Doris Spafford

Doris Spafford, 92, formerly of Baltimore, died Jan. 29, 2017, with loved ones at her side.

She was born April 11, 1924, in Wallingford, the daughter of Raymond and Hazel Patch, the oldest of eight children. br />
Mrs. Spafford was a nurse at Hanson Court in Springfield for many years. After retiring, she did private care until she was well into her 80s. br />
She also volunteered at Adult Day Care and was a member of Alpha Chapter of the Eastern Star. br />
She enjoyed the Red Sox, NASCAR racing, square dancing, playing cards, reading and knitting afghans. br />
Survivors include three siblings, Judy Edmunds, David and Marvin Patch; three children, Deborah Ingalls, Donald II and Douglas Reed; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchid; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Donald A. Reed, in 1962 and married Bert Spafford in 1969. br />
The graveside service will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society .

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Tylar C. Barton

Tylar Clyde Barton, 86, of Perkinsville, died peacefully Jan. 22, 2017, at home, with family.

He was born in Springfield, Oct. 15, 1930, son of Tylar and Irene Barton. He graduated from Springfield High School.

He was married to Judy Barton for more than 60 years; together, they owned Vermont Soapstone Co.

Survivors include two daughters Diane Sanford, of Springfield, and Maureen Shattuck, of Perkinsville; one brother, Fred Barton; two granddaughters Jessica Landon and Kristina Hughes; great-grandchildren Colby Darrell and Kendall Hughes; many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

He loved his family, friends, animals, hunting, woodworking and nature.

He was predeceased by his wife; parents; brother, Robert; and grandson, Chad Sanford.

To celebrate his life, all are welcome at his home on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, anytime between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Graveside service in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to BAYADA Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 203, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

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Holger A. Holmberg

Holger “Buster” Alan Holmberg, 66, lost his 15-year battle with diabetes with complications on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at his home with his wife Shirley by his side.

He was born in the Bronx, New York. He attended schools in Chester and graduated from Chester High School Class of 1968. Following graduation he worked at several jobs in Chester before entering the U.S. Army in February of 1970. He served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, having received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Expert Badge with M-16 Rifle Bar, and the Army Commendation Medal 21st Artillery with 2 O/S Service Bars. He was proud to have served with the Tropical Lighting 25th Infantry Division A Battery 1/8 F.A.

Years after returning home he became a police officer for the town of Springfield and also served as a firefighter for the Bellows Falls Fire Department, where he had an accident in 1987 and became disabled at the age of 35. In his younger days when he could he loved to hunt, fish and play golf. On March 10, 1995 he became president of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VAA) Chapter 723, Chester when the charter was first formed and the charter forming the chapter was received. He also belonged to many other veterans' organizations.

In 1975 he married Laurie Thurston; they had one son, Joseph Alan Holmberg, who had five children. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernice and Joe Kozak, and his brother Ronald Holmberg.

Buster is survived by his wife Shirley (Trayhan), whom he married in August of 1990; a stepson, Roy Trayhan and a step-grandson, Blaze Robert Trayhan; his brother, Robert and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation and sharing of remembrances from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Adams Funeral Home, 35 Depot St., in Chester. Memorial contributions may be made to Bayada Home Health Care, 28 Vernon St., Suite 327, Brattleboro, VT 05301-3668.

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Earl C. Boudette

Earl Cornelius Boudette, longtime resident of Charlestown and formerly of Claremont, died January 20, 2017.

Earl was born February 24, 1930 in Claremont, a son of William E. and Ida (Young) Boudette. He grew up in Claremont and North Charlestown and graduated from Stevens High School in 1949. He attended the University of New Hampshire and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1954.

Upon graduation from UNH, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army; attended Basic Infantry Officer Course at Fort Benning; and served the rest of his two-year commitment in Germany as platoon leader in the 2nd Infantry Regiment in Munich, and with Special Services in Berchtesgaden.

Upon discharge from the Army in 1956, Earl entered the teaching profession, accepting a position in the Woodstock, Vt., school system. He then taught in Saranac Lake, N.Y., before returning to graduate school at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, in 1959. Upon completion, he accepted a position at Springfield High School, Springfield, Vt., in 1960. He made Charlestown his home.

Receiving a Fulbright Scholarship in 1962, he lived in Northeim, Germany, ’62-’63 where he taught at Gymnasium Corvinianum in Northeim and studied at Gottingen University. He also participated in activities coordinated by the United States Information Service in Hannover, Germany.

During his tenure in Springfield, Earl taught social studies, started the German program and was awarded the NEA Pacemaker Award for the design and teaching of a Humanities Pilot Program that was funded by a U.S. Government grant. Among other honors, he was awarded two NDEA scholarships to Dartmouth College and two Arts & Humanities assignments to Williams College and the University of Oregon. He retired from his position at Springfield High School in 1993.

