Category: Uncategorized

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.

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.

Madeline Grace Kilton

From the November 19, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

W. Canaan, NH–Madeline Grace (Smith) Kilton, 83, died Sunday November 11, 2001 at the Alice Peck Day Extended Care Facility in Lebanon, NH. She was born in Lebanon, NH December 17, 1917, a daughter of the late Perley & Iva (Royce) Smith. She attended Enfield schools and had lived locally all of her life. She was married to her husband of 64 years John “Roger” Kilton Sr. on February 6, 1937. She had worked at the Baltic Woolen Mills, ran a campground, did housecleaning, and spent many years taking care of neighborhood children. She and her husband owned and operated the family farm in W. Canaan for many years. In addition to raising her own three children, she also raised her sister’s children, Pat, Jeannie and Jim Thornton. She enjoyed watching birds, knitting, reading, walking, playing cards with friends and her “babies.”

She was predeceased by a brother, Malcom J. Smith of Hartford, VT. She is survived by her husband: John “Roger” Kilton Sr. of Canaan, NH; her three sons: John “Roger” Kilton Jr. of Canaan, NH, Grant A. Kilton of Newport, NH and Theodore A. Kilton of Canaan, NH, one sister: Shirley Oldenburgh of Daytona Beach, FL; two brothers: Wendell A. Smith of Daytona Beach, FL, and Perley “Bill” Smith of Bradford, VT; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There were no calling hours. Graveside committal services were held Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the Canaan Street Cemetery in Canaan, NH. The Rev. Patricia Williams officiated.

The Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon was in charge of arrangements.

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.

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.

Donna Rae Moore

From the August 13, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

N. Providence, RI–She leaves her husband: John F. Moore of Canaan, NH; her mother: Alice (Castro) Bociek of Central Falls, RI; a daughter: Roberta “Misti” Rose of N. Providence, RI; a son: Donti Rosciti of Cranston, RI; a sister: Roberta Corsi of Pawtucket, RI; two brothers: Alfred Benoit Jr. of N. Providence, RI and Allen Benoit of Riverside, RI; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

There were no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday morning at 10 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Church in Canaan. The Rev. Paul Rainville M.S. officiated. Burial followed in the Canaan Street Cemetery.

The family requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her memory be made to: The Canaan F.A.S.T. Squad, Canaan, NH 03741; or to The Visiting Nurse Alliance of VT & NH (VNA/VNH), or Hospice of the Upper Valley, both at 325 Mt. Support Rd., Lebanon, NH 03766.

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

Thomas O. Ireton

From the September 10, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Thomas G. Ireton, 72, of Canaan died on Wednesday evening at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. He was born in New York, NY on April 21, 1929 a son of John and Caroline (Brinkmann) Ireton. He came to Canaan at the age of 2 where he grew up and attended schools. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1947 during WWII and remained with the Air Force until his discharge in 1961 as a Staff Sergeant. Following discharge he moved to Fairfield, CA where he owned and operated automobile service stations and repair shops. In 1972 he moved back to Canaan and was married to Judy Arnold on Nov. 11, 1972. He has been self employed in this area operating Ireton Construction and Tom’s Used Cars in Canaan. He served as road agent and several terms as a selectman for the town of Canaan. He was a member of the Canaan arid Fairfield, CA Lions Clubs and held his private pilots license. While in California he flew with the Solano County Sheriff’s Department search and rescue air squadron. He enjoyed traveling, camping, town and national politics, and wintering in Inverness, FL.

He is survived by his wife Judy Ireton of Canaan, 2 sons Lanny Thomas Ireton of Benicia, CA, Terry Lynn Ireton of Vacaville, CA, a brother John Ireton of Canaan, a sister Louise Poell of Concord, NH, 3 grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield on Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Canaan Methodist Church in Canaan. Burial will be at a later date in the Sawyer Hill Cemetery in Canaan. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Canaan Senior Center, Church St., Canaan, NH 03741.

