home in Burlington. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls and then made their home in St. Johnsbury. In 1962 they moved to their new house on Stetson Terrace. They had three daughters. Lenna was a homemaker and delighted in her daughters. They were very close all of their lives. The family spent many weekends camping at locations around the state. Lenna loved to knit, do cross-word puzzles, and had a life-long love of reading until her eyesight declined in 2016. She was an avid card player and was always ready for a game of Spades or Canasta. Lenna also enjoyed eating at restaurants with many of her friends and family. She was a Boston Red Sox fan until the end and watched their games on TV.
Lenna and Ted were active CBers and charter members of Caledonia County REACT #2424 as Unit #1. They served REACT for over 31 years with Lenna holding the position of secretary and treasurer for many years. She was the glue that held the team together and helped organize and schedule team activities such as traffic control to assist local police departments at accident scenes and at parades until the team dissolved in 2004.
Ted predeceased her on March 29, 2007. Lenna never learned to drive so it was very difficult for her after his death, but she was a survivor. She began using the RCT bus for trips to the mall. Lenna volunteered for LifeLine and enjoyed contacting many of the local subscribers each week to check on them and make sure their LifeLine was working.
Lenna had a big heart that included many people from all walks of life. She was always calling people to see how they were feeling or just to chat. Her "sassy" attitude was always with a smile as she loved to tease and be teased. When she moved to The Pines in April 2016, the staff learned to love her. Many comments were made to the family about how her smile would make their day or she would have a story to tell that cheered them up. Despite the hardness of her early life and the years after Ted’s death, she was always a positive person and tried to find the best in everyone.
Survivors include her three daughters, Donna (and Reed) Garfield, 97 Liberty Lane, Lyndonville, VT 05851; Linda (and Stephen) Burson, 349 N. 14th Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087; and Bonnie (and George) Babcock, P.O. Box 1, Lyndon Center, VT 05850; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Lenna was predeceased by her sisters, Marjorie Howe in 1967 and Gertrude Hathaway Eckert in 2008, and her brother, Lawrence Bliss in 2015. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Christine Ranney of South Windsor, CT, and Dorothy Bliss of Essex, NY along with their families.
At Lenna’s request, there will be no visiting hours or memorial services. Graveside services will be at the discretion of the family.
Merril J. Stegen
....show , 67, of 38 Lyndon Terrace, passed away at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on November 27, 2016.
Merrill was born in Hackensack, NJ on March 29, 1949 to the late Merrill and Josephine (Neidhardt) Stegen.
He is survived by his sister Joanne (Greg) of Wayne, NJ.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1PM on Monday, December 5, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury. Burial will follow at the Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Muriel Nutter
....show of St. Johnsbury passed away Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. Most recently she had resided at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Center after having been a happy resident at The Canterbury Inn.
She was born in Sheffield on Dec. 31, 1936, the daughter of Clarence and Emma (Taylor) Ash.
Muriel graduated from Lyndon Institute with the class of 1954. Throughout her life she had a deep faith in her Lord; and loved to write poetry for her family and friends.
She is survived by three children: Vicki Somers, James Nutter, and Wayne Nutter; 5 grandchildren and their families: Elizabeth Drinkwater, Curtis Drinkwater, Andre Somers, Stephen Nutter, and Sierra Nutter; two sisters: Marvel Kittredge and Marlene Taylor; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Clarence Ash.
Funeral services will be held in at the Guibord Funeral Home Lyndonville this Sunday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Ann Hockridge officiating. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home to share memories and pay their respects from 1 p.m. to the start of the service. She will be buried in May 2017 at the William Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield
Memorial contributions, marked for ‘Resident Activity Fund’, could be directed to Canterbury Inn, 46 Cherry St., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
Raymond R. Brooks
....show , age 87, of Ray Avenue in Lyndonville, passed away at the St. Johnsbury Health & Rehab Center, Saturday, November 26, 2016.
Ray was born in Lyndon, VT, on August 11, 1929, son to the late Charles and Blanche (Davis) Brooks. He was raised and educated in Lyndonville graduating from Lyndon Institute in the Class of 1950. Ray served in the VT National Guard during the Korean War and was employed with Vermont Tap & Die/NE Tool Division as an Inspector for 38 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and was a Jehovah Witness.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Siegrid Haase, of Lyndonville, his sons: Bruce Brooks (Ann) of FL, Robert Brooks (Vicki) of W. Burke, his daughters: Linda Bummel (Richard) of Atlanta, GA, Mary Murray (Michael) of Jericho, VT, 4 brothers: Francis Brooks of Lyndonville, Norman Brooks (Linda) of Greenville, NC, Donnie Brooks of Ayden, NC, Larry Brooks of Lyndonville, a sister: Gloria LaCourse of Lyndonville, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
Ray was predeceased by his first wife Marion in 1988 and his brother Ronnie Brooks in 2002.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2PM on Friday, December 2, 2016, at the Lyndon Center Cemetery in Lyndonville. There will be no calling hours.
