College news
• Brattleboro Memorial Hospital announced that Kelly A. McCue of Dummerston has received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Bouve College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston. McCue graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently the administrator for BMH's Comprehensive Breast Care Program, and coordinates diagnostic testing, treatment, post-treatment follow-up, and support services for women with breast disease, or who have questions regarding their breast health.
• The following local students were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2014 semester at Keene State College: Olivia Capponcelli of Brookline, Arlene Herbough of Putney, Eric Howley of Jacksonville, Alyson Jones of South Newfane, Annelise Kloster of Marlboro, Jocelyn Lovering of Putney, Jason Macie of Putney, Kayla Savage of Vernon.
Transitions
• Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend made several changes to its Board of Trustees. After 23 years of service, Deborah Boyle has decided to retire from the Grace Cottage Hospital Board of Trustees. During that time, Boyle served as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Chair of the Financing and Audit Committee. Three new members have been elected to the Board of Trustees: Lexa Clark, Martha Dale, and Cheryl Sanctuary. Clark served for almost 25 years as the Deputy Clerk at Windham Superior Court in Newfane. She has chaired the Jamaica Selectboard since 2007, and was Captain of the Jamaica Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department for 30 years. Dale most recently worked for the Yale Global Health Leadership Institute after a career in nonprofit healthcare management in Connecticut. Sanctuary has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years as a Chief Operating Officer, director, practice manager, and registered nurse.
Obituaries
• Barry Burrington, 67, of Vernon. Died Dec. 27 at his home. Husband of Nancy (Haase) Burrington for 42 years. Father of Barbi Richert and her husband, Bryan; Beth Douglass and her husband, Ben; and Micah Burrington. Son of Reginald and Mina Burrington. Brother of Regina Stowell and Peter Burrington. He was a native Vermonter, born and raised in Brattleboro. He served in the Marine Corps in the Vietnam War, was a member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 798, and a member of the American Legion. He was also a member of the Elks in Brattleboro and was a past Exalted Ruler. He worked for more than 30 years as a phone installer for New England Telephone (now Verizon), retiring in 2001. He was an avid Harley rider. He was also a founding member of the Southern Vermont Waterskiiers. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Jan. 3 at Vernon Advent Christian Church. Donations to the Marine Corps League or Vernon Advent Christian Church.
• Barbara Shepherd Bennert Childs, 89, of Wilmington. Died Dec. 28 at the Centers For Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington. Wife of the late Robert “Rem” N. Bennert for 58 years, and Herbert Childs for three years. Mother of Robert Bennert of Cape May, N.J., Thomas Bennert and his wife, Beverly, of Gross Pointe Park, Mich., Katy Little and her husband, Rich, of Wilmington, and Elizabeth Chavez and husband, David, of Etna, N.H. Sister of Alice Sheppard of Denver and Patricia Rathbone of Watertown, Mass. Born in New York City, the daughter of the late Samuel R. and Helen (Storm) Shepherd, she was a graduate of Columbia High School and continued her education at Stoneleigh College. She was first married in 1946, and after her first husband's death, later married Mr. Childs in 2011. She had a full life, raising her children, keeping busy as a tennis instructor for the town Recreation Department, and working with mental health services in the town in addition to her career at Vermont National Bank. Following Mr. Bennert's death, she relocated to Billings, Mont, but after a few years, she longed for the mountains of Vermont and returned to Wilmington. She enjoyed all types of sports, including tennis, golf, and skiing. She loved her dogs, decorating her home, and tending to her gardens. With an adventurous spirit, she was always willing to try anything new. Memorial information: A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2015, she will be buried in the Riverview Cemetery. Donations to Deerfield Valley Rescue and the Windham County Humane Society in care of the Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Ernest Cole, 78, of Newfane. Died Dec. 26 at Grace Cottage Hospital. Husband of Helen Cole. Father of Michael, Kenneth and Richard Cole and the late Betty Lou Cole. Brother of Francis, Arnold. Carlos, Shelba, Alice, and the late Eleanor Cole. Born in Brookline, the son of the late Olie Cole and Margaret Brown, he attended school at Leland & Gray Seminary. After graduation, he worked as a logger and in construction. He worked for many years at Cersosimo Lumber and, later, at GS Percision until he retired. He loved fishing of all kinds. He was an avid woodworker, and a big Red Sox fan. He will be dearly missed by his cat Buddy. Memorial information: At his request, there will be no service or calling hours. Donations to NewBrook Fire and Rescue in Newfane.
