Valley News of Lebanon

Francis "Smitty" Smith passed away Thursday evening, April 11, 2024, from a massive MI and systems shut down. He was two months short of his 96th birthday. He was born 1928 in Cornish, NH to Madelyn Sturtevant and E. Vernon Smith. Francis' parents divorced and his mother married Oakes Ellis who raised Francis as a son. They lived during the depression and life was hard at times. He graduated from West Lebanon School in 1947. He married Marie Hutchinson in 1949 and they had five sons, Douglas, Dennis, David, Donald, and Daniel. Dad was the store Manager at Hanover Hardware until 1968. In 1969 he and Mom moved to Penacook, NH, and ran Fox Hardware together for 20 years. Francis is survived...

Mark A. Fellows, 59, of Hopkinton, died on March 24, 2024 after a period of declining health. Mark was a graduate of Hopkinton High School. His working life began as a high school student at The Nook restaurant in Henniker, NH, where his love of cooking was fostered. This was followed by many years of working in the automotive industry, including positions at Sears, Capitol City Motors, Grappone Honda, and as store manager at VIP. He also worked with 3 Seasons Landscaping before starting his own landscaping business, Outdoor Alterations. His interest in real estate properties led him to become a real estate agent, working for J. Hampe Associates. His pastimes have included watching Red Sox...

Elizabeth (Betty) Burns Salisbury of Unity, New Hampshire, passed away on March 17th, 2024, Born in Needham, MA, Betty was a graduate of Needham High School as well as Chandler Business School in Boston. Her career included lengthy stints at Kendall Corporation in Walpole, MA and Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Richard (Dick) Salisbury, and is survived by her daughter, Caryl Salisbury, of Barrington, RI. Betty and Dick raised their family in Medfield, MA before moving to Eastman, NH. Betty later lived in Hanover and Unity, NH. Services were private, followed by interment at Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield, MA. Ker Phaneuf Funeral...

Age 55, of Newbury, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH. Born in Quincy, MA, on September 17, 1968, to Allan M. Gurney and Claire L. Gurney. Lisa attended Oxbow High School, Franklin Pierce University NH, and Springfield State College MA Lisa was a dedicated worker and when she committed to something she could be tireless...she held a variety of jobs, all of which involved dealing closely with the public, usually in charitable work, such as with the Upper Valley Press, Easter Seals, and the Upper Valley Haven for 13 years. She was crucial in helping to establish and run the family's businesses, most famously their small chain of Superior Video...

We are sad to announce the passing of Richard Henry Eastman, son of Henry and Esther Eastman, on January 27, 2024. He lived to the age of 80 and passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Richard had an innate passion for antiquing, cooking, fine arts, and nature. He was always cracking a joke and loved to see people smile. He saw the best in others and found great peace in the Bethany Congregational Church in Pike, NH. Richard is survived by his wife Lillian Eastman, his daughter Stephanie Giffard, and his grandchildren Nathan and Noah Giffard. Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 211 North Main Street in Concord, NH....

Dear friends and loved ones, it is with heavy hearts that we share the somber news of the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Gillian Tyler. Gillian held a special place in the hearts of many as a friend, colleague, classmate, and confidante- and for us, as Mom and Momps. As we extend this message, we know she would have wanted us to convey her love and gratitude to each of you. Gillian was a force of strength, independence, and resilience. She was a trailblazer, an artist, and an academic, inspiring us endlessly with her adventurous spirit and distinctive sense of humor and wit. Her academic awards, including the Fulbright and Max Beckmann Scholarships, and her many solo...

Ruth J. (McNeill) Zimmerman 91, of Keene, NH, died on January 19, 2024, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born on September 13, 1932, in Fitchburg, MA and was the daughter of the late William and Catherine McNeill. Ruth graduated from Keene High School in 1950 and was employed as Executive Secretary to the President of Peerless Insurance Company until 1960, when she married the love of her life, Dr. William G. Zimmerman, Jr. ("Bill"), at St Bernard Church in Keene. Through their 64 years of marriage, family was the cornerstone of life for Ruth and Bill. As such, they have enjoyed many large and active family gatherings, especially at their beach house in York Beach, Maine. Through the...