Raymond Delauder Morton
....show , age 77, of Bayley Hazen Road passed away at his home on November 28, 2016.
Raymond was born in Columbus, OH, on May 24, 1939, son of the late Earl and Maryhelen (Delauder) Morton. He graduated from Ohio State University where he was a member of the Ohio State University Marching Band and received his Masters of Education from Miami University. In 1973, he married Dorothy Joeann Griffith and enjoyed 43 years of marriage with her.
In addition to his career as a high school band director, Ray had an entrepreneurial spirit. Dismayed by the poor water quality for residents in the township he lived in, he started the Tate-Monroe Water Association in 1968 with a grant from Housing and Urban Development. The private non-profit company still provides water to residents of southern Clermont County, Ohio. After his retirement, he moved to Vermont, built a home for his family and enjoyed reading, woodworking, tinkering on antique VWs, and playing trumpet in local town bands.
He is survived by his wife: Dorothy J. Morton of West Danville, VT; three sons: Matthew D. Morton (Julie) of Shaw Air Force Base, SC, Andrew R. Morton (Leanne) of New Haven VT, and Aaron M. Morton of West Danville, VT; and six grandchildren: Anika, Elise, Gabriel, John, Gillian, and Ainsley.
He was predeceased by his parents: Earl and Maryhelen, and his grandparents: Ross and Irma Cornell.
No services are planned at this time; a celebration of life ceremony will be held at the convenience of the family this coming year.
Shirley Ann Rodgers
....show , age 81, of St. Johnsbury Center, passed away at home surrounded by her beloved family on November 29, 2016, following a long battle with Alzheimers. She was a lifelong resident of St. Johnsbury Center.
Shirley was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on April 18, 1935, daughter of the late Allen and Yvonne (Laferriere) Brigham. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury. In 1957, she married Walter Edward Rodgers, Jr. and began a nearly 60 year career as a homemaker, wife, mother, and a dedicated nanny to her 6 grandchildren. She enjoyed bowling, baking and cooking, visiting Old Orchard Beach, being with her family, and hunting and fishing with Walter. Shirley loved to swim and downhill ski, spending every available weekend for 42 years at camp in Victory.
She is survived by her husband: Walter E. Rodgers, Jr., of St. Johnsbury Center, her son: Edward Rodgers (Kelly) of North Concord, VT, her daughters: Patty Stetson (Jeffrey) of St. Johnsbury Center, VT, and Debra Jean Rodgers of Indian Land, SC, and her sister: Rose Hill (Tom) of NC, 5 grandchildren: Christen White (Jason) of SC, Kelly Lemieux (Justin) of St. Johnsbury, Jayme Rodgers (Nick Sline) of North Concord, Jessica Chase (Ryan) of Concord, and Lizabeth Rodgers of North Concord, and 11 precious great grandchildren.
She is predeceased by a granddaughter: Sarah Jean Leach
Friends may call on the family from 2:00PM- 4:00PM at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury on December 3, 2016.
Burial will be private in the springtime at the Grove Cemetery in East St. Johnsbury.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, VT Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05446
Wallace Frederick "Wally" Fortier
....show , age 87, of Cross Avenue, passed away at the Littleton Hospital in Littleton, NH, Sunday morning, November 27, 2016.
Wally was born in Jeffersonville, VT, March 26, 1929, son to the late Fred and Goldie (Burnor) Fortier. He was raised in Jeffersonville graduating from Cambridge High School with the Class of 1947. As a young child Wally would ride his bicycle to the Cambridge Jct. railroad station and spend countless hours watching trains and taking in the railroader's stories. His career spanned steam engines to modern day diesel locomotives. His life was railroading and he will always be known as one of the last real railroaders. He married the former Leola Mae Loura in 1950 and shared 60 years together when she passed in 2010.
Wally's childhood passion for the railroad led him to his first job at the age of 18 with the St. J & LC Railroad as a locomotive fireman shoveling coal. Seventeen years later he transferred to the Canadian Pacific Railway and he finished there after a combined forty-three years as a Brakeman and Freight Conductor retiring in 1990. He was very proud of his life-long career in railroading and of the many other activities he enjoyed including Rail Photography and Model Railroading during his retirement years. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and walking, lots of walking! Wally was a longtime member of the Passumpsic Lodge #27 Free & Accepted Masons, the Scottish Rite, the St. Johnsbury Elks Club, and a Shriner belonging to the Mt. Sinai Temple #3, along with the Mt. Sinai Arab Patrol.
