John E. Murray

John Eric Murray, 45, of Springfield, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, due to complications of diabetes. He was born Jan. 6, 1971, in Springfield, beloved son of Gordon and Marcia (Michniewich) Murray. He attended Springfield schools, graduated from Springfield High School Class of 1991, and graduated with an associate’s degree from Johnson State College.

John discovered a flair for cooking and worked as a short order cook with several area restaurants. Most recently, he worked in assembly and manufacturing for Sonnax in Keene.

John was an avid gun collector and muscle car collector. He was very artistic and enjoyed drawing and painting. John loved animals, especially his cat. He was a devout believer in family and God. John loved life.

He is survived by his father, Gordon A. Murray of Springfield; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Marcia in 2009.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Springfield Church of Christ on Chester Road in Springfield. Ernest “Puggy” Lamphere will officiate. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield. A gathering will be held following the committal at the family homestead at 242 Fairground Road in Springfield.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail Springfield, VT 05156. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

Arrangements are pending with the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Eleanor M. French

Eleanor M. French, 81, of Springfield, died Friday, July 29, 2016, at her home.

She was born Aug. 4, 1934, in Charlestown, N.H., the daughter of Earle and Iverna (Spencer) French.

She was a graduate of Woodstock High School and Lyndon State College.

Ms. French taught at Cavendish Town Elementary School in for 34 years.

She enjoyed knitting, reading, collecting cookbooks, as well as angels, and vacationing on Lake Champlain.

Survivors include a brother, David French; a niece and caregiver, Michele Sargent; a grandniece and caregiver Brandie Sargent; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Delmar, and three sisters, Ethel, Ann and Harriet.

The memorial service will be held at a later date and announced at that time. Memorial contributions may be made to Lyndon State College Annual Giving Program, PO Box 919, 1001 College Road, Lyndonville, VT 05851; or Cavendish Town Elementary School, PO Box 236, Proctorsville, VT 05153. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Heidi L. Farnsworth

Heidi L. Farnsworth, 37, died Monday, July 25, 2016, at her home in Bellows Falls. She was born July 26, 1978, in Springfield, daughter of Robert J. and Holly L. (VanAlstyne) Farnsworth. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1997 and attended Castleton State College.

She enjoyed painting, drawing, writing, music and socializing.

She was employed at the Subway in Bellows Falls and most recently the Shell station and convenience store in Bellows Fall.

She is survived by her parents, sister Mindy Markwell of Springfield, brother Joe Farnsworth of Springfield, paternal grandparents Bob and Barb Farnsworth of Springfield, maternal grandmother Eleanor VanAlstyne of Chester, a niece, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather Earl VanAlstyne.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at the home of Joe and Holly Farnsworth, 710 Massey Road in Springfield. Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel.

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Willis R. Knight

Willis Raymond "Bill" Knight, 98, of Springfield, died July 24, 2016, at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington.

He was born June 22, 1918, at Knights Pond in South Berwick, Maine, the son of Raymond and Dorothy (Cheney) Knight.

He attended school at Berwick Academy in South Berwick and Wentworth College in Boston, graduating with a degree as a drafting engineer. After college, he moved to Springfield and worked at Fellows Gear Shaper.

He married Mary Lengyel on Nov. 20, 1943.

Mr. Knight served in the Navy and Army, fighting in World War II in the Rhineland and Europe. He received a Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and two Bronze Service Stars. He returned to Springfield and worked for Fellows until his retirement in 1980. He moved to the Vermont Veterans Home in 2011.

Mr. Knight was a member of the Elks Club in Springfield, the Hit Or Miss Club and the VFW. He enjoyed woodworking, picture framing and ballroom dancing.

After his wife died in 1995, he reconnected with a grade-school friend, Viola Perkins Hildreth, who had recently lost her husband. They spent seven years together in Springfield and Florida.

Survivors include a brother Bob, of Colorado; a daughter, Kathleen Knight of South Burlington; two sons, Richard of North Springfield and Robert of South Berwick, Maine; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. He was predeceased by his wife and a brother, Jack.

