Obituaries

Obituaries February 25, 2015

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obit ballMary Jean Ball

Mary Jean Ball, 69, of Newport died peacefully in her sleep on February 16, 2015, in Newport.

She was born on September 18, 1945, in Hanover, New Hampshire, to Harold and Regina (McCabe) Frost. She was raised by her mom and loved by her stepfather, Earl Thompson, who died on February 17, 2015.

In 1974, she married the love of her life, Edward Ball Sr., who predeceased her in 1982.

At one time, she was a very active member of the Montpelier branch of the Mormon church. She graduated magna cum laude from Vermont College in 1983 with an associate’s degree in nursing and became a registered nurse. She worked for a few years at Dumont Nursing home in Morrisville.

She was an outspoken advocate for people with mental illness. Recently, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, quilting, arts and crafts, writing, and baking. She had a kind soul and an extremely strong will to live. She loved her family immensely.

She was a proud mother of two children, her son Edward Ball II and her daughter Catherine Ball Becher, both of Broomfield, Colorado. She was known fondly as Grammy Ball by her three grandchildren: Grant, Burke, and Mara Becher.

She is also survived her son-in-law Dane Becher, also of Broomfield; and by her siblings: Harold and his wife, Bev Frost, of Sheffield, and Barb and her husband, Dave Mitchell, of Fair Haven, Massachusetts; an especially close nephew, Harry Frost, of Sheffield, as well as her nephew Matt Mitchell of Portland, Oregon; and by her niece Sara and her husband, Joan Cabañas, of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

She had many lifelong friends, but a few who were especially near and dear to her heart, who survive her, are Joan and Skip Lamere of Waterbury, and Harriet Beattie of Lancaster, New Hampshire. She also was grateful for her friendship with Nikki Carpenter of Johnson.

She lived her life with great determination and courage despite many serious physical health challenges. She once wrote, “When I look upon my final sunset I want to feel that inner peace that comes with having done my very best at life.”

At her request, there will be no ceremony. Later this year, her ashes will be interred next to her beloved husband at Green Mountain Cemetery in Montpelier.

Steven Keith Dentel

Steven Keith Dentel died on February 18, 2015, after a long struggle with prostate cancer, which he faced with his signature mix of humor and scientific analysis.

He was born on November 4, 1951, in Washington, D.C., to Keith and Marcene (Chudomelka) Dentel, and grew up in suburban Virginia. He received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Brown University and master and Ph.D. degrees in environmental engineering from Cornell University.

He was a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Delaware (UD), where he was a teacher and researcher for over 30 years. He was well known in his field as an expert in water and biosolids treatment processes. He was instrumental in the creation of an undergraduate major in environmental engineering at UD and in 2006 became the faculty advisor for the newly formed Engineers Without Borders (EWB) chapter at the university. Known as Dr. Steve to his EWB students, he traveled to Cameroon 11 times, working with EWB and community members to build water systems in two villages and was designated a “Prince and Village Notable” by the people of Bakang II, Bamendjou. His experience with Engineers Without Borders served as a catalyst for his research on water and sanitation issues in the developing world. Most recently, he received funding from the Gates Foundation to explore the use of water-permeable membranes in latrines as a means of limiting pathogens in ground water. This innovative treatment is currently being tested in India and, if successful, could have a significant impact on sanitation processes in the developing world.

He was a loving, funny, smart, adventurous man devoted to making the world a better place. As a member of the City of Newark Conservation Advisory Commission for 15 years, including ten years as chairman, he advocated for recycling, green energy, and passage of Newark’s anti-idling ordinance. He was also active in local Democratic politics and served as chairman of the twenty-fifth district for a number of years.

His passion for travel took him to more than 30 countries during his lifetime for both work and pleasure. He had a great love of beautiful places around the world, but perhaps his favorite place to be was spending time with family and friends at the family cottage on Lake Willoughby in Vermont.

He received recognition for his work over the years and most recently was awarded the Order of the First State, Delaware’s highest civilian honor, by Governor Jack Markell. In 2014, he was awarded the inaugural Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach by the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors.

He is survived by his partner in life of 34 years, Carol Post; two sons: Aaron Dentel-Post and Colin Dentel-Post; Colin’s wife, Crystal Woodford; and by his brother William Keith Dentel and his wife, Jan Kinney. He is also survived by a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and students who will deeply miss his quirky sense of humor, thoughtful analysis, and loving spirit.