Wally is survived by his 3 children: Michael Fortier (Lisa Briggs) of San Antonio, TX, Sandra Mercier (Harvey Burton) of Severna Park, MD, Cynthia Wheeler (David) of St. Johnsbury; 6 grandchildren: Michael Fortier, Jr., Sheri Lyn Fortier, Katrina McGreevy, Daniel Mercier, Nathan Wheeler, and Nicholas Wheeler; and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister: Gladys Fortier.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM, Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St. in St. Johnsbury. The evening will begin to close with a Masonic Service at 7:30PM.
Funeral Services will be held at 10AM on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery on St. Johns Street, officiated by John Sleeper.
Amanda L. Dick
....show , age 31, of Tremont Street, died Saturday, December 31, 2016 in a snowmobile accident in St. Johnsbury.
Amanda was born in Haverhill, MA, on November 12, 1985, the daughter of James Dick and Kathy Nelson. She was raised and educated in Haverhill and then Raymond and Hampton, NH before moving to St. Johnsbury, VT. She worked for TD Bank as a store supervisor. Amanda was planning to marry Justin Jenkins in the summer.
Amanda liked to draw and had a passion for music. She was an outdoor person particularly enjoying taking her children to play in the park. She loved being with family, playing board games, and just about anything to be a part of life. She loved teaching her daughter and stepson to cook and cooking with them. She was also involved in caring for her father. Amanda was an amazing, well-loved person.
Amanda is survived by her daughter: Nevaeh Jenkins; her stepson: Jayden Jenkins; her partner of 9 years and fiancée: Justin Jenkins of St. Johnsbury; their two dogs: Copper and Harley; her father: James Kenneth Dick of Haverhill, MA; her mother: Kathy Ann Nelson and partner, Michael Mulloy, of Haverhill, MA; her soon to be mother-in-law: Donna Jenkins of St. Johnsbury; 2 brothers: Phillip Dick of NJ, and James Michael Dick and partner, Sadie Brill, of St. Johnsbury; soon to be brother-in-law: Chris Jenkins of St. Johnsbury; a great-grandmother: Florence Marciszka of Haverhill, MA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was predeceased by an uncle: Richard Lamothe; and Dennis K. Jenkins whom she thought of as a father-in-law.
Friends may call on the family Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 6-8PM at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St., St. Johnsbury, VT.
Services will be Friday, January 6, 2017 at 11AM at Sayles Funeral Home followed by a potluck reception at the Father Lively Center across the street.
Burial will be in the spring at the Ayer-Hawkins (Goss Hollow) Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Memorial donations to assist the family may be made to "The Amanda Dick Memorial Fund", c/o TD Bank, 301 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Iva Margaret Wood
....show , age 89, of Lynwood Terrace, passed away at her home early Monday morning December 19, 2016.
Iva was born in Stark, NH on June 30, 1927, daughter to the late Clyde and Emma Laura (Gagnon) Hickey. She grew up in that area graduating from Groveton High School with the Class of 1945. She married Robert B. Wood and shared 66 years together at the time of his passing on February 5, 2013. Iva worked as a machine operator at the Groveton and Gilman Paper Mills and later worked at Burndy’s in St. Johnsbury. She kept busy for several years as a newspaper inserter at the Caledonian Record. Iva was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church. She kept a garden, enjoyed knitting and sewing over the years, including drapes, and bridal and formal gowns for people throughout the area.
She is survived by her daughter: Jeanne Chabot and her husband, Ron, of Victor, NY, their children: Nicole Chabot-Ryan and her husband, J, of Venice, CA, Justin Chabot of Harlem, NY, her sister: Leona DeMers of Stark, NH and many nieces and nephews. She will be very fondly remembered by many friends in the area.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the St. John’s Church on Winter Street in St. Johnsbury with the Rev. Bernard Gaudreau as celebrant. Burial will take place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in the springtime.
Friends may call on the family Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM, December 21, 2016 at the Sayles Funeral Home on Summer Street.
Memorial donations may be made in Iva’s name to the Santa’s Fund c/o Passumpsic Savings Bank, PO Box 38, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or to the St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab Activities Fund, 1248 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Kenneth Wilson Merchant
....show , age 78, of Mountain View Apartments for many years, passed away at the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Tuesday morning, December 27, 2016, following a very brief illness.
Ken was born in Beecher Falls, VT, on October 21, 1938, son to the late Wilson Chandler and Gerealdine Lucille (Gray) Merchant. He was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury. He married Eva M. (Morgan) and shared 31 years together at the time of her passing on July 5th this past year.
