Author: Canaan Town Library

Robert W. Hill

From the March 18 and 25, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lisbon, NH–Robert W. Hill, 61, died Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at the Littleton Regional Hospital in Littleton, NH following a brief illness. He was born in Grafton, NH Dec. 11, 1940, a son of the late Albert & Con (Morse) Hill. He grew up in Grafton, NH and attended schools in Bristol, NH. A resident of Lisbon, NH for the last 27 years, he was employed by the Lisbon Highway Dept. for many years. He loved to “tinker” with small engines and also enjoyed carpentry, gardening and outdoor activities.

He leaves his longtime companion Myrtle Seace of Lisbon, NH; a son Ramsey Hill of Campton, NH; 5 brothers: Stanley D. Hill Sr. of Canaan, NH, William E. Hill of Bristol, NH, Edwin E. Hill of Lebanon, NH, Ronald W. Hill of Enfield, NH, Dennis A. Hill of Grafton, NH; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside services to be held in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Grafton, NH will be announced at a later date by the Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon, NH.

Dorothy P. Gardner

From the April 15, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Concord, NH–Dorothy P. Gardner, 87, formerly of Enfield, NH, died Saturday, April 6, 2002 at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Concord. She was born in Bridgeport, CT July 10, 1914, a daughter of the late Peter & Ethel (Eldert) Petersen. She attended local schools and graduated from Fairfield High School-Class of 1932-in Fairfield, CT. She had worked as a stenographer until her marriage to her husband of 48 years to Edwin D. Gardner who died in 1994. She had lived in Enfield for most of her life and was an avid reader and lifelong lover of cats.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, her parents and a brother David Petersen. Survivors include a son William R, Gardner of Bow, NH, a daughter-in-law Claire Gardner, 2 granddaughters: Erin & Leah Gardner, and a brother Richard Petersen of CT.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held at a later date in the Lakeview Cemetery in Enfield, NH.

The family suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Dorothy be made to your local SPCA or Humane Society.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Ricker Funeral Homes and Crematory of Lebanon, NH.

Mary L. Hill

From the March 25, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Mary L. Hill, 84, a former resident of Enfield, died on Friday evening at the Starr Farm Nursing Center in Burlington, VT. She was born in Stoneham, MA on January 27, 1918, a daughter of the late William and Katherine (McLaughlin) Laffee. She grew up in Enfield, NH and was a graduate of Enfield High School-Class of 1936. She was married to Loring Webster “Web” Hill on October 29, 1937. They made their home in Enfield for many years. Mr. Hill died in 1992. She had worked as a receptionist and bookkeeper at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon for many years. She was a member of St. Helena’s Church in Enfield, the Enfield Historical Society and the Catholic Daughters of America.

She is survived by a son Stephen Hill and his wife Debra of Poulsbo, WA; a daughter Kathleen Wilson and her husband Calvin of South Burlington, VT; 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 2 daughters Lorna Mary Hill and Brenda Ryan; and a sister Anna Campbell.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial mass will be held March 23rd at 11:00 am at the St. Helena’s Church in Enfield. Burial will be at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Brenda Hill Ryan Memorial Scholarship, c/o Mascoma Regional High School, RR1 Box 168-A, Canaan, NH 03741.

Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.

Daniel G. Westover, Sr.

From the January 21, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Claremont, NH–Daniel G. Westover, Sr., 62, died Monday, January 14, 2002 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. A lifelong area resident, he had been a resident of Vincennes for just the past year. He was born in Hanover, NH on February 17, 1939 and grew up in Claremont, NH. He graduated from Stevens High School, was a veteran of the US Navy and was married to Linda Muzzey. Mr. Westover was employed by Thermal Dynamics for over 30 years. He was a member of the Lebanon Lodge of Elks and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling and snowmobiling. He will be greatly missed by his family and lifelong friends Bud and Joan Davis of NY.

He was predeceased by his wife, Linda, who died June 19, 1996; his parents, Kathryn and Harris Owen; and a brother, Bill Owen.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Julie Ann DeCamp of Enfield, NH and Cheryl Ann Larocque of Springfield, NH; a son, Daniel Gene Westover, Jr. of Canaan, NH; a sister, Marilyn Carr of Claremont, NH; 5 brothers, Gene Owen of Charlestown, NH, Vern Owen of Barnet, VT, Paul Westover of VT, Ralph Owen of Franklin, NH and Milton Owen of FL; 7 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will be in the spring in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Enfield, NH. Ricker Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral.

Clayton F. Bassett

From the January 28, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Grafton, NH–Clayton F. Bassett, 40, died in a tragic accident on January 15, 2002. A much loved man who grew up in Grafton, NH. Clayton lived in Novato, CA at the time of his death. His sister-in-law Laura said “He crammed 80 years into his short 40 years of life.” He lived life as there wasn’t a tomorrow and everyday was new and exciting to him. He loved his work with a passion. Long hours and hard work paid off as he directed his company, Peak Engineering, to become an enormous success. He had great respect for all the wonderful people he worked with. His brother-in-law Jay said, “There’ll never be another man such as Clayton.” He was devoted to his wife Barbara and their two children, Danielle and Breezy. Often he would come home after 12 hours of work and still had the energy to chase the girls around the house as they squealed with delight. He also saw Barbara through a recent serious illness with a strength and warmth few people possess.