• Phyllis Marilyn Hooghkirk Evanuk, 74, of Halifax. Died Dec. 7 at home. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Jan. 3 at the Halifax Community Club. Donations to help the family with service expenses may be given to the Phyllis H. Evanuk Living Trust.
• Wilfred Kendall Griffin, 89, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 25 at his home, following a period of declining health. Husband of Lillian E. (Fall) Griffin for 62 years. Former husband of Virginia Hastings. Father of Richard E. Griffin of Bedford, NH, Dennis F. Griffin of Brattleboro, David A. Griffin of Boston, Kathleen M. Hartwell of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Patricia L. Griffin of Brattleboro. Brother of the late Wendall H. Griffin, Wavie I. Arel, and Winnifred H. Graffius. Born in Halifax, the son of the late Henry W. and Celestia Edna (Starr) Griffin, he attended local schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1943. During World War II, he enlisted in the Navy in November 1943. He served in both Africa and France as a medic. Upon his honorable discharge from active service, he returned home and went on to attend the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston. He held licenses in both Massachusetts and Vermont. He worked as a pharmacist in Northfield, Mass., and Bennington, before returning to Brattleboro where he became co-owner of Root's Pharmacy in 1960. Root's Pharmacy was a well-known fixture on Main St. for over 125 years. He eventually assumed ownership of the independent drugstore, which he operated up until the mid-1990s when the business closed. He also worked part-time for many years as pharmacist at the Brattleboro Retreat. He served on the Vermont Board of Pharmacy for many years as both a member and as chairman. He was a 1973 recipient of the A. H. Robins “Bowl of Hygeia” Award for outstanding contributions to his community, not only as a highly skilled, knowledgeable pharmacist, but as a civic leader as well. His photo appeared in Time magazine on Oct. 8, 1973, as the award winner for the State of Vermont. He enjoyed puttering around his home, doing yard work and gardening and enjoyed time spent with his family. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Jan. 3 at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro. Burial in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery will take place at a future date. Donations to Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home of Brattleboro.
• Isabelle Haley, 88, of Grafton. Died Dec. 26 at her home. During her illness, she was lovingly cared for by her husband of nearly 70 years, Bernard “Pete” Haley. Mother of Reginald Haley and his wife, Sharon, of Winchester N.H.; Raymond Haley and his wife, Noreen, of Goldsboro, N.C.; Corinne Miles, of Grafton; and the late Bernard “Peter” Haley Jr. Sister of the late Arthur and Vern Buell and June Severance. Born in Manchester, Vt., the daughter of the late Arthur and Mildred (Tift) Buell, ahe attended school in Townshend and Jamaica, and in California. Following school, she worked as a housekeeper for the Niles family in Saxtons River and took in laundry and ironing for others. On Jan. 18, 1945 in Westminster, she married “Pete.” In 2010, the couple's love story was featured in The Shopper newspaper, highlighting the fact the Haley's spent their wedding night in their broken down car with their love to keep them warm. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 30 at Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls. A graveside burial service will be held in the spring at the Houghtonville Cemetery.