Ken is survived by his brother: Linwood "Peanut" Merchant of Lowell, VT, his sister: Evelyn (Alan) Thompson of Lyndonville, two step-daughters: Carol Ann Morgan and her partner, and Irma Baker and her partner Peter Godfrey, and three step-sons: Walter D. Parker and his partner Theresa Fifield, George E. Parker and wife Beatrice, and Lester J. Parker and wife Tammi, a niece: Elizabeth (Randy) McClure and two great nephews: Joshua and Nicholas McClure and many step-grand and great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brothers: Lawrence Merchant & Donald Merchant.
There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
Marcella Pond Lamotte
....show , age 75, E. St. Johnsbury, passed away at her home surrounded by her family Tuesday evening, December 20, 2016.
Marcella was born on June 19, 1941, in Lunenburg, VT, daughter to Derwood and Celia Marie (Wood) Pond. She was raised in Lunenburg and married Rodney L. Lamotte on October 18, 1958. They made their home in East St. Johnsbury where she and Rod owned Rod’s Used Cars. She enjoyed running the business with him over the years and also found the time to run her own tack shop which drew from her love of horses. She was also the innkeeper at the Echo Ledge Farm Inn for several years which she very much enjoyed. Every morning at 6AM for many years she would be found at the Mooselook Restaurant with Rod for breakfast. Marcella was a faithful member of Corpus Christi Parish, and a favorite place to be for her was with the family at camp in Guildhall. By and large her biggest loves were her kids, grand and great-grandkids.
Every Thursday was "Grammy Day" where the grand and great-grandkids would come over for lunch, and if you had not heard of "Grammy Day" then you obviously missed out.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Rod Lamotte of E. St. Johnsbury, her 2 sons: Tracy Lamotte and wife, Anita, of Sheffield, VT, Mitchel Lamotte and wife, Kathy, of Beaverton, OR, 2 daughters: Nicole Wilson and husband, Shilo, of E. St. Johnsbury, Tina Hahr of Passumpsic, VT, her brother: Dale Pond and wife, Midge, of Lunenburg, VT, 21 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her aunt Anne Woods, of E. St. Johnsbury who had been caring for, and visiting her daily for the past few weeks, which was a great comfort to Marcella, Rod, and all the children and deeply appreciated. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her brother: James Pond.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM on Friday, December 30, 2016 at St. John’s Church on Winter Street in St. Johnsbury with the Rev. Bernard Gaudreau as celebrant. Burial will take place in the springtime at the Grove Cemetery in E. St. Johnsbury.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, Thursday evening the 29th.
Memorial donations may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic School – Tuition Assistance, 121 Maple Street, St. Johnsbury VT 05819 or the horseback riding program at Northeast Kingdom's Human Services, PO Box 724 Newport VT 05855, Attn. Business officer
Mary Bridget Connelly Greenan
....show , age 87 of Bragg Terrace, St Johnsbury, VT, formerly of Clarence St., Roxbury, MA, passed away very peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2016, with her family by her side.
Mary was born in Boston, MA, on September 10, 1929, daughter to Patrick and Mary T. (Connors) Connelly. She was raised and educated in Roxbury, MA, graduating from St. Patrick’s High School. On February 19, 1955 she married Hugh J. Greenan and they shared 61 years together. She worked as a telephone operator until she and Hugh began to raise their four boys. The family moved to their home in St. Johnsbury in 1966.
Mary enjoyed crocheting and knitting, cooking and vacationing in York Beach, ME. She loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Mary was a member of the Lyndonville chapter of TOPS, participated in school activities at Catholic Central School, and was a member of St John’s Altar Society and St. John the Evangelist Church.
She is survived by her husband: Hugh J. Greenan of St. Johnsbury: four sons: Kevin and his wife Roberta of Palmetto, FL., Paul and his wife Joan of Goffstown, NH, John and his wife Debbie of Quechee, VT, and Mark and his wife Amy of St. Johnsbury; a sister: Catherine Reynolds of Brockton, MA.: and a sister in- law: Margaret Connelly of Lynn, MA; eight grandchildren: Matthew, Michael, Michelle, Mary, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Patrick, and Emma Greenan; and seven great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her parents: Patrick and Mary Connelly; her brothers: Patrick Connelly, James Connelly, Mark Connelly, and Edward Connelly: and a sister: Anne Kenney.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John the Evangelist Church in St. Johnsbury, VT, on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
At Mary’s request, calling hours will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Good Shepherd Catholic School, 121 Maple St., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819; or the Calex Ambulance Service, 1453 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT.
Muriel Dale Leland Sherburne
....show passed away on Christmas Day at NVRH, St. Johnsbury, at the age of 95.