Skiing was his lifelong passion and he captained the USEUR Alpine Ski Team in 1956 that competed in international competitions in Europe. After coaching skiing at Woodstock and Saranac Lake, he served as an instructor and as a ski patrolman and the Mt. Ascutney Resort. Upon retirement, he became an active golfer and was accepted as a member on the Hooper Golf Club, serving one term on the Board of Directors.

Members of his surviving family include his sister, Norma Principe of Springfield, Mass., and several nieces and nephews and their families. Earl was predeceased by his brothers, William and Eugene, his sisters, Thelma Lambert and Nathalie Breault, and his long-time companion, Christine Lawler.

There will be no calling hours. Burial and a celebration of Earl’s life will be held in the Spring. Arrangements are with the Stringer Funeral Home and Crematorium, 146 Broad St. Claremont. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

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Beula W. Baldwin

Beula W. Baldwin, 89, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at the Springfield Health & Rehabiltation Center in Springfield, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 10, 1927, in Springfield,the daughter of George and Charlotte (Martin) Snide. She attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield High School, class of 1946. She was a lifelong resident of Springfield.

On March 18, 1961, she married S. Raymond Baldwin in Springfield, He predeceased her on Sept. 11, 1984.

She was employed as an estate manager and supervisor for many families in Springfield, working for the E.R. Fellows Family, J.T. Slack Family and the Woolson Family. She also worked at the Paddock Restaurant for several years, and was employed with Planned Parenthood and Sevca in Springfield for a period of time.

She was a former member of the Alturian Club in Springfield. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and loved to cook.

She is survived by her sons, Theodore Goodrich and his wife Gert of Springfield, and George Goodrich also of Springfield; a step-daughter, Linda Rae Baldwin of Winter Park, Florida; two sisters, Marion Munson, of Springfield, and Olive Lebrun of Chester; grandchildren, a great-grandchild; step-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, step-son David Baldwin, brothers Herbert and Paul Snide, sister Clara Woodard, as well as several other siblings.

Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at the Davis Memorial Chapel, Rev. Susan Webster-Toleno will officiate. Burial will be in the Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield in the spring.

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Rosamond M. Lovell

Rosamond M. Lovell, 91, of Springfield, died peacefully at home Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, after a long illness. She was born May 1, 1925, to the late Ruth and Charles Magwire.

Rosamond was born and raised in Springfield. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1944. After graduation and marriage she devoted her life to her family and friends.

Rosamond was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William Charles Lovell; and by her sisters, Marilyn Lunn and Joyce Kalata.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Lyons; brothers Charles and Donald Magwire; daughters Ruth Corliss, Bonnie Harrington and Beatrice Merrill; and sons Peter, Robert and William Lovell Jr.; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 33 Fairground Road in Springfield. Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Geraldine N. Gibson

Geraldine N. "Jeri" Gibson, 70, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at her home in Springfield. She was born Nov. 2, 1946, in Van Buren, Arkansas, the daughter of Loyd Napier and Wanda Walters, and raised by her grandparents, Marion and Nellie Walters.

She graduated from Muldrow High School and The New England School of Hair Design.

On July 15, 1979, she married Springfield native Robert Gibson, in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Mrs. Gibson had several careers, including as an early saleswoman in the automotive industry, first in the Boston, Massachusetts, area and later in the Springfield area. She also worked as a hairdresser at Town House Beauty Salon, and was employed in circulation at the Rutland Herald. She volunteered with the PTA, Girl Scouts, her daughter's school activities and more recently, at Springfield Family Center. She enjoyed vacationing in York Beach, Maine, the Nature Area, card and board games, word search puzzles, and she liked to read, crochet, sew, draw and craft.

Survivors include her husband and her daughter, Stephanie Thompson, both of Springfield.

The graveside service will be at a later date in Cavendish Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Eleanor J. Houghton

Eleanor J. Houghton, 93, a longtime resident of Springfield, passed away Tuesday morning, Jan. 10, 2017, at the Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield.

She was born May 13, 1923, in West Windsor, the daughter of Louis and Myrtle (Clay) Merrill. She received her schooling in West Windsor and Windsor, graduating from Windsor High School in 1942. She married Frank H. Houghton on May 9, 1952 in North Springfield. She and her husband operated the family farm in West Windsor for many years. Mrs. Houghton was an active member of the 4-H Club, winning many awards over the years. She was also a member of the Happy Homemakers Club in Ascutney, the 251 Club and had attended the North Springfield Baptist Church for several years.

Eleanor enjoyed crafts, crocheting and sewing. She was fond of animals, especially her cats, and greatly enjoyed spending time with her family. Her husband passed away in 2009. She was also predeceased one son, David Houghton in December of 2016.