• Louis V. Kibby, Sr., 80, of West Wardsboro. Died Dec. 20 at his home. Husband of Maxine (Robinson) Kibby. Father of John, William, Louis Jr., Jason, and Darren Kibby. Brother of Clara Moesch, Barbara Tanner, Edward Kibby, and the late Bertha Hanna, Bertie Talbert, Sydney and Donald Kibby, and his twin brother, James Kibby. Born in Wade, Miss., the son of the late William and Ethel (Kennedy) Kibby, he was well known for his kindness and humor. He loved fishing, his dogs, baseball, projects at home, and helping others. After serving as an airplane mechanic in the Air Force from 1955 to 1959, he worked for 38 years at American Saw Manufacturing Company in East Longmeadow, Mass., before retiring in 1996. Memorial information: A memorial service was held on Jan. 3 at the Wardsboro Yoked Parish. A private burial will follow in the spring. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 1, Townshend, VT 05353, or the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
• Theresa Helen LaBelle, 81, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 28 at her home. Wife of the late Francois B. LaBelle for nearly 59 years. Mother of Michael A. LaBelle of Wardsboro, Andrew J. LaBelle of Keene, N.H., Scott P. LaBelle of Hinsdale, N.H., James C. LaBelle of Brattleboro, and the late Angela LaBelle, Elizabeth Benoit and Jacqueline Tatro. Sister of Reginald “Zeke” Williams of Hinsdale, Richard Williams of Brattleboro, and the late Clyde, Robert, and Donald Williams, and Sally Durkey. Born in St. Albans, the daughter of the late Samuel and Gertrude (St. Pierre) Williams, she was raised and educated in the St. Albans area, where she attended public schools. She was a nurse's assistant for many years, working at Thompson House and Eden Park nursing homes in Brattleboro. Previously, she worked at The Book Press. She enjoyed cooking, canning, crocheting, attending yard sales, and time spent with her family. In her later years, she loved to travel. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Jan. 7 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with committal rites and burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Gathering Place, 30 Terrace St., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Grace M. LaFountain, 88, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 27 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital following a period of declining health. Wife of the late Wilfred P. LaFountain for 62 years. Mother of Nancy Graves and her husband, Bruce, of Keene, N.H.; Jane Bellville and her husband, Bruce, of Hinsdale, N.H.; and Richard LaFountain of Bedford, N.H. Sister of the late Francis Miller and Esther Dunklee. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late R. Irving and Mamie (Adams) Miller, she was raised and educated in Brattleboro, graduating from Brattleboro High School, Class of 1945. A former longtime resident of Hinsdale, she owned and operated her own child day care center in Hinsdale during the 1960s and 1970s. She also served as bookkeeper for her husband's general contracting business for many years. She was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life centered around her family. She was a member of First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. She enjoyed spectator sports, especially football, and loved to travel. Memorial information: A funeral service was held on Jan. 2 at First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro, with burial in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery. Donations to Thompson House Nursing Home, 80 Maple Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301, or to Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT. 05302. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Harry Albion Morse, 98, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 27 at Vernon Advent Christian Home. Husband of the late Edith Taylor. Father of Howard C. Morse of Snohomish, Wash., and Nancy Brosz of Brattleboro. Brother of the late Celia Carley, Mildred Clark, Ruth Hamilton, Marion Bemis, Beatrice Jacobs, Hazel Morse, and Erlon, Robert, Ralph, and Harold Morse. Born in Canaan, N.H., the son of the late Clarence and Carrie (Humphrey) Morse of Brattleboro. During World War II, he served in the Army in the 172nd Infantry Regiment of the Vermont National Guard. Later, he was promoted to second lieutenant in charge of reconnaissance. His unit, Company C of the 566th Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion, received a meritorious service unit award. He again served on active duty during the Korean War. When he returned home, he became the proprietor of Harry's Auto Body Shop on Flat Street in Brattleboro for many years. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter and a gardener. His weekends in the spring were spent making maple syrup with family. In his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling. He was a devoted husband, caring for his wife's medical needs during her last days. Memorial information: Burial will take place in Morningside Cemetery in Brattleboro in the spring. Donations to Vernon Advent Christian Home Activities Fund, 61 Greenway Drive, Vernon, VT 05354. Arrangements are under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Barbara Ann (Crosby) Nelson of West Dover. Died Nov. 29. Wife of Roy S. Nelson. Mother of Brion C. Nelson and his wife, Laura; Cindy-lee (Nelson) Fedeli and her husband, David; Bruce G. Nelson and his wife, Celia, and Beth-Ann (Nelson) Boynton. Sister of Charlotte Noel, Judith C. Skehan, and Carol Fleming. Born in Worcester, Mass., the daughter of the late George V. and Margaret M. (Karpowich) Crosby, she grew up in Holden, Mass., and was the eldest of four children. She loved the outdoors and became an avid swimmer, winning many championships. She attended Holden High School, where she first met her husband. The Nelsons married in 1947 lived in Worcester until a massive tornado struck the city in June 1953 and destroyed their home. Salvaging what little remained of their belongings; they decided to relocate to nearby Paxton, Mass. She began as a sales rep with Stanley Home Products, followed by administrative assistant positions for several nearby firms, including Dea Insurance Agency in Holden. She missed sales however, and was hired by a Boston based real estate firm selling recreational properties in the Northeast. When Barbara's home in Paxton was destroyed by fire in 1968, she purchased property in West Dover, and started her own real estate business. After Barbara retired from real estate, she began doing bus tours for seniors, many of whom requested her as tour guide for their repeated trips to Vermont. She made many friends over the years and will be missed by all who remember her hardworking tireless spirit as well as her dedication to family, friends, and customers. Memorial information: As per her wishes, a private memorial service was held.
• Elizabeth Mary Clark Newton, 99, of Northfield, Mass. Died Dec. 30 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital. Wife of the late Harold A. Newton for 72 years. Mother of Ann Graves and her husband, Robert, of State College, Pa.; Alice Moody and her husband, D. Mark, of Valley Falls, N.Y.; Arthur Newton of Sillans, France; Constance Stancell and her husband, Arnold, of Greenwich, Conn.; and Carol Mintzer and her husband, Howard, of New York City. Sister of Margery Evans of Guilford and Barbara Dauphin of Claremont, N.H. Born in Guilford, the daughter of the late Maud and Merton C. Clark, she was a graduate of Brattleboro High School and attended Castleton Normal School. She was an elementary school teacher, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She taught school for two years at the Northfield Farms School and then, in the late 1960s, she taught fourth grade for four years at Northfield Elementary School. She also worked at Northfield School for Girls. She started a 4-H club and was its leader for a number of years and was pleased when the club honored her 50 years later on its anniversary. The joy of her life was being a teacher, both in the classroom and life settings. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her students and in the achievements of her family. She loved poetry and often recited poems from memory until the time of her death. She and her husband were dairy farmers, owning farms in Walpole, N.H., and finally Pine Meadow Farm in Northfield until their retirement, when they divided their time between a home in Davenport, Fla., and Vernon, moving back to Northfield eight years ago. She was a partner with her husband in keeping the books and helping in the management of farm finances. She was famous for her determination and independent spirit. She belonged to the Order of Eastern Star, Arcana Chapter, in Greenfield, Mass. She was a member of Trinitarian Congregational Church in Northfield. Memorial information: A graveside committal service was held Jan. 2 in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation, 22 Eliot St., Ashland, MA 01721.
• Kathleen Carlin Nimtz, 82, of Wilmington. Died Dec. 21 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. Wife of the late Robert Owen Nimtz. Mother of Steven Nimtz, Valerie Squindo, Diane Moriarty, Phil Nimtz, Peg Thern, John Nimtz, and Terry Nimtz. Sister of Winifred Sensiba. Born in Milwaukee, where she grew up and received her education, she was the daughter of the late Reuben and Margaret (Malokovic) Sensiba. After raising her seven children, she worked as a travel agent and realtor. Having a large family, she enjoyed her home and spending time with family. She also enjoyed cooking and had traveled extensively. She enjoyed attending musicals and dancing the polka and the waltz. She was a longtime fan of the Green Bay Packers. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 26 at Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home in Wilmington. Donations to the American Diabetes Association.