He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Richard Keith Dentel.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, in the Loudis Recital Hall of the Amy E. DuPont Music Building, at 100 Orchard Road at the University of Delaware, in Newark, Delaware 19711.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach endowment fund at www.aeespfoundation.org/content/aeesp-foundation-donations-memory-dr-steven-k-dentel; or to Engineers Without Borders at the University of Delaware. Checks may be made to University of Delaware with “Engineers Without Borders in Memory of Steve Dentel” in the memo line, and sent to the University of Delaware, Gifts Processing, 83 East Main Street, Third Floor, Newark, Delaware 19716, or at www.udel.edu/makeagift (select “other” and fill in “Engineers Without Borders in Memory of Steve Dentel”).

To send condolences, visit www.dohertyfh.com.

obit farnhamElwin Roy Farnham

Elwin Roy Farnham, 93, affectionately known as “Red” to his many friends, died on February 15, 2015, in Fairfax, Virginia, after a period of declining health.

He was born on January 29, 1922, in North Troy, to the late George Arthur and Eva May Willey Farnham.

He proudly served his country as a member of the Army Air Force in Natal, Brazil, during World War II.

In 1947, he married Muriel Benoit, also a native of North Troy. They settled in East Hartford, Connecticut, and later, Manchester, Connecticut, to raise their family.

He was employed for 35 years in Department 954 of Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. In addition, he worked for Dzen Farms in South Windsor, Connecticut, for over 40 years. During his later years, he was known as the “Old Man” who loved to help families pick out their Christmas trees.

He leaves behind four children: Dana and his wife, Pamala Farnham of Normal, Illinois, Shelley and her husband, Jeffrey Hilber, of Vienna, Virginia, Mary and her husband, Harold Wong, of Dove Canyon, California, and Gregory and his husband, Christopher Varga, of Glen Ridge, New Jersey. His legacy includes six grandchildren: Courtney and her husband, Todd Baker, Caitlin Hilber, Stephen Hilber and his fiancée, Alexandra Bullard, Maya Wong, Megan and Rachel Varga-Farnham; and four great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Barbara Rabun of San Diego, California; his brother Bruce Farnham of Richmond; as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Muriel, in 2001; his brothers: Maurice and Lynn Farnham; and by his sisters: Wilma Farnham and Louise Farnham Sargent.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online at Capital Caring, www.capitalcaring.org, or mailed to Capital Caring Resource Development-Donor Services, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

obit hebertMichael P. Hebert

Michael P. Hebert Sr., 67, of Norfolk, Virginia, died on February 20, 2015.

He was born in Barton. He was a 1965 graduate of Newport High School.

He served with the U. S. Navy aboard the destroyer USS Robert A. Owens (DD827) based in Norfolk, and was a member of the Robert A. Owens Shipmates Association. After his naval service, he worked as an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) mechanic for 45 years and the last 19 years at Behrends Mechanical Inc.

His hobbies included gardening, estate sales, and collecting various items. He was an avid NASCAR fan, loved Westerns, movie classics, musicals, big band music, oldies, and dancing. He enjoyed going to his family’s reunions in Vermont.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret Poynter Hebert; his daughter Kristie Johnson and her husband, Ricky, of Alexandria, Virginia; his son Michael P. Hebert Jr. and his wife, Vanessa, of Chesapeake, Virginia; his grandchildren: Reagan, Gabrielle, Marlena, Nicholas, and Katelynn; his brothers: Ronald Hebert and his wife, Anne, and Rodney Hebert of New Hampshire, Phillip Hebert and his wife, Sallie, of Montana, Terry Hebert and his wife, Joyce, Dennis Hebert, and Craig Hebert and his wife, Martha, all of Vermont; his sister Pam Hebert of Vermont; his brother-in-law Ransom Adams and his wife, Becky, of Ohio; and by many other loving family members and friends.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Cecile and Antonin Hebert, of Newport; his sister Charmaine Adams of Ohio; and by a brother, Robert Hebert, of Virginia.

Funeral services with military honors were held on February 24, in Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society in his name.

Please visit www.woodlawngroup.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.

obit JennessKenneth L. Jenness

Kenneth Leo Jenness, 95, died on February 20, 2015, at his home in Morgan, surrounded by four generations of his loving family.

He was one of eight children — two girls and six boys. He was born in Barton on December 9, 1919. He married Ruby Josephine Petelle of Holland on July 15, 1942, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He received a bachelor of science degree from Lyndon State College in 1967.

Mr. Jenness served in the United States Army in World War II with the 18th Airways Detachment, supporting the “Flying Tigers” at air bases in Kunming and Luliang, China. In the years following the war, he owned and operated the Morgan Corner Store and served as the town’s postmaster. In 1948, he joined the Vermont National Guard and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. After the National Guard was ordered to active duty, he served in the regular Army for three years with the 172nd Infantry Regiment in Germany and for three years as recruiting officer on Okinawa, Japan.