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Marcia W. Farmer

Marcia W. Farmer, 86, of Ascutney, died Thursday, July 21, 2016, in her home. She was born July 16, 1930, in Hampton, N.Y., the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Douglas) Whitaker. She was raised in Newfane and graduated from Brattleboro High School.

She was the first woman to graduate from Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center, earning her associate's degree. She married Samuel F. Farmer in Newfane in 1963 and they moved to Ascutney.

Marcia was employed as an x-ray technician at Brattleboro Hospital, Mount Ascutney Hospital and Springfield Hospital. She retired from Mount Ascutney Hospital in Windsor in 1999.

Survivors include her daughter, Catherine Henault of Perkinsville; stepson David Farmer of Anchorage, Alaska; brother Raymond Whitaker of Panton, Vermont; two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. Her husband died in 1982. She was also predeceased by her parents and a brother, John Whitaker.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016, with the Rev. Lance Harlow, officiating. Committal services will be held in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane. Memorial contributions may be made to BAYADA Hospice in Norwich, Vermont; or to the American Cancer Society . Condolences may be left at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

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Thelma Alex

Thelma Alex, 95, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Brattleboro.

She was born Aug. 23, 1920, in Springfield, the daughter of Edlor and Anna (Brady) Jarvis. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1939.

On Oct. 5, 1943, she married Frank J. Alex. He predeceased her in 1980.

Mrs. Alex was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed knitting, traveling, participating with many Senior Center activities and singing with the Senior Songsters.

Survivors include four daughters, Julie Strasser of Burbank, Calif., Marjorie Ellis of Weathersfield, Mary Alex of Hillsboro, N.H., and Linda Copans of Boston, Mass.; 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Alfred and Richard, and sister, Mildred.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, July 29, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Springfield. The Rev. Peter Williams, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Springfield.

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Linda Archer

Linda Archer, 71, of Chester, died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Mount Ascutney Health Care Center in Windsor.

She was born March 31, 1945, in Chester, the daughter of Clarence and Mary (Dragon) Lane. She graduated from Chester High School, class of 1963, and graduated from Castleton State Teachers College in 1967.

Her first job as a teacher was in Cambridge, New York, for a year or two before moving home to Chester and teaching for 33 years at Chester Andover Elementary School.

On July 21, 1990, Linda married Richard Archer at Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield.

She enjoyed playing bingo.

Linda is survived by her husband; a sister, Sherry Williams of Milford, Delaware; a nephew, a niece, great-nieces and -nephews and several cousins. She was predeceased by her parents.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Pleasantview Cemetery in Chester, with the Rev. George Keeler officiating.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Darlene D. Knight

Darlene D. Knight, 56, died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

She was born March 24, 1960, in Middletown, Connecticut, the daughter of Marcellus and Shirley (Metcalf) Knight. She graduated from Springfield High School.

She was a print shop representative with NewsBank in Chester for many years.

Ms. Knight is survived by her life partner of 38 years, Dennis N. Rhodes; a son, Justin Rhodes; a granddaughter, Riley Rhodes; her father, Marcellus Mark Knight, and his wife, Charlene; her mother, Shirley Muther; a sister, Sharon Knight; two brothers Marcellus Knight and Shawn Knight; five stepbrothers Kevin and Fred Thorburn, and Donald, Geoffrey and Adam Muther; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a brother, Richard Knight; her stepfather Brahm Muther; and a niece, Kelli Knight.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Windsor County Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495-4420.

Arrangements are by Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.

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Anita E. Amsden

Anita Ellen Amsden, 80, of Chester, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at Springfield Hospital. Anita was born and raised in Bartonsville. She was the daughter of David and Clara (Mitchell) Anderson. She graduated from Bellows Falls High School. Anita afterward went on to pursue a career in nursing. Anita was a registered nurse and had worked at Springfield Hospital and also as a shop nurse at the machine and tool shops in Springfield. Anita was married to Edwin Amsden in Peru, Vermont on Sept. 5, 1956, and together they raised their family.