She was born in Glover, VT, on January 24, 1921, daughter of Adelbert C. and Sadie W. Leland. She graduated from Barton Academy and then went on to Vermont Junior College for secretarial studies.
Muriel worked for National Life for a year before returning home to Glover to marry Dr. Roy Sherburne on December 20, 1941. They shared 54 years together before his passing in 1995.
She moved to Bridgton, ME, where Dr. Sherburne opened his family osteopathic medical practice. In 1949, they returned to St. Johnsbury where she assisted her husband in his medical practice on Eastern Avenue for many years.
Muriel was a member of the North Congregational Church, the Eastern Star and the Arlington Home Dem Group. She enjoyed traveling, shopping and spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children: Dale (Judy) Sherburne and Dawn (Russell) Lowrey; four grandchildren: Nathan Lowrey, Betsy (Shawn) Rice, James (Elizabeth) and John (Sandra) Sherburne; nine great-grandchildren: Jake, Julia, Nicholas, Eric, Sarah, Andrew, Sam, Anna and Max; and sister-in-law Anna Leland. She was pre-deceased by her parents, husband, brothers Dr. George Leland, Donald Leland, sister Marilyn Morgan and her loving companion, John Marsh.
At the convenience of the family, a spring committal and burial will be held at Westlook Cemetery, Glover, VT.
Ruth McNally
....show , 87, of South Prospect St. in Lyndonville passed away at her home on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 with son Steve and daughter-in-law Candy at her side. For the past year she was able to stay at home with the tender care Steve and Candy and family were able to give her.
She was born in Lyndonville on Nov. 24, 1929, the daughter of Roy and Grace (Scott) Smith. She attended Lyndon Graded School and graduated from Lyndon Institute with the class of 1947.
She and her husband Robert owned and operated the Town and Country Restaurant in Lyndonville, her husband Bob dying suddenly in 1981 at the age of 52. She was also predeceased by her son Richard in 2009, by her two sisters Evelyn Gibson and Marjorie Bean, and by her brother Warren Smith.
Ruth especially loved cooking up a mess of food and then giving it all away to friends and family. She loved the simple things in life like working around the house, mowing the lawn and tending to her gardens. In her younger years she golfed at St. Johnsbury Country Club and enjoyed time spent fishing especially on Lake Champlain.
She is survived by her son Stephen and his wife Candy of Lyndonville; 5 grandchildren: Robert, Joshua, Keri, and Stephen McNally, and Amber Bollman; 5 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
On Saturday, Jan. 7, the family would be pleased to have you stop by her home at 95 South Prospect St. in Lyndonville anytime between the hours of 1-4 in the afternoon.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family in June at Woodmont Cemetery in East Burke.
Memorial contributions, marked in Ruth’s memory for ‘Hospice’, could be directed to ‘Caledonia Home Health, 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.
The family would like to greatly thank Dr. Ready and Dr. Dobberton along with the nurses and aides at Caledonia Home Health and Hospice for their wonderful care.
Thelma Geraldine Nutting
....show , age 96, formerly of Mt. Hunger, passed away at her residence in Passumpsic, surrounded by her beloved family, Christmas night, following a period of declining health.
Thelma was born and raised in Lyndon, VT on October 12, 1920, daughter to the late Andrew and Rosetta (Beck) Robinson. She married Ronald Nutting on June 14, 1943 and shared 42 years together when he passed in 1985. Thelma worked as a candy maker at Maple Grove in St. Johnsbury and after retiring worked part-time at Riverside School as secretary. In years past she liked going to the fairgrounds to watch the horse races and demo-derby. Thelma was a past member of the Lyndon First Congregational Church. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, knitting, crosswords and spending time with family; not often did she miss one of the grandkids sporting events.
She is survived by her son: Robert Nutting (Shirley) of Lyndon, 2 daughters: Linda Carslile of Hempstead, TX, Rhonda Boivin Kenney (Douglas) of Lyndon and Portsmouth, RI, sister: Doris Leach of Lyndon, sisters-in-law: Carol Robinson of Passumpsic, Dorothy "Pete" Blackdar of Passumpsic, son-in-law: Henry Edward Olcott of E. St. Johnsbury, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was also predeceased by her son: Kenneth Nutting, 2 daughters: Florence McGill, Barbara Olcott, 2 brothers: Earl Robinson, Clayton Robinson, 3 sisters: Leis Sherburne, Evelyn Campbell, Emma Drown.
Funeral Services will be held at 10AM on Thursday, December 29th, 2016 at the Guibord Funeral Home on the corner of Center and Main Streets in Lyndonville with Dot Robinson officiating. Friends may call on the family prior to services, from 9AM until the hours of the service. Burial will take place in the spring at 2PM on Friday May 12, 2017, at the Lyndon Center Cemetery.