Survivors include one daughter, Judy Spaulding and her husband, Carl, of North Springfield; one daughter-in-law, Nancy Houghton of South Charlestown; six grandchildren, Tracy Benedict, Kevin Spaulding, Todd Houghton, Toby Houghton, Tanya Frady and Lori Altfather; several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. A prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m. with Rev. George Keeler, Pastor of the North Springfield Baptist Church, officiating. Committal services will be held in the spring at the Brownsville Cemetery in West Windsor.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156. Condolences may be expressed to her family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

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Ralph E. Raynes

Ralph E. Raynes, 90, of Baltimore, formerly of Augusta, Maine, died with all of his daughters by his side, at the home of his daughter Carolyn, Thursday evening Jan. 5, 2017.

He was born August 6, 1926, in Augusta, son of Nathan and Marjorie (Carey) Raynes. Ralph enlisted in the US Navy during WWII at age 17. He served in the Pacific Theatre until the end of the war, receiving his honorable discharge with the rank of Quarter Master 3rd Class. After the war, Ralph continued serving in the Naval Reserves and was called back to duty for a time during the Korean War. He was married to Shirley Whitmore Oct. 18, 1947, in Augusta; together they had many happy years. In 1952, she and Ralph travelled by car to Anchorage, Alaska, where they made their home for 15 years.

In 2015 Ralph was predeceased by his wife of nearly 70 years, Shirley. He was also predeceased by his brother Warren "Bud" Raynes and a sister Polly Hulett.

He is survived by his four daughters and their families: Steffany Raynes (Lin Skavdahl) of Marblemount, Wash., Shelley Chadwick (Robert) of Pittston ME, Sandra Soares (Mark) of Centerville, Mass., Carolyn Tourville (Tom) of Baltimore, Vt.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Patrick Chadwick (Tanya) and daughters, Morgan and Makayle of Pittston, Tracy Chadwick Johnson (KC) and children, Madelyn and Kole, of Pittston, Leigh Soares Gilmore (Scott) and sons Dustin and Wyatt of Greenfield, Mass., David Soares (Justine) of Norwood, Mass., Jacob Loiko (Lauren) of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jess Tourville (Alexis) of Hull, Mass., his sister Constance Johnston of Washington, Maine, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ralph will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and his many "Ralphisms."

Ralph's family would like to thank Dr. Delores Barbeau, Angel Cioffi, and Hospice of VT including Kathy's Caregivers for all their kindness and excellent care.

A celebration of Ralph's and Shirley's lives will be held on June 23, at 12:00 at the Veterans Cemetery, Augusta, Maine. Condolences to Ralph's family may be made in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Visiting Nurses & Hospice of VT and NH http://www.vnhcare.org/ giving/donate/ or Neighborhood Connections of Londonderry, VT at http://www.neighborhoodconnectionsvt.org/donate.html

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Gerald B. Vittum Jr.

Gerald B. “Jerry” Vittum Jr., 82, of Resding, died Jan. 3, 2017, at Springfield Hospital.

He was born Dec. 17, 1934, in Springfield, the son of Gerald and Thelma (Cady) Vittum. He graduated in 1951 from Springfield High School in 1951.

Mr. Vittum retired from Bryant Grinder Co. after 43 years of employment, starting as a co-op student in high school. He served as chairman of the Reading School Board and volunteer for the Reading Fire Department.

He was a well-known softball pitcher for many teams, including The Wild Bunch in Claremont, New Hampshire, and one of the founders of Little Ascutney Snowmobile Club. He enjoyed hunting and time spent at the family camp.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn “Pat” Rowlee Vittum; four children, Gary Vittum, of Reading, Kelly Vittum, of Proctorsville, Barry Vittum, of Chester, Penny Webster, of Barnard; stepdaughter Dawn Rowlee, of Cavendish; three siblings, Larry Vittum, of Reading, Richard Vittum, of Springfield, and Judy Henning, of Chester; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Vittum was predeceased by his first wife, Norah (Tink) Vittum; daughter, Cindy; and sister, Donna Aldrich.

The celebration of his life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Hartness House in Springfield. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reading Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 42, Reading, VT 05062; or Little Ascutney Club, P.O. Box 114, Reading, VT 05062. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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James L. Brusseau

James L. Brusseau, 78, of Springfield, died Sunday, January 1, 2017, at Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born Oct. 1, 1938, in Bellows Falls, the son of Wesley J. and Elizabeth,(O'Connell) Brusseau. He graduated from Springfield High School. Mr. Brusseau served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era. He married Janice A. Derosier June 25, 1960, in Ludlow. She died March 16, 2011.

He was employed as a machinist with Jones & Lamson, Fellows Gear Shaper, Bryant Grinder, and retired from Vermont Machine Tool in 2000. He also worked for Johnson & Dix in Springfield.

Mr. Brussean enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and was a model train enthusiast.

Survivors include three children, Randall Brusseau, of Wethersfield, Connecticut, Cathy Nichols, of Andover, and Lorraine Allen, of Fayetteville, North Carolina; two grandsons; his companion of five years, Barbara Shattuck; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by his stepmother, Lois, and a sister, Lois-Ann Streeter.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, officiated by the Rev. Gerry Piper. Burial will be at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Geisel Office of Development, 1 Medical Center Drive, HB 7070, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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