Besides her work, Anita was avid NASCAR fan, she loved reading, her flowers, especially yellow roses, and “Jeopardy.” She was a lifelong member of the Rebekah’s RA100F Chester, a member of the Chester American Legion Auxiliary, The Red Hat Society and the senior center in Bellows Falls.

For Anita, her family was the most important thing to her. Above all else she loved her children, grandchildren and her extended family and friends.

Anita is survived by her two daughters, Candith Amsden of Chester, Penny and her husband, Richard Jenkins, of Springfield; her son, Thomas Amsden of Chester; her brother, Andrew Anderson; two grandchildren, Kate and Orrin Amsden and several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Anita was predeceased by her husband Edwin, her son, Timothy and her brother, Carl. Anita is also survived by her special friends George and Elizabeth Loura of Chester. Her family would like to extend a special thanks to the Rockingham Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, at the Adams Funeral Home, 35 Depot St., in Chester. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, the Adams Funeral Home. Graveside committal services and interment will follow at the Simonsville Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Chester American Legion.

Memorial contributions in Anita’s memory may be made to the Rockingham Volunteer Fire Dept., 974 Pleasant Valley Road, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.

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Roy G. Benson

Roy Gordon Benson, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Chester on Thursday, July 14, 2016.

He was born in Springfield, VT, January 2, 1942, the son of Francis and Harriet (Hazen) Benson. Roy attended Chester schools and was a graduate of Chester High School, class of 1960. Roy served his country in the United States Army having served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966. After his honorable discharge Roy worked for the state of Vermont highway department, Fellows Gear Shaper and retired from Bryant Grinder Inc. Roy was an avid fisherman and enjoyed watching television, the news, baseball and Big Papi!

Roy is survived by his three nieces, Dorene E. Benson of Chester, Angela Newman Foysworth of Georgia, Norene E. Grout of South Londonderry, VT. He is also survived by a special aunt, Leona Hazen, and a very special caregiver, Debbie Blakmer. Roy was predeceased by his parents, Francis (Pat) and Harriet Benson, a sister, Mary Jane, two brothers, Eugene Charles and Raymond Sidney Benson, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 21, 2016, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 35 Depot St., Chester. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. in the North Street Cemetery, Chester, with the Rev. Margaret Dawedeit, pastor of the Peru Congregational Church, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Jct. VT

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Eliza Ward

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, July 24 at 2 p.m. in the Plymouth Notch Cemetery in Plymouth for Eliza Johnson Ward, 93, who died peacefully at the Gill Odd Fellows home in Ludlow on July 13. Rev. Donald Harpster, pastor of the United Church of Ludlow and Margo Marrone of the Tyson Congregational Church will officiate. She was born on April 12, 1923 in Plymouth, daughter of Wilfred and Avis (Derby) Johnson.

Eliza spent the majority of her life in her beloved town of Plymouth including 50 years in the house that she and her late husband Victor built. She spent the last 14 months at the Gill Odd Fellows Home after an unfortunate fall.

Eliza worked for Dr. Cram and Dr. Asses then for a short time at the Gear Shaper Co. in Springfield, VT and then for the 1st National Store in Ludlow during the 1950’s. Eliza eventually began working for the Round Top Ski Area in the Ski Shop and the kitchen, the Wilder House at the Plymouth Homestead and cooking at the Salt Ash Inn.

She was a member of the Tyson Ladies Aide and the Plymouth Historical Society where she co-authored 2 books; Recollections and Stories of Plymouth and A Pictorial History of Plymouth. She also volunteered at the Ludlow Senior Center, the Coolidge Homestead, and the Plymouth School for a number of years. Eliza enjoyed quilting, gardening, and feeding her birds.

She was survived by a brother Neil of Brandon; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 plus years Victor Ward; and eight brothers and sisters; Dorothy, Julia, Arthur, Don, Rose, Everett, Elson, and Carmen.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Gill Odd Fellows Home Activity Fund, 8 Gill Terrace, Ludlow, 05149. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, an online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com

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Kenneth A. Colburn Jr.