Memorial Donations may be made to Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Dr, St Johnsbury, VT 05819.
Special thanks for Thelma caregivers of the past 6 years for her care and making their house her home.
Verla Ruth Hudson
....show , age 94, of Hudson Drive, died unexpectedly but peacefully at her home, Christmas night after celebrating with her family.
Verla was born on May 4, 1922, in Sutton, VT, daughter to the late Frederick Gould and Enid Mae (Jackman) Berry. She was raised and educated in Wheelock and remained a lifelong resident. On March 29, 1941 she married Melvin Donald Hudson and shared 34 years at the time of his passing on September 19, 1975. Verla was a homemaker who was very involved in town. She was a past member the Wheelock Community Club, the Sheffield Federated Church and Supervisor of the Checklist of which she made donuts to bring for many, many years. Verla enjoyed spending time at camp on Wheelock Mountain with family and friends, cooking and taking care of family, dancing and keeping her flower and vegetable gardens.
She is survived by her 4 children: Erton Hudson (Betty) of Ocklawaha, FL, Linda Trembley of Wheelock, Clinton Hudson (Donna Goldsworthy) also of Wheelock, Brenda Davis of Lyndonville, a sister: Virginia Powers of Lyndonville, 6 grandchildren: Kevin Hudson (Leslie) of Ocala, FL, Paul Hudson of Sylmar, CA, Keith Hudson of Waterbury, CT, Chad Hudson (Amanda Brooks) of Wheelock, Katrina Valley (Joey, Sr.) of Barton, Samantha Davis(Ben Roy) of E. Burke, 8 great-grandchildren: Emma, Olivia, Luke, Kavena, Austin, Joey, Jr., Jenna, Jasmine and several nieces and nephews.
She was also predeceased by 2 brothers: Vernon and Frederick Berry, and 4 sisters: Viola Abbotantono, Velma Stevens, Vivian Dubois, and Bertha Mitchell.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Friday December 30, 2016, at the Guibord Funeral Home, on the corner of Center and Main Street in Lyndonville with John Sleeper officiating. Burial will take place in the spring at 12PM May 19, 2017, at the Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Wheelock.
Friends may call on the family from 6-8PM on Thursday evening the 29th at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to either the Sheffield/Wheelock Fire Department, PO Box 165, Sheffield, VT 05866, or to the Caledonia Home Health, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05816.
Vivian M. (Woodward) May
....show , age 72, of Cabot, VT, formerly of Marshfield, VT, passed away at home on Tuesday, December 27, 2016.
Vivian was born in Peacham, VT, on December 7, 1944, daughter to Lawrence and Hazel (Bradley) Woodward. She was raised and educated in Peacham. She was married on July 3, 1967 and shared 49 years with Albert C. May. She spent her years keeping house and raising her children and later spending time with her grandchildren.
Vivian enjoyed playing cards, cooking, yard/lawn saling, and spending time with her husband and family. She was a member of the Marshfield Methodist Church.
She is survived by her husband: Albert C. May of Cabot, VT; a son: Albert L. May and his wife Sarah of Marshfield, VT; a daughter: Hazel H. May of Cabot; 3 grand-children: Alexis R. Lovely, Albert J. and Martha R. May; a brother: Leonard Woodward and his wife Ruth of Danville, VT; 2 sisters: Phyllis Burrington of Danville, VT, and Lucille Suridge of Passumpsic, VT; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents: Lawrence and Hazel Woodward; a brother and sister-in-law: Richard and Rita Woodward; a nephew: Anthony Burrington; a step-mother: Della; and a brother-in-law: George Suridge.
Friends may call on the family Tuesday, January 3, 2017, from 6-8pm at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St., St. Johnsbury, VT.