Ruth J. (McNeill) Zimmerman 91, of Covenant Living of Keene, NH, died on January 19, 2024, surrounded by her family. Ruth was born on September 13, 1932, in Fitchburg, Mass. and was the daughter of the late William and Catherine (Minaudiere) McNeill. Ruth attended Keene schools, graduated from Keene High School in 1950 and was employed until 1960 by Peerless Insurance Company of Keene in various roles including Executive Secretary to the President. When Ruth and Bill were courting in the late 1950s, she became the female vocalist with the Allan Kendall Orchestra of Keene. Inasmuch as Bill was playing in the orchestra every Friday and Saturday night, this was one way they could be...

Maryann was born on November 20, 1941 to Ambrose Amos Howaey and Mary Lucille Sypek in Springfield, Mass. She graduated from the first class of Ellington High School in Ellington, Conn. She married Rae E. Peck of Tolland, Conn. They moved to Brookfield, VT where they had a dairy farm and raised 5 children. Her greatest joy was her family including 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren. On April 12,1986 she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses where she found so much joy in talking to others about the good news of God's Kingdom. She was convinced in her faith and hope of peace for all mankind. Anyone whom she knew or came into contact with knew the kind of person she was and her...

Carolyn Janice (McKinstry) Thorburn, 80, passed away surrounded by family and those who cared for her on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at GCNH in N. Haverhill, NH. She was born on November 8, 1943 in Irasburg, Vermont, the daughter of Raymond McKinstry and Flora (Lafleur) Pixley. She was the wife of Dean Thorburn. They were married on May 19, 1995, in Newbury, VT. They were married until Dean Passed away on July 22, 2010. Carolyn was a homemaker and was known for her tasty homemade meals and beautiful crafts. She loved to sew and make quilts and clothes for herself and her grandchildren, making homemade costumes for her grandchildren for Halloween. She was a social butterfly and loved...

Allan H. Swanson, 84, of Candia, NH, passed away peacefully on Dec 19, 2023 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. He was born in 1939 in Manchester, NH. Allan is survived by his wife Jean (Kerbel) Swanson as well as his former spouse Pam (Weickmann), their daughter Kim and spouse Sam, son Kevin and spouse Autumn, 3 grandchildren: Emily, Olivia, Gabbie, niece and great nieces, nephews, many great nephews, and sister Joanne Halloran. Allan graduated from Towle High School in Newport, NH, attended Kimball Union Academy, UNH and at Wentworth Institute he earned a degree in Architectural Technology. After graduation from Wentworth, Allan served five years in the Army National Guard...

Neale Alvah Freeto, age 95, died December 19, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born October 27, 1928, in Brattleboro, Vermont to Alvah and Florence Freeto. He was an old-fashioned printer using metal type and linotype machines. He was also a voracious reader and music lover. He was beloved especially by women, children, and pets! He was funny and smart. He was active in the United Methodist Church most of his life and was proud that both of his children were United Methodist pastors. He worked hard all his life and was most proud of the home he built with his own hands. It stands today in a small town in New Hampshire where he and Barbara raised their family. He was preceded in death...

Raymond "Bill" William Benoit, age 81, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at home under hospice care. He was born on March 6, 1942; the son of Raymond and Greta (Kinmonth) Hull in New London, Connecticut. He was raised in Mystic until his family moved to Vermont to farm in 1958. Bill graduated from South Royalton High School in Vermont in 1960 followed by serving 4 years in the US Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he attended Trucking School and worked for Petco Oil and other tractor trailer companies. Following, Bill went to work in the Telco industry, starting with Ma Bell, initially as a Splicer, and after 37 years, retiring as a Contract Work Inspector with Verizon...

Marjerie Hastings, age 94, of York, Maine, passed away on October 23, 2023. She was the daughter of the late George and Alberta Hastings of Grantham, NH. Born on June 25, 1929, Marjerie was raised on a large farm in Grantham, one of six children. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by four of her siblings: Willena Spooner of Woodstock, Vermont; Wilfred Hastings of Grantham, NH; Wilma Bean of Springfield, NH; and Ronald Hastings of Grantham, NH. Marjerie is survived by her brother, Paul Hastings, of Lebanon, NH; her sons, Wayne Boardman and his wife Mary Lynne of York; Bruce Boardman and his wife Karen of Cape Neddick; and her daughter, Nancy Bither and her husband Greg of...