Kenneth A. Colburn Jr., 79, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016. He was born in September of 1936 in Ludlow, Vermont, son of Kenneth A. Colburn Sr. and Elizabeth Effie Lawrence of Ludlow.

He was predeceased by his sister, Gracie, 5, and Dorothy, and has one living sister, Constance Moore. His family includes his wife of 60 years, five sons and two daughters, Christy, Kenneth III, Kevin, Colleen, Kory (deceased), Kerry and Kelly Colburn, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He retired from the Navy and Army after 20 years. He worked at the Ludlow Post Office, Bryants, Jones & Lamson, and retired from the state of Vermont Department of Transportation.

He was an avid softball player, hunter, fisherman and camper.

Kenneth was cremated to be interred at a later date.

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Daisy E. Currie

Daisy E. Currie, 87, died Sunday, July 10, 2016, at her daughter’s residence in Casleton, Vt., surrounded by her family.

She was born January 13, 1929, in Springfield, the daughter of Lyman A., and Gretta (Triefry) Howard. She graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 1947.

In her earlier years she was employed by Woolworth and Fellows Gear Shaper. In 1978, she went to work at the Hartness House Inn, retiring in 2012. She was an icon at the inn, a memorable figure to the machine tool industry representatives along with many others within the community and surviving many ownerships.

She was a member of the Springfield Congregational Church for many years and enjoyed spending time with her friends there. In her earlier years, she enjoyed skiing at Okemo, traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had great affinity for animals, her friends, shopping and life.

She was predeceased by brother James Howard, and her twin brothers Nathan and Norman Howard. She is survived by her sister Marion Robinson and her three daughters: Marsha Wilmot and her husband John Hameline, Deborah Willis and her partner Bill Wiethoff and Janet Currie and her partner Mark Little; grandchildren Ted Willis and Kate Willis; and a niece, Anne Robinson Stocker and her husband Stuart Stocker. In addition, she leaves her beloved four-footed friends Frank and Kitty.

A memorial service will be held at the Hartness House Inn, Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. There will be no public burial. Contributions may be made in her name to the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 7 Albert Cree Drive, PO Box 787, Rutland, VT 05702-0787.

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Duane M. Hobbs

Duane Michael Hobbs, 77, of Park Street, Woodsville, N.H., died following a brief illness, on Friday, July 8, 2016, at Cottage Hospital, Woodsville, with his family by his side.

Duane was born on March 30, 1939, in Chester, Vt., to Myron and Ethel (O’Brien) Hobbs. He graduated from Springfield (Vt.) High School in 1957 and from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in 1961. After his college graduation, Duane served in the US Navy from 1961 through 1965. Following his honorable discharge, he began his pharmacy career in Vergennes, Vt. at Campbell’s Pharmacy.

On Sept. 23, 1967, he married Mary Stebbins. Eventually, Duane and Mary moved to Wells River, Vt. where he served as a Pharmacist at Thomas Pharmacy from 1974 until his retirement in 2001.

Duane was a communicant at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Woodsville. He was active in the Blue Mt. Grange, was a former Blue Mt. Union School Board member as well as a former member of the Cottage Hospital Board of Trustees. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, playing BINGO at the VFW in North Haverhill, and fishing with his grandchildren. Mostly, he cherished time surrounded by his family at their many gatherings.

He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Mary Stebbins Hobbs on Sept. 19, 2013 and his brother, Myron “Jim” Hobbs on Jan. 16, 2016.

He is survived by two sons, Jonathan Hobbs and wife Kindra of Woodsville and children Kyle and Paige Royer, and Michael Hobbs of Belgrade, Minn. and daughters Lizzy and Matilda Hobbs. Other family members include Joe Pollender, Kate Davie and husband Steve and their children Hannah, Willa, and Owen, Abby Pollender and her children Molly, Ann, and Kara Goolman, and Ann Pollender and husband Alan Kamman and their family Aliza and Sawyer Kamman; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St., Woodsville, N.H. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, July 15, at 10 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 15, Pine Street, Woodsville with Father Alan Tremblay, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Mt. Grange, c/o Mrs. Betty Beauvais, PO Box 365, East Ryegate, Vt. 05042, to VFW Post # 5245, c/o Mr. Dale Pierson, 3 Beech Street, Woodsville, NH 03785 for the establishment of their memorial park, or to Woodsville Ambulance Service, PO Box 191, Woodsville, NH 03785. For more information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.rickerfh.com. Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Woodsville is in charge of arrangements.