Earl W, Ayer
....show , 91, of East Street, passed away on Thursday, November 17,2016 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, comforted by his family at his side. Earl was born in Hanover, NH on June 13, 1925 to the late Newman and Laura (Beach) Ayer. He grew up in Plymouth, VT, attending local schools. When he became of age, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Gunner's Mate aboard Naval destroyers in the Pacific during World War II, (1943 - 1946) receiving numerous battle commendations. Following his discharge, he returned to Plymouth, working as an independent trucker. When the Korean Conflict broke out, Earl felt it was his duty to re-enlist in the Navy to serve his country, again serving on destroyers and sub-chasers (1948-1952). After his service during the Korean Conflict, Earl was very fortunate to do a 2-year tour on the USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides", until his discharge. Earl returned to Rutland, and became a professional truck driver for Holmes Transportation, where he worked until retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Teamsters Union, Mason's, and Shriners. After his retirement, Earl built a home in North Clarendon, where he enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and taking care of his beloved dogs. In 2013, Earl decided to move to Lyndonville in order to be near his daughter Jeannie. He was also a member of American Legion Post #30 in Lyndonville, VFW Post #648 in Rutland, and Moose River Masonic Lodge #82 in Concord, VT. He was also Past Master of the Cairo Masonic Temple in Rutland, VT. He was an amazing gardener and woodworker, hunter, and fisherman. A true people-person, he was one who almost collected friends. One of his greatest loves was the Boston Red Sox; he never missed a game if it could be helped! Earl could call plays before the announcer, often before they were completed! He is survived by his daughters Sandra (Sandy) Hall of Chippenhook, Bonnie Olson (Ernest) of Rutland, and Jeannie Ayer (Brian Riley) of St. Johnsbury; 15 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. Earl was pre-deceased by a son, Eddie Ayer, wife Beverly (Heir) and brother Eldred Ayer. Friends may call on the family on Monday, November 21 st from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer St, St Johnsbury. The evening will conclude with a prayer service officiated by Pastor Earl Brock. Burial will take place at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Rutland, Vt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Earl's name to Jazz's Children Fund, 1506 Annis Road, Groton, VT 05046, or Honor Flight of New England, PO Box 16287, Hooksett NH 03206. The family is grateful for the love and support shown him during his time in Lyndonville, especially The Lyndonville Post Office, Everybuddy's Restaurant, and the Green Mountain Bookstore. You are all very special to him!
Gillian Alexis Bessom
....show , age 22, of Severance Hill Road, passed away unexpectedly November 17, 2016, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, with her devoted family beside her, following an acute illness, despite exhaustive efforts to keep her here with us. Gillian was born at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, on October 13, 1994, daughter to Richard James, Jr. and Penny Jean (Olcott) Bessom. She lived her entire life here on her family’s dairy farm, and attended St. Johnsbury schools. Gillian was born with multiple congenital anomalies, and in her short life underwent several major surgeries. But nothing ever held Gilli back, and despite everything that life threw at her, she was joyously happy. Gilli was a social butterfly; she loved just about everybody, would talk to anyone, and was never shy about giving a hug. She was her Mom’s shadow; at home, helping cook and bake, at the barn, helping with chores, listening to music, and out and about running errands to the bank and the grocery store. Gilli loved birthdays and holidays, and she was the life of the party—her presence filled the room! She loved attending events: concerts (Sheryl Crow and OneRepublic were favorites), comedy shows (she recently got the chance to go up on stage during a performance and hug Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy. Her shouting “Git ‘R Done!” to the entire arena crowd was amazing!), and sporting events (she especially loved attending races at Loudon every year, cheering on her “fool,” Jeff Gordon). Gillian loved food, whether it was going out to eat, hogging the popcorn at the movies, sharing a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Mint Oreo with her Mom after chores, eating chocolate chip cookies dunked in milk with her Dad before bed, or just digging into her endless bag of snacks she carried everywhere. Gilli was happiest at home with her family, watching Family Feud on TV, hanging out with her “B” and Bri’s friends, or just relaxing and visiting with Gram. She loved watching sports with Pop, and cheering for all of her favorite teams, the Jets, Yankees, and the Rangers. And she had to sing along with the Star-Spangled Banner, every game. Gillian loved vacations, usually trips to the ocean at Cape Cod or Maine. And not too long ago, she was so fortunate to have been granted a wish trip through Make-A-Wish to Florida and all the Orlando attractions. She even got to experience riding in a limo and her first airplane flight. Gillian could be stubborn and bossy, could swear like a sailor, and she never forgot anything! She always had beads around her neck or a handful of one dollar bills. And she loved clothes—crazy prints and wild colors—she was always beautifully dressed! Gillian is survived by her parents: Rick & Penny (391 Severance Hill Road, Concord, VT 05824) and her sister: Brianna Bessom, her maternal grandparents: Gary, Sr. & Veronica Olcott, all of East St. Johnsbury, paternal grandfather: Richard Bessom, Sr. of Orleans, MA, great-grandparents: Glenn, Sr. & Jean Olcott of Lyndonville, uncles: Gary Olcott, Jr of East St. Johnsbury and James Gifford of MA, cousins: Garrett, Adelina, Dario, & Derek Olcott, special friends: Matthew Smith, Kasey Monfette, and Thyme Farrington, and our pets, who are anxiously searching for her: dogs, DiMaggio & Calliope, and cats, Emmett, Avis, Anne Frank, Zola, and Butterball. She was predeceased by her brother: Richard James Bessom III, her aunt: Michelle Olcott, and her paternal grandmother: Karen Gifford. A gathering of her family and friends to celebrate Gillian’s wonderful life will be held at 3pm on December 3, 2016, at the Lyndon Outing Club, in Lyndonville, with some of her favorite things: music, pizza, ice cream, chips, soda, and a fireworks show. Please come and celebrate Gilli! Gilli loved flowers, but if you would prefer to help with funeral costs, donations can be made to a fund set up through Community National Bank (PO Box 131, 467 Broad Street, Lyndonville, VT 05851), memo: Gillian Bessom Family. “Our precious, darling Gilli has left us. Gone, that contagious laughter, her smile that lit up the world, her endless spirit and energy, those hugs that lasted forever and you never wanted to end. She filled our lives with goodness, and light, and laughter, and love, and nothing can ever be the same.”