Clayton was a devoted son to John Bassett and June (Valia) Burrington, both of Grafton. His father and mother both stated that, “We could never be more proud of a son than we were of Clayton.” Clayton was predeceased by his daughter Katie in 1994 at age 11. The loss of Katie was always present and encouraged him to always strive to be his best; and he was at everything he did. Clayton also had a very special bond with his nephews, Lief and Nathan Hogue. His family in California included his Uncle Wes Bassett and his wife Carole. Clayton will also be missed by countless friends in his hometown of Grafton.

Clayton enjoyed working with his hands and gained the nickname “Tinkerbell” on the family farm because of all his tinkering. You’d think a grown man would be embarrassed of that nickname, but not Clayton, he was proud. Even at an early age people around him were amazed at what he could accomplish when he set his mind to do it. Clayton enjoyed camping, skydiving, boating and riding ATV’s. Children held a special place in Clayton’s heart, not only his own, but any he was around. Though Clayton came across as a tough construction worker his heart was on his sleeve when a child was around. Whether it be playing peek-a-boo or just wanting to cuddle, Clayton loved when children were around him and the more the better.

Clayton served 4 years in the US Army where he earned numerous commendations, recognitions and awards. He was very proud of his enlisted years and even commented recently that he would gladly fight for his country in our most recent events. Clayton graduated from Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Clayton had a very special bond with his sister, Diane (Bassett) Burrington. His nickname for her was “Ding,” which he lovingly called her into adulthood. He loved telling stories about their growing up together in rural Grafton.

A celebration of Clayton’s life will take place on Wednesday, January 23 at 1:00 pm at Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin located at 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. Private visitation will begin at 12:00. Immediately after, all are invited to the Bassett Family home for a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clayton Bassett Memorial Fund which has been established at the First National Bank, 975 El Camino Real, S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Atten: Randy.

Howard V. Walton

From the March 18, 2002 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Howard V. Walton, 54, died Wednesday, March 13, 2002 at the Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, NH following a brief illness. He was born in Lebanon, NH April 25, 1947, a son of Grace (Vincent) & the late George “Pete” Walton. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Lebanon High School-Class of 1966. Mr. Walton was a Corporal in the US Marine Corps and served as a crew chief on CH46 helicopters in Vietnam as well as a crew chief on SVH1 Presidential helicopters. Mr. Walton was a firefighter for the Lebanon Fire Dept from 1979-1997 and retired as Captain. He also served as a special police officer for Enfield and Lebanon between 1981 and 1992. He was currently employed by Chases’s Auto Salvage in Enfield. He was a member of the American Legion Post #22 of Lebanon. He enjoyed NASCAR races, cooking and spending time with his grandson Phillip.

He leaves his wife Clair (Place) Walton of Enfield, NH; a son Mark LaCroix of Texas; his mother Grace Walton of West Lebanon, NH; a brother Peter of West Lebanon; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 Schools St in Lebanon on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday morning at 10 am in the Sacred Heart Church of Lebanon. A reception followed in the Lebanon Fire Station on South Park St in Lebanon. Graveside Committal Services were held on Monday at 10 am in the Valley Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions in memory of Howard be made to: The Enfield Center Fireman’s Fund, c/o Dick Chase, PO Box 56, Enfield Ctr, NH 03749 or to: the Lebanon Fire Assoc., c/o Kevin Paul, 12 S. Park St, Lebanon, NH 03766.

Valma Bertha Coutermarsh

From the October 8, 2001 issue of The Coutry Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Valma B. Coutermarsh, 87, of Enfield died on Saturday, September 30, 2001 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. She was born in Lebanon on February 2, 1914, a daughter of Albert and Leda (Lambert) Bassett. She was a lifelong resident of this area and attended Lebanon schools. On November 25, 1937 she was married to Robert P. Coutermarsh. They made their home in Lebanon, Crystal Lake in Enfield and wintered in Florida until 1993. Mr. Coutermarsh died on May 6, 2000. Prior to her retirement she had worked at the Lebanon Woolen Mill, Baltic Mill in Enfield, and H.W. Carter & Son in Lebanon. She and her husband rented cabins on Crystal Lake in Enfield for 55 years. They enjoyed spending time with their family at the Lake.

She is survived by two daughters, Betty Daigle and Donna Roberts, both of W. Lebanon, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Stanley Bassett, and two sisters, Alda Chagnon and Blanche Leonard.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon from 2-4 and Tuesday evening from 7-9. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon. Burial followed in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lebanon.

Jessie G. “Thug” Roberts

From the December 3, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Jessie “Bing” Roberts, 77, died suddenly early Sunday morning at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. He was born in Canaan, NH on June 9, 1924 a son of Cyrus and Annabelle (Beaton) Roberts.

