Ethel Olive Basford, 97, of Orleans died on August 9, 2011, in Glover.
She was born May 11, 1914 in Sheffield, a daughter of Samuel and Myra (May) Leonard Paul. On February 16, 1932 she married Edson Basford who predeceased her.
Mrs. Basford was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her interests were raising plants, sewing, needlework, making handcrafts, cooking, and playing bingo.
She is survived by her children: Beatrice Whittier of Barton, Gloria White of Greensboro Bend, Lorraine Gilfillan of Nashua, New Hampshire, Beverly Messier of Florida, and Phoebe Noyes of Coventry. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; and by a sister, Rita French of Concord, New Hampshire.
She was predeceased by her children: Barbara Isham and her husband, Rupert, Myrna Brosseau, Brian Basford and his wife, Linda, Bernard Basford, and Charles Basford; by her brothers and sisters: Edith DeGreenia, Elsie Davis, Ruth Trefethen, Rosa Champange, and William Paul; and by sons-in-law, Everett Kimball and Irwin White.
Funeral services were held August 13. Interment followed in Westlook Cemetery in Glover, and a luncheon was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Newport.
Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oncology Department, North Country Hospital, 189 Prouty Drive, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Joseph A. Gillis, 82, of Island Pond died in Rutland on August 8, 2011.
He leaves behind his former wife, Althea Gillis; and four children: Raymond Gillis Sr. and his wife, Darlene, of Howes Cave, New York, Richard Gillis Sr. of Winooski, Gary Gillis of Whittier, California, and Robin Giguere of Northboro, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind his 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He served in the Korean War and worked on the Grand Trunk Railroad for many years. His love for trains continued throughout his life. He also worked as an accomplished painting and wallpaper contractor until his retirement. He had a special love for animals and a kind heart for all who knew him.
Services were held at the St. James Catholic Church on August 12 in Island Pond. Graveside service followed at the Lakeside Cemetery, and a celebration of his life was held at the American Legion Island Pond.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Charles S. Gray
Charles S. Gray of Derby died at his home, after a short illness, with his family at his side.
He was born on January 29, 1928 in Kingsford, Michigan, a son of Harrison and Lucille (Gilliand) Gray.
Mr. Gray served in the Navy and received a degree in engineering. Later on, he received his LPN license and worked for over ten years at North Country Hospital as a respiratory therapist and he also worked part-time for the hospital in St. Albans.
He married Katie McGreevey in 2004, who survives him. They liked to travel, especially to Maine, and they liked to sail. He enjoyed building and fixing things and he built five houses during his lifetime.
Mr. Gray was an extremely social person and would strike up a conversation wherever he had a chance and no matter where he was.
He also liked to garden, go for rides around the area, and he enjoyed his cats Smudge, Shadow, and Chelsea.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his brother, Wayne Gray, and his wife, Helen, of Michigan; by his mother-in-law, Peggy McGreevey of Derby; by his brother-in-law, Chuck McGreevey, and his wife, Cindy, of Newport Center; and by his sister-in-law, Pam McGreevey of New Hampshire.
He was predeceased by two sisters: Eitha and Vida.
Interment will take place at the convenience of the family.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 502 Strawberry Acres, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Stephen M. Robarge
Stephen M. Robarge, 60, of Derby Line died suddenly on August 9, 2011, in Newport.
He was born July 9, 1951 in St. Albans, a son of Sidney and Phyllis (Montgomery) Robarge. Mr. Robarge was formerly employed by Yankee Tool Manufacturing and Century Arms Inc. in St. Albans. Mr. Robarge was brought up in the Burlington-Colchester area and moved to Derby, to be with his daughter, in 2009. He served in the United States Army and retired from the Vermont National Guard as a sergeant after 20 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion in Colchester. He enjoyed playing the drums, fishing, playing pool, and spending time with his dogs, Buffy and Bear.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Labounty, and her husband, David Labounty Sr. of Derby; two grandchildren: David Labounty Jr. and Danielle Labounty, both of Derby. He is also survived by two brothers: Michael Robarge and his wife, Sue, and Keith Robarge and his wife, Cathy, all of Richford; and by his nieces and nephews: Nathan, Cody, Jennifer, Christy, Scott, and Allan.
A graveside service was held on August 15 at the Hillside Cemetery in Richford, with full military honors.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Clayton E. Swafford
Clayton E. Swafford, 60, of North Troy died on August 9, 2011, in Newport with his family at his side.
He was born April 15, 1951 in Kingston, Rhode Island, a son of Mark and Pauline (Place) Swafford.
He is survived by his wife Constance Swafford of Norwich, Connecticut; and by his sons: Cory (Erin) Swafford of Waterbury, Curtis Swafford of Morrisville, and Chance Swafford of North Troy.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Deane E. Wheeler, 85, former head of Vermont Job Service of the Department of Employment and Training, died on August 12, 2011, after an extended illness, surrounded by his family.
A life-long resident of Newport, he was born on August 25, 1925 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, a son of Henry and Gladys (Churchill) Wheeler, both of Vermont. He attended Newport schools and was a member of Newport High School’s Class of 1943. During his early years, he studied piano and percussions and started playing drums professionally at age 15 in both the United States and Canada. His musical career encompassed being music director for Newport Town School, teaching music at Stanstead College, and directing the Canadian Government Cadet Band. He gave private lessons for almost 50 years. He had many memorable experiences playing with jazz musicians in major cities in the U.S. and Canada. He was instrumental in the 1950s, along with some ex-Newport bandsmen, in resurrecting the original Newport City Band. They built the first bandstand where the present stand is now. He entered the U.S. Army in 1945 after a short stint in the Military Police, and joined the 320th Army Band as a drummer at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. His duties entailed playing for military functions, concert dances, Army shows, and parades. He was honorably discharged from the 347th Army Band at Fort Custer, Michigan in 1947.
He married Ethel (Etts) Pechtel on February 15, 1947 and returned to Newport to employment at Wheeler’s Cut Rate Drug Store. On July 5, 1960 he entered employment for the state of Vermont as an interviewer for the Vermont State Employment Service, moved on to become a vocational counselor and subsequently became office manager in 1965, retiring from service in 1988. During this period, he attended St. Michael’s College for work-related studies.
During his lifetime, he was an avid sportsman and from an early age a professional fly tyer serving local and out-of-town fishermen. After retirement, he devoted much time to this endeavor as well as fly-casting instruments, and guiding and fish rod repairs, under the name of Deano’s Custom Flies. He served early on as a member of the Newport City Harbor Commission before becoming a director, and on the Northern State Correctional Facility advisory board. He was appointed to the Orleans County Development Corps in 1965 and served many years as its vice president and president; at his death, he was a current director.
Mr. Wheeler belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the American Legion, Trout and Ducks Unlimited, the United Fly Flyers, Derby Fish and Game Club, N.E. Conservation Group, and the Vermont State Retirement Association. He was very family and church-oriented and enjoyed his grandchildren to a great extent.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel (Etts); his son, Kevin, and companion, Bernadette Dewing; his grandchildren, Maylo and Rance Wheeler; and cousins Concetta Cornforth and her husband, Richard, of St. Albans.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 19 at the United Church of Newport with Reverend Martha Peck and Reverend Steve Jungkeit officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Pine Grove Cemetery with full military honors.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the United Church of Newport, 63 Third Street, Newport, Vermont 05855; or to Trout Unlimited, 233 Mill Street, Jeffersonville, Vermont 05464.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
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