West Burke, VT: Phyllis Gwendolyn Burbank
....show , age 91, of Newark Street passed away at her home surrounded by her close friends on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, following a prolonged period of failing health. Phyllis was born in Burke, VT, on May 20, 1925, daughter to the late George Maurice and Blanche Lestina (Tyler) Burbank. She was a lifelong resident and graduated from Lyndon Institute in the Class of 1943. Phyllis worked as a dairy farmer and sugar maker for 16 years and later went UVM receiving her B.S. in Medical Technology in 1963. She then worked as a Medical Tech at Brightlook Hospital and at NVRH for 8-9 years before running for Town Clerk in Burke, an office she held for nearly nine years. Phyllis was very active in the community for many years. She enjoyed spending time at camp on Lake Memphremagog in Derby which her family built in the 1950’s. She also enjoyed spending time with family and neighbors, travelling throughout Vermont and the USA. She is survived by her 1st cousins: Nancy, Pauline, 2nd cousins: Margaret, Robert, Paula, Christine, Dorothy, Gloria, Maurice, Ruthie, and a tremendous amount of friends that will miss her as well as the entire community. She was predeceased by her 2 brothers: George Burbank, Jr. at the age of 4 ½, and Lawrence D. Burbank who was killed stateside in a plane crash in WWII in in1943. A celebration of Phyllis’ Life is planning to be held after the first of the year at the Burke Sr. Meal Site. A private Graveside Service will take place at Hillside Cemetery in W. Burke in the Springtime. Many thanks to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice and Connie’s Caregivers, “We couldn’t have done it without them.” Donations: Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819, Burke Sr. Meal Site, 212 School Street, W. Burke, VT 05871.
Marilyn Louise Bailey Clifford
....show died at The Pines on Saturday, December 3, 2016, after a long illness. She was born in Morrisville, Vermont on January 12, 1931 to Kenneth Elroy Bailey, who predeceased her in 1958, and Mary Arvilla Twombly Bailey, who predeceased her in 1999. Marilyn went to Danville High School where she participated in basketball and graduated in 1948. She went to Lyndon Teachers College and upon graduation decided to enter the Navy where she met and married Agapito Peter Garcia, who predeceased her in 1968. She had three brothers, Homer Andrew Bailey, who predeceased her in 1984, and his twin brother, Henry Clay Bailey who died a few weeks after birth. Her brother, Kenneth Elroy Bailey who predeceased her in 2003. She had five sisters, Judy Bailey Gray who predeceased her in 1990, Barbara Bailey Sahlin, who predeceased her in 2011 and Brenda Bailey Simpson who predeceased her in 2015. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Clifford of Lyndonville, whom she married in 1979; a son, Michael P. Garcia and his wife Wendy of Altamonte Springs, Florida, two daughters, Michelle Garcia Stuck and her husband, Randy of Traverse City, Michigan and Mary Garcia Straight and her husband, Dennis of Pittsfield, N.H., four step-children, Steve Clifford and his wife, Christine, Brian Clifford and his wife Shauna, Suzie Clifford Connor and her husband, Jim, and Linda Clifford Lee and her husband, Steve. She is also survived by two sisters, Charlotte Bailey Blodgett of St. Johnsbury, and Shawna Bailey Wilkerson of Lyndonville and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. During the years when her children were younger, it was nothing to see Marilyn pushing Preston Powers down Depot Street in a wheelbarrow, because of a lost bet during flag football, which her son Michael, participated. Marilyn worked at Whites Market for years and then went to Russell’s Drug Store, where she worked for many years. She always had a smile on her face and was loved by everyone who knew her. Funeral services will be held at11AM Tuesday December 6, 2016 at the Guibord Funeral Home at 15 Main Street in Lyndonville, VT. Burial will take place at the Lyndon Center Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour prior to services at 10AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, VT Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, VT 05446.
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