• George Frederick Perry, 76, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 24 at Pine Heights Nursing Home in Brattleboro following a lengthy illness. Husband of Carol (Miller) Perry for 35 years. Father of Bonnie, Tina and Marie, and the late Steven Perry. Brother of the late Alice Barden. Born in Brattleboro, the son of the late Arthur and Clara (Lawrence) Perry, he was raised and educated in Townshend, attending Leland & Gray Seminary. He later served in the Army, returning home to the Brattleboro area following his honorable discharge. He worked as a maintenance engineer at the Brattleboro Retreat, which he retired from in 2000 following 30 years of faithful service with the hospital. Previously, he had worked at the former American Optical Co. in Brattleboro. He was a member of American Legion Post 5 and F.O. Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. With his wife, he had attended Tri-State Baptist Church in Chesterfield, N.H. He loved puttering around his home, hunting and spending quality time at the family's camp in Averill, Vt. Additionally, he loved time spent with his family. He was known for his spirit of generosity and was always willing to help someone in need. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Jan. 2 at Tri-State Baptist Church in Chesterfield. Donations to Pine Heights Nursing Home Activities Fund, 187 Oak Grove Ave., Brattleboro, VT 05301. Atamaniuk Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Joseph Paul Reagan, 91, of Wilmington. Died Dec. 18 at home. Husband of the late Irene Reagan. Father of Betsey Reagan of Wilmington; Phyllis Arnold and husband, Al, of Alexandria, Va.; Paul Reagan and wife, Jane, of Quechee; and John Reagan and his wife, Patty, of Wardsboro. Brother of the late William, John, and Thomas Reagan. The son of the late John and Anna (Manning) Reagan, he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from St. John's Prep School and St. John's University, where he was an English major. He was a veteran of World War II serving in Brooklyn, N.Y., as a medic and pilot. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his valiant service. For many years, he had worked at the New York Daily News, retiring as superintendent of night operations. Shortly after retiring, he and his wife relocated to Vermont where they established Deerfield Valley Travel. They operated the business for many years and, with their enjoyment of traveling, were able to take many trips together. While living in Seaford, Long Island, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 30 years. Soon after establishing himself in Wilmington, he was instrumental in founding Our Lady of Fatima Council Knights of Columbus. He served the council as Grand Knight and District Deputy; he was also an active member of the Wilmington Lions Club and Our Lady of Fatima Church. He was a regular volunteer at many community events and served his town as Justice of the Peace. He enjoyed spending time boating with his family. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Dec. 23 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilmington, followed by burial in Riverview Cemetery. Donations to The Gathering Place, Deerfield Valley Rescue, Grace Cottage Hospital, or Twice Blessed, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Rossi, 90, of Guilford. Died Dec. 24 at Pine Heights Nursing Home following a period of declining health. She had been a resident of Pine Heights since July. Wife of the late Leo Rossi for 43 years. Mother of Paul Rossi of Guilford and Peter Rossi and his wife, Nicole, of Brattleboro. Brother of the late Edward Cavanagh. Born in Brattleboro, the daughter of the late Edward and Ellen (Anderson) Cavanagh, she attended Brattleboro public schools and was a graduate of Brattleboro High School, Class of 1942. She was a bookkeeper for the Holstein-Frisian Association in Brattleboro, which she retired from in 1985 following over 30 years of faithful service with the Association. Previously she worked at the former Estey Organ Company. She enjoyed animals, especially her cats, birds, flower gardening, and going on bus trips. She was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother who was known for kindness and spirit of friendship. Memorial information: In accordance with her final wishes, there will be no funeral services. Donations to the Windham County Humane Society, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Arrangements were under the direction of the Atamaniuk Funeral Home.
• Florence (Bette) Elizabeth Smith, 91, of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 29 at Pine Heights Nursing Home. Wife of the late Sylvester F. Smith Jr. Mother of Richard A. Smith and his wife, Althea, of Wilmington and William A. Smith and his wife, Carol, of Westminster. Memorial information: At her request, there will be no calling hours and no service. Friends and family are asked to remember her as she was, a caring and loving individual.