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Diana B. Leonard

Diana B. Leonard, 89, passed away peacefully March 28, 2016 at Atria Assisted Living in Lakewood, Colorado.

She was a sweet lady, remembered for her cheerful smiles, kind words and sense of humor.

Diana was born in Glenridge, N.J. She grew up in Montclair, N.J., and attended Montclair High School. She had a love for art and music. She played the cello and violin, and sang in numerous church choirs over the years.

After high school she was accepted to the prestigious Cooper Union, a school of art and engineering in New York City. While at Cooper Union, she was introduced to the handsome engineering student, Al. She often said, “Al was the best thing I got from Cooper Union!”

They married at the Unitarian Universalist in Cavendish, Vermont, and their love for each other lasted through 66 years of marriage. Diana and Al lived in New Jersey for about 22 years, then moved to Connecticut for a few years. When Al retired they moved to the family house in Cavendish, Vermont.

In addition to being a loving mother and homemaker, she was active in many community service activities. Over the years, she played many roles in the churches that she attended, from singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday School, to leading the youth group. She was a representative in the American Field Service — AFS (a foreign student exchange program), even housing a number of exchange students for varying lengths of time. One student from Thailand lived with the family for an entire school year. In addition to hosting exchange students, she and Al also hosted international speakers in Vermont from the Heiffer organization. Diana was Girl Scout leader, and a board member at the local library. She painted signs, painted theater sets, did calligraphy and wrote newspaper articles for a number of different organizations. Two and a half years ago, Al and Diana moved to Colorado to be near their daughter, Susan.

Diana is survived by her three children Susan Lange, Alfred Leonard and Diana Pelzer; and her nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by friends, family and all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 16th at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church of Springfield, VT. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your favorite charity.

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Lucy F. Kehoe

Lucy Forgues Kehoe, 87, of Chester, Vt., passed away peacefully Thursday, July 7, 2016, after a long illness. She had her loving family and friends by her side at the Springfield Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Lucy was born on October 18, 1928, in Casselman, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Henry and Aldina (Quenneville) Forgues. Lucy was married on June 13, 1948, to Robert Bowen Kehoe, who predeceased her.

Lucy was a clerk for the A&P Store and worked with her husband, Bob, for many years. She really enjoyed being a homemaker, gardening and family.

She is survived by daughters Linda K. Smith and her fiancé, Omar Austin, and Cynthia M. Kehoe of Chester, Vt., and son, Robert B. Kehoe, and his wife, Cynthia, of Windham. Also 6 grandchildren, Jayson M. Smith of Grafton, Vt., Jodie R. Underwood and her husband, Ron, of Londonderry, Vt., Kirk Kehoe and his wife, Kelly, of Chester, Vt., Angela Hescock and her husband, Bob, of Wardsboro, Vt., Nathan Kehoe and his wife, Erin, of Windham, Vt., and Elaine Chila and her husband, Lance, of Dorset, Vt. Also 14 great-grandchildren. Lucy was predeceased by her sisters Jane Bishop and Simone Langlois; and her brothers John, Lucien and Leo Forgues.

A Catholic Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 16, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Chester, Vt. Donations may be made to the Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, Vt. 05150. Arrangements are in care of the Adams Funeral Home, Ludlow.

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Walter J. Irving

Walter J. Irving, 93, of Kennebunk, Maine died peacefully on July 7, 2016, after a short stay at Reminiscence memory-care facility in Kennebunk.

