Obituaries
• Marshall Parker Bills, 69, formerly of Brattleboro. Died Dec. 3, 2020 of lung cancer in Redlands, Calif. He was born in Brattleboro on April 23, 1951 to Allen H. and Gertrude U. Bills. Before moving to California in 1991, Marshall worked as Director of Public Works in Chesterfield, N.H., and had previously worked for the town of Bratteboro. In California, he was a long-distance truck driver, retiring in 2008. Marshall loved the outdoors and one of his greatest joys, beginning in childhood, was to fish. Until this year, he made an annual trip to Vermont for his family's reunion and to fish at his favorite places with his nephew, Quint Carr. He is survived by his wife, Emerlinda Fausto Bills; his brothers Warren R. Candee of South Egremont, Mass., and Allen C. Bills of Texarkana; Texas; and a sister, Laurel Ellis of Putney. He also leaves many treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends; his dog, Lucky, and a herd of adoring cats. He was predeceased by his son Jarrod, his brothers Theodore Candee and Norman Bills, his sisters Elizabeth Candee Wheeler and Marilyn Bills Pierce, and his parents. Memorial information: A family celebration of his life will be held on Aug. 7, 2021 in Vermont and his ashes will be placed with Jarrod's at Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane.
• Joyce B. Boyd, 84, of Wilmington. Died unexpectedly at her home on Dec. 8, 2020. The daughter of the late Ralph and Maude (Temple) Canedy, she was born in Wilmington on Nov. 6, 1936. Joyce grew up in Wilmington where she graduated from Wilmington High School. She married Ernest Boyd in Wilmington in 1950; he died in 1988. She had assisted her husband in the operation of his trucking business and had been a school bus driver for local children for 20 years. In later years, she had worked part-time at Taddingers, where she would often dress up as Santa Claus during the holiday season. She also volunteered her time at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. Joyce enjoyed the company of her family, especially her grandchildren. The love and care that she gave to her family will be cherished forever. She loved her town and sitting on her porch where she could watch all the activity. She also enjoyed gardening. She was a wonderful woman with great strengths, a cheerful spirit, and a kind loving heart. She leaves her son Craig M. Boyd and his wife, Rose, of Springfield, Mass.; daughters Gloria J. Flintrop of South Burlington and Wendy S. Boyd of Rutland; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and cousins. She was predeceased by her sons Patrick M. and Gary D. Boyd, her sister Evelyn Greene, and her brothers Jean and Craig Canedy. Memorial information: Graveside services will be held at the family lot in Riverview Cemetery in the spring and will be announced at that time. Memorial gifts may be made to Deerfield Valley Rescue, or VNA/Hospice at SVHC, in care of Covey Allen & Shea Funeral Home, P.O. Box 215, Wilmington, VT 05363.
• Roy Lewis Brown, 92, of Whitingham. Died Nov. 30, 2020 at his home. Roy was born Jan. 12, 1928 in Halifax, the second of 12 children to Leonard J. Brown and Ida R. (Sparrow) Brown. A hard worker, Roy worked as a logger with his horses. As times changed, his love of the woods did not, and his horses were replaced by modern equipment. He retired from logging in 1984 due to cancer, but continued to cut and deliver firewood. He also worked at the Whitingham landfill for many years. He enjoyed listening to “real” Country music and, in his younger days, played guitar, sang, and yodeled, often with his sister Eleanor. He enjoyed hunting rabbits with his dogs and also deer hunting. In his later years, he loved listening to hunting stories from his family. He was a Red Sox fan and also enjoyed watching wrestling, which always made him laugh. In his younger years, he participated in many horse drawings. Roy was also known for his creative reuse of materials. Nothing was wasted and everything could be “fixed.” A gentle man who would do anything for his family, Roy was also stubborn and determined, which helped him to overcome many medical challenges throughout his lifetime. He is survived by his three children: Larry and Linda Brown, Terry and Charles Dix of Whitingham, and Anthony (Tony) and Michelle Brown of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; his brothers Leonard Jr., Wendell, Roger, and Reginald Brown; sisters Janet Nido and Annette Lee and their families, and sisters-in-law Antoinette Betit and Janice Kingsley. He was preceded in death in 2014 by his wife of 67 years, Rita (Stone) Brown; brothers Frank and Robert; and sisters Eleanor Maynard, Lillian Benz and Marilyn Ball. Memorial information: Graveside services will be held at a later date. To send the family personal condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com.