• Priscilla “Pat” Soboleski, 84, of North Walpole, N.H. Died Dec. 24 at home. Wife of the late Steven Sobeleski. Mother of Mary Aumand and her husband, Patrick Sr., and Steven Soboleski and his wife, Urma. Sister of Dana and Vincent McDermott and the late Raymond McDermott Jr. Born on Sept. 23, 1930 in North Walpole, the first child of Katharine and Raymond McDermott, she grew up in North Walpole and was a graduate of Bellows Falls High School. She continued her education at Malden School of Nursing in Massachusetts. She then spent her entire nursing career at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital. She was a beloved member of the community - a healer, a helper, and a friend. For the last 10 years, she lived with her daughter, Mary. Memorial information: A funeral Mass was held on Dec. 29 at St. Peter's Church in North Walpole, with burial in St. Peter's Cemetery in Drewsville, N.H.
• Albert Travis Smith, 76, of Easthampton, Mass. Died Dec. 18 at the VA Medical Center in Northampton, Mass. Husband of Susan M. Smith. Father of Samantha Falls of Florida. Brother of Kathryn Knapp and her husband, Richard, of Brattleboro; Mary Sawin and her husband, Jesse, of Athol, Mass., and the late Kermit Smith. Brother-in-law of Pat Smith of Brattleboro. Born in Brattleboro, the son of Maxine and the late Floyd Smith of Vernon, he attended Keene (N.H.) State College and the University of Vermont, graduating with a B.A. in history. He was the general manager of the Brattleboro Chrysler-Plymouth car dealership for 10 years. He completed two tours of duty in the U.S. Navy, one in 1960 and again in 1974 when he was stationed in Saigon. After being wounded in Vietnam, he then returned to school and earned a Master's in counseling in 1986 from Norwich University. He was then dedicated to helping fellow veterans as a counselor, being employed at the Veterans Administration's medical centers in White River Junction and Northampton for 18 years. He retired in 1999. He is fondly remembered by the many veterans whom he served. Memorial information: There will be a gathering of friends and family in thanksgiving for his life in mid-January at his residence in Easthampton, with the exact date and time to be announced.
• Ron Smith, 47, of East Dummerston. Died Dec. 19. Father of Timothy Miller of Hinsdale, N.H. Fianceé and soul mate of Lillian Fowler. Son of Janice Walker Rounds and her partner, John Limatianen of Hinsdale, the late Ronald Smith and Michael Sanderson of Bellows Falls. Stepson of Tuny Smith of Halifax. Brother of Kim Smith and her partner, Rob Van Zandt, of Westminster West; Michael Sanderson and his wife, Jenni, of Putney; Shawn Smith and his wife, Lea, of Brattleboro; and the late Michelle Smith. Born in Keene, N.H., he attended schools in Brattleboro and later graduated from automotive trade school in Rhode Island. He became a very well known, respected, and sought-after master mechanic. He was employed by auto dealerships in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. He loved to work on cars, especially classic cars. He also had a great passion for teaching automotive mechanics to anyone interested in learning. His love for cars was unmatched as he attended every classic car show he could. He also attended NASCAR races all over the United States. His second favorite pastime was listening to music. He loved classic rock and “hairbands” from the Eighties and Nineties. He had a beautiful charm and wit, and was blessed with many, many friends near and far. The single most important thing was his family, especially his nieces and nephews and his son, Timmy. There is nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with them and showing them how very special and important they all were to him. Memorial information: A celebration of his life was held on Dec. 27, at 1 p.m., at West Brattleboro Baptist Church. Donations to www.helphopelive.org in honor of Ron D. Smith.
• Barbara B. Struthers, 73, formerly of Putney. Died Dec. 25 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Wife of David M. Struthers Sr. Mother of David Struthers Jr. and his wife, Elena; Tammi Stockwell and her husband, Mark; Karen Rhodes and her husband, Randon; Kevin Struthers and his wife, Becky. Sister of Shirley Money and Ronnie Holway. Born in Brattleboro, daughter of Erwin and Eva Morse Bryant, she was a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Ladies Oriental Shrine and Fort Nightly in Putney. She will be lovingly remembered by her family. Memorial information: A memorial service was held Dec. 30 at Dummerston Congregational Church.