A life-long square dancer, New England sports fan, and horseshoe thrower, Norman James Fassett passed away from Myasthenia Gravis, with the loving support of his family, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on October 12, 2023. Born on October 6, 1942, the son of Norman W. Fassett and Katherine Fassett. He was the husband of Marianne Fassett, for 58 years, married on April 4, 1965. Jim attended Vilas High School in Alstead, NH, and pursued higher education at the University of New Hampshire Thompson School of Agriculture. He served as a member of the National Guard. He was employed as an Agway Store manager for 20 years, and a Merriam Graves truck driver for 11 years. Along with square dancing,...

Ernest E. Newcombe, Jr. - known to everyone as 'Ernie' or 'Newk' - passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023, one week after his 96th birthday. Newk was born in Cambridge, MA on October 2, 1927. His family moved to Keene in 1930. Newk attended Lincoln Elementary School, Keene Jr. High School, and Keene High School, graduating with the class of 1945. He served in the Pacific with the US Navy as a Storekeeper Third Class on the USS Molala, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. Following his Navy service, Newk enrolled at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. After his sophomore year, on June 6, 1948, Newk married his high school sweetheart Jean Elizabeth Bower of Surry....

Dr. Charlotte J. Sanborn was called home on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the age of 98 following a short period of declining health. Charlotte was born on March 14, 1925, in Concord, NH, daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Wood) Holbrook. Charlotte will always be remembered as the doctor that came on the scene to win many hearts and sway many minds. She was a woman of substance and touched many people's hearts throughout her career. She was a master of systems and had the ability to maneuver obstacles to achieve the goal. Many hearts have been touched by her humble and kindly efforts for everyone's good. Charlotte was a teacher, confidant, counselor, author, boss, and mother working...

Patricia Ann Cross (81) passed away unexpectedly at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on August 14, 2023 surrounded by family. Patricia was born March 17, 1942 in Keene, NH to Daniel Henderson and Margery (Beauchesne) Henderson. Patricia graduated from Keene High School in 1960 and was married 2 years later to Joseph Cross IV. She retired from DHMC after 40+ years in the housekeeping department. Patricia loved and cherished every moment she spent with her family. Her pride and joy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could often find her playing bingo or cards with her friends at Quail Hollow or sitting outside in the rocking chairs. Patricia is predeceased by...

On July 27th, Donna Stinson passed away peacefully at home the day after a great round of golf. It's only fitting that her heart grew too big as her spirit was constantly filled with joy and love. The grand-daughter of the late John Sanford, Donna grew up in the Killington-Rutland area and graduated from Rutland High School. After RHS, she earned her degree in nursing from Castleton State College and went on to care for countless patients over a 40+ year career as an RN. She then transitioned to running Stinson's Village Store in Hanover, NH with her husband Jack, helping to mold the business into the local treasure that it has become. Donna was known for standing up for those she loved,...

Christopher Stephen Yurgeles, 61, a resident of Keene, died unexpectedly on June 26, 2023 in Keene, NH. Chris was born in NJ on August 28, 1961 and moved with his parents and brother to Goshen, NH when he was 3 months old. He was a graduate of Newport High School, attended Casco Bay College (now Andover College) graduating Summa Cum Laude,with an Associates Degree in Computer Science, and completed his education at Keene State College graduating, Magna Cum Laude, in 1985 with a major in Business Management. At the time of his death, he was an employee of Keene State College in the IT Department. Until 2 years ago he operated his own business, Complete Computer Care of Keene. His varied...

James R. Kenney Sr., 67, died June 24, 2023 at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH following a lengthy illness. He was born in Boston, MA., on February 20, 1956 the son of Thomas and Catherine (Tucker) Kenney. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. He held membership in American Legion, Post 1 in Woodsville, NH. He loved spending time with his family, riding his motorcycle, fishing and fast cars. Family members include his wife of 43 years, Jacqueline "Jaye" (Therrien) Kenney, three children; James R. Kenney Jr., Phillip Kenney and his wife, Jillian all of Canaan , April Kenney of E. Bridgewater. MA., three grandchildren; Jillian Blumenthal, Madison Feetham, Hazel R. Kenney,...