He also served two tours in Korea: one with the United Nations Military Armistice Command at Panmunjon (on the DMZ), and the second in Seoul as officer-in-charge, Pacific Stars and Stripes-Korea. He served three years with the infantry training center at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, and three years as the public information officer at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. On May 31, 1966, he retired with the rank of major. Among his awards and decorations are the Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal with three overseas bars, the Army of Occupation (Germany) Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, the Army Combat Infantry Badge, the American Defense Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the Army, he built a large family home in Brattleboro and for 15 years taught at Brattleboro Union High School. For 12 of those years, he conducted an after-school driver’s education program at the Austine School for the Deaf. He also worked at the state level, developing an alcohol education program to be incorporated into the driver’s education curriculum. He retired from teaching in June of 1980.

Upon retirement from teaching, he built another large home, this time on Seymour Lake. He served the town of Morgan for many years as selectman and delinquent tax collector. He belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798 in Newport and served two tours as commander. He was especially proud of his work to feed the homeless and indigent. He and his wife enjoyed square dancing for many years and traveled extensively around the world before settling down. Mr. Jenness enjoyed his woodworking projects, his raspberry patch, his woods, and his family.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby; six children: Sonia M. Stockard and her husband, Walter, of Alexandria, Virginia, Karen O. McCormack and her husband, Frank, of Pickens, South Carolina, Kenni E. Freire and her husband, Paul, of Clearwater, Florida, Michael J. Jenness and his wife, Barbara Peterson, of Palm Harbor, Florida, Krystal R. Jenness of Fairfax, and Matthew T. Jenness of Shelton, Connecticut; his sister Dorothy Dunn Parmalee of Tupper Lake, New York; as well as by 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by five brothers and one sister.

A wonderful person just left me on February 20 — I am his wife, Ruby. He was a loving husband in every way, a wonderful father to six whom he taught so much, a friend to many and a neighbor. He leaves me, the only promise he ever broke. I will miss him forever. Until we meet again.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on February 27, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Derby Line.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Morgan Historical Society, P.O. Box 113, Morgan, Vermont 05853.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit LabountyAlpha Merl Labounty

Alpha Merl Labounty, 99, of Irasburg died on February 22, 2015, in Derby.

She was born on January 10, 1916, in Albany, to Harlow and Ora (Decker) Ingalls.

She married Karl Labounty, who predeceased her on July 11, 1985.

She loved gardening and growing strawberries and raspberries. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandson Karl and her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping with her late husband, watching soap operas, and going for drives through the countryside.

She was a member of the Community Circle of Community National Bank.

When she was 12 years old, she helped raise her brothers and sisters when her father died.

She is survived by her daughter Lorraine Adams of Newport; her grandson Karl Loukes and his wife, Christy, of Newport; six great-grandchildren: Holly, Cody, Alexis, Hannah, Kloie, and Karl Jr.; and by one great-great-granddaughter, Paisley Fortin. She is also survived by her brothers: Richard Ingalls and his wife, Mary, of Albany, Maurice Ingalls of Irasburg, and Harlow Ingalls of California.

She was predeceased by her daughter Ann Buttendorf; and by her siblings: Fern Ukrijs, Helen Sanville, Arlene Ingalls, and Patrick Ingalls.

A graveside service will be held in the spring at the Irasburg Cemetery.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit MingWilliam H. “Bill” Ming

William H. “Bill” Ming, 86, of Island Pond died on February 19, 2015, in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

He was born on April 29, 1928, in Island Pond to John and Alice Ming.

On May 28, 1949, he married Beth Moutlon, who survives him.

He was a veteran of World War II. He was the owner of Ming’s Sales and Service in Island Pond for many years.

He loved his John Deere and Kubota. He enjoyed snowmobiling, grooming the trails, and was a founding member of the Brighton Snowmobile Club. He formally owned the Brighton Gas Service where he sold Polaris snowmobiles and four-wheelers. He enjoyed family time and working with the public.

He is survived by his wife, Beth Ming, of Island Pond; his children: Gary Ming and his wife, Phyllis, and Larry Ming and his wife, Sylvie, all of Island Pond; his grandchildren: Nicholas, Jenny, Jennifer, Brandy and Derek; and by eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his brother Donald Ming.

Funeral services were held on February 21, in Island Pond. Spring interment with full military honors will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Brighton Fire Department, 102 Railroad Street, Island Pond, Vermont 05846.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit thompsonYvette Elaine Thompson

Yvette Elaine Thompson, 69, of Derby died unexpectedly on Monday morning, February 16, 2015, at her winter residence in Scottsdale Arizona.

She was born in Newport on July 14, 1945, to Aime and Gertrude-Gagne Parenteau. She was raised in Newport Center. She was married to Laurence Thompson on May 30, 1968, and they made their home in Derby. After retirement in 2010, they began wintering in the warmer climates of Arizona.