He grew up in Canaan, where he later enlisted in the US Army during WWII. He served in the European Theatre and following discharge returned to Lebanon where he was married to Eleanor Jardine on September 14, 1946. They made their home in Lebanon for 43 years. Mrs. Roberts died in 1991. He had been employed by W.C. Eaton, Inc. and Evans Motor Fuels for 28 years retiring in 1983. On May 25, 2000 he was married to Florence King. They enjoyed traveling to Arizona together during the winter. He was a member of the Lebanon Lodge of Elks, American Legion, the Eagles Club and the VFW in White River Jct, VT. He loved his family, working around his home, and spending time at his cabin in Strafford, VT.

He is survived by his wife Florence of Lebanon, 2 sons; James Roberts of W. Lebanon and Donald Roberts of Grantham, 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, 6 step-children; David King of Arizona, Bruce King of Lyme, Douglas King of Grantham, Debra Thurston of Lyme, Daniel King of Lancaster and Steven King of Lebanon. Many step-grandchildren and great step-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by 3 brothers; John, Leonard and Walter Roberts.

There were no calling hours. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 2 pm at the First Baptist Church in Lebanon with the Rev. Dale Edwards officiating. Burial followed in the W. Lebanon Cemetery. The family suggested in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made in his name to the Alopecia Foundation.

Ricker Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Inez M. Cushman Colby

From the October 1, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Lebanon, NH–Inez M. (Wright) Cushman Colby, 81, of Lebanon, NH and former longtime resident of Canaan, NH died Saturday, September 22, 2001 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Riley, OR. She was born in Warren, NH January 15, 1920, one of 13 children of the late Arthur G. & Nancy V. (Flanders) Wright. Mrs. Cushman Colby will be remembered by her family and friends as a gracious lady who was full of good works. She was a devoted mother and wife and she was steadfastly loyal and caring for her many friends. Inez’s cooking was legendary and her love of children and animals boundless…especially her Daschund Penny.

She graduated from Canaan High School and trained with the US Navy WAVES where she served as a nurse at Chelsea Naval Hospital during WWII. After the war, she provided private nursing care. For many years, Mrs. Cushman Colby was the Canaan Town Clerk and Tax Collector and a Justice of the Peace.

Inez assumed leadership roles in many organizations. She was Past Matron and 52-year member of the Summit Chapter #56 Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of the Weld-Webster Post #55 of the American Legion; the American Legion Auxiliary; the Canaan United Methodist Church; the Canaan FAST Squad; Mascoma Valley Women’s Club; the PTA; Dollars for Scholars; and both the NH Town Clerks Assoc. and Tax Collectors Assoc. She was a 50-year member of the Grange and an honorary member of Kimball Chapter #38 Order of the Eastern Star in Enfield. She was also a volunteer for Alice Peck Day Hospital Auxiliary and Grafton County Senior Citizens Council.

She married Philip G. Cushman in 1949 and the couple settled in Canaan. Mr. Cushman died in 1961. She is survived by her husband, Clyde Colby of Lebanon, NH whom she married in 1982; her daughter, Barbara Baker, her son David Cushman and his wife Carole, her grandchildren Samantha Baker, Damien Cushman, and Bridget Cushman, all of Canaan, NH; her stepdaughter Carol Peck of Avon, MA; her sisters Vernie Flagg of N. Kingstown, RI, Eleanor Garland of Brockton, MA and Lula Conrey of Mont Vernon, NH; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Calling hours were held at the Masonic Lodge in Canaan, NH Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. Mrs. Cushman Colby’s life was celebrated at a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 29th at 4 p.m. at the Canaan Methodist Church with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Cushman Colby may be made to the Canaan United Methodist Church, the Summit Chapter #56 Order of the Eastern Star, or the Weld Webster Post #55 American Legion, all of Canaan, NH.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon, NH.

Ruth Holt Hadley

From the December 3, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Ruth Holt Hadley, 96, of Enfield died on November 22, 2001 at the Genesis Eldercare Center in Lebanon. She was born on November 10, 1905 a daughter of Clinton Howard Holt and Ida May (Ames) Holt. She grew up in Milford and Amherst, NH and graduated from Keene State College in 1926 with a Bachelors Degree in Education. She returned to Amherst where she taught high school. On June 26, 1937 she married Harold Hadley, they moved to Hanover, NH where they made their home for 23 years. They later moved to Mascoma Lake in Enfield. Mr. Hadley died in 1964. Mrs. Hadley was a dedicated teacher for 40 years. She taught in Whitefield, Woodsville and Orford where she served as principal and later at Lebanon Junior High School for 23 years retiring in 1971. She was an 80 year member of the Grafton Star Grange #60 in Hanover and a member of the Hartford Emblem Club #150, and the Mascoma Valley Retired Educators.

She is survived by a son Robert W.H. Hadley of Duxbury, MA, a sister Barbara Kuligren of Woodenville, WA, 2 granddaughters, 5 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 3 brothers; William, Herbert, and Donald Holt, and a sister Gertrude Benotti.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon on Monday afternoon from 2-4 and in the evening from 7-9 pm. Funeral services were held on Tuesday at 2 pm at the First Congregational Church in Lebanon with the Rev. Richard N. Slater officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Glenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Lebanon Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Fund c/o Raymond Plante, 15 Dana St, W. Lebanon, NH 03784.