• Linda Ann Willey Carley, 80, of Vernon. Died Nov. 28, 2020. She was born in Newport, Vt., on Sept. 7, 1940, the daughter of the late Bertha Berry and Basil Willey. She spent her early years in Newport, later moving with her family to White River Junction. She graduated from Hartford High School with the Class of 1958, and later graduated from the Sheldon Academy of Beauty School in Burlington. In 1963, she married Brian Lawrence Carley. They met when Linda moved to Brattleboro to work at Ludwig “Ludys” Hair Styling. Linda and Brian soon started their family of four daughters and Linda enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother. She also kept her fingers busy over the decades in hair design. She worked part-time at Arlene Georgina's salon, Kate's Place, and Scissor Masters. Linda also worked with Brian in his cleaning business and ended her career retiring from the Brattleboro Retreat after 30 years of housecleaning. She adored and cared for the children residing there and often gave them haircuts when in need. Her hobbies included needlework, quilting, camping, hiking, canoeing, and spending time with family and friends. Brian and Linda were members of the B&K Spofford (N.H.) Beach Club, and the Jaycees and the Eastern Star in Brattleboro. They were members of Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro, where Linda taught Sunday School in the 1970s. Along with her four daughters and many nieces and nephews, Brian and Linda made time and welcomed many children into their home and along on family adventures. Linda is survived by her children: Dawn and her husband, Rocky Ravenna, Erica and her husband, Mark Wojchick, Heidi Carley, and Ingrid and her husband, John Cutler. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Joyce Banford and her wife, Linda Martineau; and six nieces and nephews and their families. Linda was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, who died on Sept. 22, 2020; sister Eileen Baillargeon, sister-in-law Jerilynn and her husband, Irvin Bruneau, and half-brother-in-law David Dewey. Memorial information: A small memorial service was held Dec. 12 at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. Donations to the Alzheimer's Association. To view her online tribute, send a message of condolence, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.
• Linda S. (Brooks) Kinnaird, 74, of Westminster. Died Nov. 30, 2020 in Springfield, Vt. She was born to Walter and Stella (Howe) Brooks on Oct. 29, 1946 in Bernardston, Mass. She graduated from Hinsdale (N.H.) High School in 1964. She was married to Claude Kinnaird on Oct. 19, 1989 in De Leon Springs, Fla. Linda lived much of her life in Florida and was recently planning on relocating to Vermont. Linda worked as a caregiver for many years, as well as also caring for family members throughout her lifetime. She had a generous heart and was truly most fulfilled while helping others. Linda loved her family more than anything and enjoyed spending time with them every chance she could do so. This was evident through the many conversations she'd share filled with pride and love about family updates and events. Her family will miss her fun and loving presence. Linda also happily shared her love of God. She was a faithful believer and created strong bonds with many churches and members over the years. For quite some time, a favorite part of her daily routine was to call her beloved Aunt Merle and read her scripture passages and devotionals. Linda is survived by her sons Clint Plante (Judy) of Westminster, Craig Plante (Wendy) of White River Junction, and Kirk Plante (Stacie) of Orange City, Fla.; her stepson, Trent Kinnaird of Ocala, Fla.; siblings Beverly Davidson of Hinsdale, Jerry Brooks of Palatka, Fla., and Sharon Jett of Greenfield, Mass. Linda was enormously blessed with 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom meant the world to her. She is also survived by her first husband of 16 years and the father of her sons, Gordon Plante of Hinsdale, as well as many family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, and her brother, Jim Brooks. Memorial information: Services will be held at a later date to be announced. Her family looks forward to celebrating her life with others who were fortunate to have known Linda. In the meantime, they ask for everyone to please take care of each other during these difficult times, so her legacy of love will live on. Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home of Bellows Falls is handling arrangements.