Dylan Wayne Joyce

From the July 30, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Claremont, NH–Dylan Wayne Joyce, 23 month-old son of Mia Joyce & Danny Sullivan, died Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at the Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont. He was born in Lebanon, NH August 20, 1999. Formerly of Canaan, NH he had been living in Claremont for the last 8 months with his mother and her friend Matthew Fontaine, and his maternal grandmother Melody Joyce. Dylan enjoyed playing with his trucks and cars, and loved dancing and swimming.

He is survived by his mother: Mia Joyce and her friend Matthew Fontaine of Claremont, NH who loved and helped raise Dylan; his maternal grandmother: Melody Joyce of Claremont, NH; his maternal grandfather: Darryl Joyce of Grafton, NH; his paternal grandparents: Cathy & Frank Sullivan of Claremont, NH; his maternal great-grandparents: Jennie & Wesley Joyce of Grafton, NH; his paternal great-grandparents: Ann & Frank Sullivan of Reading, MA; and several aunts and uncles including Shanon Downing of Claremont, NH who also helped raise Dylan.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St., Lebanon, NH on Friday afternoon at 1 pm. Funeral services followed at 2 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial was in Wells Cemetery in Canaan, NH.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions go towards a memorial monument be made to: “The Dylan Wayne Joyce Memorial Fund,” c/o any branch of Mascoma Savings Bank.

Eunice F. Walker

From the August 6, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Enfield, NH–Eunice F. Walker, 76, died Monday July 30, 2001 at the Alice Peck Day Extended Care Facility in Lebanon, NH following a long illness. She was born in North Wilmot, NH January 6, 1925, a daughter of the late Warren V. and Marie(LaJoie) Sargent. She grew up in Wilmot where she was the janitor for the 7th and 8th grades of her elementary school. She graduated from Andover High School in 1943. In 1945 she was married to her husband of 52 years David W. Walker who died in 1998. They made their home in Enfield Center where Eunice was a member of the Union Church, and a member and longtime secretary of the Mont Calm Grange. She was also a member of the NH State Grange and the National Grange. She was a correspondent for 25 years for two local newspapers covering Enfield Center and later Enfield. In her earlier years she loved fishing, farming, and her gardening. She also did volunteer work by crocheting and knitting baby hats, therapy balls, robes and mittens for hospitals, nursing homes and schools, and enjoyed making toys for the Shriners.

She was predeceased by her husband, four brothers, and one sister. She leaves a son: William W. Walker of Claremont, NH; a brother, Alfred Sargent of FL; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

There were no calling hours. Funeral services were held Thursday morning at 11 am in the Ricker Funeral Home on 56 School St. in Lebanon, NH. Burial followed in the Mascoma Cemetery on Rte 4 in E. Lebanon.

Memorial contributions in the memory of Eunice may be made to the Enfield Fire Dept., or the Alice Peck Day Extended Care Facility in Lebanon.

Phyllis C. Withington

From the August 6, 2001 issue of The Country Chronicle

Canaan, NH–Phyliss C. Withington, 75, of Canaan died suddenly on Monday, July 30, 2001 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. She was born in Orange, NH on June 29, 1926 the daughter of Pearl and Bertha (Grace) Cross. She was a lifelong resident of this area and was married to Robert H. Withington on June 29, 1953. Mrs. Withington had been employed at Dartmouth College for many years before her retirement in 1988. She enjoyed crafts work and camping with her family. She is survived by her husband of Canaan, two children-Diane Boisvert of Claremont and Douglas Withington of Canaan, three granddaughters, two great-grandchildren, two sisters-Dorothy Kendall of Canaan and Gloria Machon of Vicksburg, MS, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Ellen Gowing and a brother, George Cross.

Friends called at the Ricker Funeral Home in Enfield on Thursday evening from 7-9 pm. Funeral services were held at the Canaan United Methodist Church Friday at 11 am with the Rev. Patricia Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Wells Cemetery in Canaan.