Born in 1923 in Somerville, Mass., he graduated from Belmont (Mass.) High School, followed by Parks Air College in East St. Louis, Ill. He worked for Northwest Airlines in Seattle, Wash., until WWII, when he served in the Marine Corps. He married Dale Schaffer in 1946; they lived in Darien, Conn., from 1952 to 1980, and Springfield, Vt., from 1980 to 1986. He pursued a career in business systems and procedures at a variety of corporations.

Retired years were in Kennebunk, where he was a volunteer at the Senior Center of Lower Village and kept busy traveling, painting, and woodworking. He was an accomplished cribbage player and a lover of limericks and puns, had a great sense of humor, and above all cherished his family life.

Surviving are his wife; daughter Judith and her husband Stephen Reid, of Brookfield, Vt.; son Bruce and his wife Deborah, of Cambridge, Mass.; grandchildren Josey and Calley Hastings and Emily and Jane Irving; stepgrandchildren Hannah and Nick Reid; and a great-grandson, Angelo Archdeacon. He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Edith Irving; and a son, Gerald, age 11.

Following his wishes, there will be no service, and his body was donated to the University of New England. Donations in his memory may be made to the Senior Center of Lower Village, or Louis T. Graves Library in Kennebunkport.

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Virginia H. Wooster

Virginia Helen Wooster, who was born November 5, 1919 to Helen Hall and Luther Melvin Baker in a farmhouse in Springfield, VT, died on July 4th in her Naples, Florida home. After deciding farm life wasn't for her, Virginia set off for the big city of Springfield, MA. While there,achance encounter with a handsome clerk Robert Wooster led to a romance that culminated in 63 years of marriage with four children, nine grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Ginny and Bob enjoyed traveling, dinner parties and Tea Dances with their group of close friends.

Virginia is survived by her sister Mary Begley, several nieces and nephews, and 2 dear friends, Claire Formwalt and Laura Vogt. Ginny never had a bad word to say about anyone and always looked for the best in people. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. The family acknowledges the tender end of life care given by Avow Hospice of Naples which allowed her to spend her last days in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her family. More can be found by visiting www.fullernaples.com

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John Von Bargen

John Megown Von Bargen, 70, of North Springfield, passed away from lung cancer on Monday, July 4, 2016, at 2:50 a.m. at his home surrounded by his family. John was born on Sept. 25, 1945, in Ironwood, Mich., to John and Jessie Von Bargen. He is the brother of Mary Von Bargen Frederick. John’s childhood was spent in a number of states in the Midwest as his father was in the United States Forest Service. He attended and graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Economics. After concluding his education, he traveled the United States as a comb salesman and in so doing, visited Vermont where he met and fell in love with his wife Leslie Bibens.

On Aug. 24, 1975, he and Leslie were married and started their life together. In the years to come, John and Leslie built a home together in North Springfield and had two children, John Eric Von Bargen and Julie Von Bargen Thom. They had an admirable marriage that ended after three years of John’s unwavering loving care of Leslie, who passed away of ovarian cancer July 9, 2012. In June 2016, John was married to Veronica Todorovic, and their time was cut too short by John’s illness. He is survived by Veronica; John and Emily Von Bargen; Jason and Julie Thom; and his grandchildren, John Eric Von Bargen Jr, Henry Richard Von Bargen and Evie Leslie Thom.

With a desire to work with his hands, John made the improbable decision to train himself as a silversmith. First selling his jewelry at local craft fairs, he eventually opened his first store, The Silver Mine in Killington, Vt., in 1975. These entrepreneurial learnings coupled with John’s passion for quality and his risk taking mindset led to the founding of his first Von Bargen’s jewelry store in Springfield, Vt. John gradually expanded to four store locations and developed an industry-wide respected business known for its quality and ethics.

John’s charisma, enthusiasm and engaging conversation often left those with whom he interacted with an unforgettable impression. He had incredible energy and a wild streak that revealed his love of and appreciation of life. As an addict to the New York Times, a long standing VPR supporter and a voracious reader, John could speak to any topic at length. His confidence and delivery made him a great story teller, and he never let the facts get in the way of a good story. He may have been often wrong but he was never in doubt.

John will be missed intensely by his family and by the many friends he developed throughout his life.