• Marilyn Anita Page, 84, of Brattleboro. Died peacefully Dec. 5, 2020 at Thompson House. Marilyn was born in Lebanon, N.H., on June 29, 1936, the daughter of Carl and Ruth (Harris) Page. She attended Brattleboro schools, including Green Street School, and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School, Class of 1954. She went on to attend Mary Fletcher Hospital School of Nursing in Burlington, where she received her RN degree. Marilyn worked in the Ob-Gyn department at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for several years and later was employed as office nurse for Richard Callahan, MD in Greenfield, Mass., which she retired from following more than 35 faithful years with the practice. She was a member of the Brattleboro Professional Nurses Association. In her younger years, she had attended All Souls Unitarian Church in Brattleboro. Marilyn enjoyed gardening, knitting, and crossword puzzles. Survivors include her brother, Robert Page of Brattleboro, and cousins Karen Davis of Brattleboro, Martin Davis of Claremont, N.H., Richard Blair of Peacham, and Dwayne Blair of North Carolina. Memorial information: Graveside committal services were conducted Dec. 10 in the Page family lot in Riverside Cemetery in Wilmington, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents. Donations to Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 593, Brattleboro, VT 05302. To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Patricia Irene “Pat” Sargent, 80, of Newfane, Died Dec. 2, 2020 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., following a sudden illness. She was born at home in Newfane on Aug. 24, 1940, the daughter of Wilbur and Thelma (Winchester) Herbert. A longtime resident of the West River Valley area, she was raised and educated in Newfane and was a graduate of Leland & Gray Seminary in Townshend, Class of 1958. In 1959, she was married to Stephen L. Sargent, who survives. She worked for many years for Grace Cottage Hospital as the manager of Heins Home and, later, as a cook at Valley Cares, which she retired from after more than 20 years. With her husband, she was a former member of the Newfane Congregational Church. Pat enjoyed taking walks, crocheting, making shopping bags, and had a special love for small animals, especially the birds she fed daily. Pat also cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Besides her faithful husband of 61 years, she leaves a son, Mark Sargent of Newfane; a daughter, Michelle Sargent of Swanzey N.H.; a brother, Romaine Herbert of Colorado; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Carolyn Sargent, in 1986. Memorial information: Graveside services will be conducted in Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfane in the spring of 2021 at a day and time to be announced. Donations to Grace Cottage Hospital, P.O. Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353. To share a memory or send condolences, visit www.atamaniuk.com.
• Kevin Shrader, 63, of Westminster. Died Dec. 7, 2020 as a result of a workplace accident. He was the loving husband of Beth M. (Schuster) Shrader for 25 years and the owner of All Seasons Tree Service. He had been in the tree care industry for four decades in both New Jersey and Vermont. Born in 1957 in Morristown, N.J., he was the fourth child of Fred and Dorothy Shrader of East Hanover, N.J. Kevin grew up and attended local schools in East Hanover and moved to Westminster in 2003. Kevin's passions were his family and his Alaskan malamute sled dogs. He was happiest when camping, fishing, and boating with his wife and his dog, Avalanche. He was a hardworking, loyal, and generous friend and a 10-year member of the Westminster Fire Department who never refused to help a community member in need. He is survived by sister-in-law Janette Schuster of Walpole, N.H.; siblings Sandford Shrader and wife Maureen of East Hanover, N.J., Nancy Ochs of Blairstown, N.J., and David Shrader and wife Sharon of Amherst, Va.; and five nieces and nephews. Memorial information: A tree planting and celebration of his life will take place in the spring. Kevin was on the advisory board of the New England Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and the family requests that donations be made to the ISA's high school scholarship fund at ISA-New England Chapter, P.O. Box 435, Norwell, MA 02061.
• David Ernest “Dave” Smith, 76, of Hinsdale, N.H. Died Dec. 7, 2020 at Applewood Healthcare Center in Winchester, N.H., following an extended period of declining health. David was born in Brattleboro on Nov. 18, 1944, the son of Richard and Alice (Roder) Smith. Raised in Brattleboro and abroad, during his younger years he attended elementary school at U.S. Army posts in England and Libya. Upon his return home to the United States with his family, David attended St. Michael's School in Brattleboro. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he proudly served his country in the Army and was honorably discharged from active service in 1971. He worked in the binding department at the former Book Press in Brattleboro, where he retired early due to an injury-related disability after 23 faithful years with the company. David was a former communicant of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Brattleboro and later attended Saint Joseph's Parish in Hinsdale. He enjoyed riding his Honda Valkyrie, tinkering on cars and bicycles, camping, hunting, and time shared with his family. David was also artistically inclined and enjoyed drawing. He was a “jack of all trades” who loved to work on his own projects. He was first married to Nancy Kingsley, who is deceased. He later married Jocelyn Colburn in 1989. Besides his faithful and devoted wife of 31 years, he leaves four sons, George Smith (Kathleen) of North Wilkesboro, N.C., Aaron Smith (Jennifer) of Brattleboro, Brady Smith of Louisiana, and Darrel Smith of Keene, N.H.; one daughter, Melanie Smith (Graison Geno) of Guilford; one brother, Michael Smith (Barbara Waldron) of Virginia; and a sister, Martha Rockwell of Hinsdale. Additionally, he is survived by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, George Smith. Memorial information: Graveside committal services with full military honors will be conducted in the springtime in Pine Grove Cemetery in Hinsdale. Donations to Disabled American Veterans, Dept. of Vermont, 215 N. Main Street, White River Jct., VT 05009. To share a memory or send condolences to the Smith family, visit www.atamaniuk.com.