Being a wife and mother filled her life with an overwhelming love and joy, and she enjoyed all it brought to her life. She liked to stay active and worked at several local businesses over the years, including the Pick & Shovel’s pet shop. She enjoyed gardening, dancing, crafts such as wood and rock carving, travel, decorating, and going for walks. She was a great cook and a wonderful host. But what she loved most was the time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She attended their school and sports events when she could, and enjoyed things like taking the kids to visit the elk farm, picking strawberries, swimming in the pool, watching them play a spirited game of whiffle ball in the yard, and eating Sunday brunch at The East Side together.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Laurence Thompson of Derby; her son Todd Thompson and daughter-in-law Danielle of Enfield, New Hampshire; her grandchildren: Sydney, Connor, and Zachary Thompson of Enfield; her brother Albert Parenteau of Plainfield, Connecticut; her sister Mary Jane Malouin and her husband, George, of Scottsdale, Arizona; her in-laws: Kenneth Thompson and his wife, Nancy, of Rutland, Susan Blair of Claremont, New Hampshire, Jane Thompson of Milton, Betty Thompson of Rutland, Lois Brock and her husband, Colin, of Newport, Carlton Thompson and his wife, Sandra, of Milton, Mary Choquette of North Clarendon, and Wanda Gosselin and her husband, Andrew, of Derby; as well as by many nieces, nephews, and family members. She was also fortunate to be surrounded by good friends and neighbors in both Vermont and Arizona.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sister Theresa Laflin; her mother- and father-in-law, Grace and Kenneth Thompson; her sister-in-law Yvette Parenteau; and by her brothers-in-law: Bruce Roy Laflin, Herbert Blair, and Philip Choquette.

All that knew her, loved her, and she will be dearly missed. The gift of her life and the memories shared are treasures that will last forever and live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of her life was held at the Road Runner Lake Resort in Scottsdale on February 19. Memorial services in Vermont will be held at a later date.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Mary Ellen Wright Halo Foundation, 1071 Upper Quarry Road, Newport, Vermont 05855.

obit UrieJohn R. Urie Sr.

John R. Urie Sr., 95, of West Glover died on February 22, 2015, in Newport.

He was born on May 17, 1919, in Glover to Ernest and Mae (Coumer) Urie.

He was a veteran of World War II. He was a dairy farmer for many years in West Glover.

He married Pearl Louis Richardson, who survives him.

He was a member of the American Legion in Barton, a former lister, selectman of Glover, in rural conservation and development, and director of Co-op Insurance Company of Vermont. He enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling, fishing, dancing, partying, woodworking, sugar making, working in the woods, and he loved family gatherings, and he was a justice of the peace.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl Urie, of Glover; his children: John Urie Jr. and his companion, Virginia Brown, of West Glover, Caroline Langmaid and her husband, Francis, of Bellows Falls, Bonnie Ingalls of West Glover, and Dennis Ingalls and his wife, Sherri, of West Glover; and by 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bernard Urie and his wife, Elaine; his sisters: Harriet King and her husband, Donald, and Beverly Grant; his sister-in-law Ellen Urie; and by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Yvonne; his daughter Gloria Urie; his brothers: Edwin and Howard; and by his sister Mary Ellen Knapp.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, at the Curtis-Britch-Converse-Rushford Funeral Home, at 4670 Darling Hill Road in Newport, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, with the Reverend Timothy Naples officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Glover Fire Department and Ambulance Service, in care of Donna Sweeney, 51 Bean Hill Road, Glover, Vermont 05839.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

obit wrightGerald “Nick” Edward Wright

Gerald “Nick” Edward Wright, 45, of Warner, New Hampshire, died suddenly on February 18, 2015.

He was born in St. Johnsbury on April 29, 1969, the son of Russell H. Wright and Mary Ryan Wright.

He was a meat cutter at Market Basket in Warner and also worked for many years as a chef at Bricker’s restaurant in Claremont, New Hampshire, and Perry’s Boathouse in Newbury, New Hampshire.

He loved life and lived each day with a passion. He left a lasting impression on all those who met him. He enjoyed reading, fishing, bowling, going to movies and long conversations with his new found love, Ellen.

He is survived by his wonderful girlfriend, Ellen Manning of Warner; his uncle Michael Ryan and his family of Shaftsbury; his aunt Margaret “Peggy” Moulton and her family of Coventry; and by many cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Ryan Wright, when he was three months old and his grandparents, who were his second parents, Gerald “Joe” and Veda Ryan of Derby.

Friends may call at the Chadwick Funeral Home in New London, New Hampshire, on Saturday, February 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. A service will be held at 3 p.m. with The Reverend Robert Biron, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church in New London, officiating. Burial will be in St. Edward’s Cemetery in Derby Line, in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Warner Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 64, Warner, New Hampshire 03278.

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