The funeral service for John will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, at the Congregational Church in Springfield, Vt. A reception will follow at the Von Bargen’s home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in John’s honor to The Norris Cotton Cancer Center Research Fund (ph. 603-653-0745).

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Bernard J. Stoodley

Bernard James Stoodley, 57, of Springfield, died Monday, July 4, 2016, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

He was born Sept. 22, 1958, in Bellows Falls, the son of George W. and Celia E. (Fedelski) Stoodley.

Bernie enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He collected baseball and football cards. He loved to travel with his parents and spending time with his family and friends. In recent months, he had volunteered at Springfield Hospital and the SEVCA Thrift Store.

The family includes his brothers, Thomas Stoodley of Texas and Robert Stoodley of Bellows Falls; his sisters, Jane Pixley of Cavendish and Judith King of Unity; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; also his dedicated caregiver, Barbara Goodell, who lovingly and patiently attended to all of his needs. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at the Charlestown Memorial Chapel. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, at St. Catherine’s Church on Main Street in Charlestown, with Father Steven Lepine officiating. Burial will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156; or the Springfield Hospital Volunteer Services, 25 Ridgewood Road, Springfield, VT 05156. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

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Donald R. Merchant

Donald R. Merchant, 67, of Weathersfield, died Sunday, July 3, 2016, at his home. He was born July 30, 1948, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the son of George D. and Oda (Loetta) Merchant.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War . Mr. Merchant was employed as a supervisor with Mack Molding for 25 years, retiring July 30, 2014.

On June 27, 1992, he married the former Robin Elizabeth Acker in Reading.

He loved riding and working on motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Robin; daughter, Jean Marie Willard; three sons Donald R. Merchant Jr., Roy M. Towsley, and Steven Towsley; two brothers Bill Keller and Woodrow Scott; two sisters, Beatrice Huestus and Loreen Ruser; eight grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. The Rev. Scott Kearn, pastor, will officiate.

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Elwin Leysath

Elwin Leysath, 95, died Saturday, July 2, 2016, at his home in Brandon, Vt.

He passed away peacefully and comfortably in his sleep following an extended period of declining health. A sixth-generation Vermonter, Mr. Leysath was born in Springfield, VT, on August 25, 1920, the son of Winona Burditt and Albert Leysath, and older brother to his sister Esther.

He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from North Carolina State University and a Master’s Degree in forestry from Duke University.

After taking up residence in Possum Corner, South Carolina, Elwin married Murdale Cameron, a Southern-born and educated woman who later would become one of the most important and influential ministers of the United Church of Christ.

In 1949, their son, Albert, was born, and in 1950 the family moved back to Elwin’s home state of Vermont when he accepted a position as Rutland County forester, settling in Rutland. In 1952, a daughter, Dorothy was born, completing the family.

Elwin’s responsibilities in his career grew, and by 1968, he was in charge of all forest pest control for Southern Vermont. In 1976, he took an early retirement and moved to Michigan where his wife’s ascending career led to a position of associate conference minister. There he began work as a private forestry consultant. In 1981, they moved to Minnesota, where Murdale became the first female conference minister in the history of the UCC. In 1989, Elwin and Murdale moved back to Vermont to enjoy a life of semi-retirement, although both stayed active in their professions.

Elwin was a man of many interests and simple pleasures. He was a past master Mason of the Rutland Center Lodge, avid gardener, world traveler, coin collector, Eagle Scout, choir singer, violin player, voracious reader, fern expert and Cribbage shark.

A true Vermonter, Elwin was a man of few words but could say more with the twinkle in his eye than most people could communicate with paragraphs. He did not know the meaning of pretense or artifice. He found joy in everything he did, and kindness was the gift he offered to everyone who knew him. In his final years, he never complained of his growing limitations, but instead embraced his remaining pleasures even more passionately. He was universally adored by every person who met him, and we were proud to be a part of his family.

Elwin is survived by his son, Albert; daughter, Dorothy; grandchildren Terry, John, and Bertha; and great-granddaughter, June. He will be missed by all.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.

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