Thelma L. Hover
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STOCKBRIDGE- Thelma "Tilly" L. Hover, 87 of Stockbridge, MA, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning at home, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Whitingham, VT on March 30, 1934, daughter of Vernon and Blanche Reynolds Sprague, she was a devout Baptist and spent many hours volunteering for her local church, as well as teaching Sunday School. She never stopped speaking fondly of growing up on her family's farm on North Hill in Readsboro, VT. Thelma graduated Valedictorian of the Whitingham High School Class of 1952. She received a college scholarship, but was quickly hired right out of high school by the Deerfield Glassine Company in Monroe Bridge, MA. She worked for them as the Executive Secretary to the Vice President.
On October 27, 1962 she married her husband Edgar E. Hover of Pittsfield, MA. Their two daughters were born a few years later. Family meant everything to Thelma and it showed through her entire life. She dedicated herself to raising her two daughters, then helping to raise her two grandchildren. She was an avid gardener and crafter, enjoying knitting, crocheting, needlework and sewing, but her passion was hand quilting. She made sure every family member had at least one beautiful piece.
Back in Readsboro, the Spragues always had a special place in her heart, especially her mother Blanche. Right up until the end, Thelma would tell fun stories of North Hill, (and how she was a better shot with a rifle than her four brothers). Every Saturday of her married life, Thelma and her family would travel back to North Hill for a family visit.
She was most recently a communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and First Congregational Church in Stockbridge. She was a dedicated volunteer for Elder Services, serving lunches for her fellow residents of Heaton Court, where she last resided and made many special friends.
Before her passing, Thelma was asked: "What is the one thing I should know about you?" She didn't hesitate for a moment" "My family is the most important thing in the world to me".
Thelma was predeceased by her parents, Blanche Reynolds Sprague and Vernon Sprague, and three brothers, Preston, Gilbert and Phillip Sprague. She was also predeceased by her husband Edgar E. Hover. When he passed in 2007 they had been married for 45 years.
She is survived by her brother, Marshall Sprague of Readsboro; her two daughters, Ericka M. Adams of Dalton and Stephanie V. Adler of Stockbridge, as well as her son in law, David V. Adler of Stockbridge and her two grandchildren- Robert Hover Adler and Emma Sprague Adler. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Thelma Hover will be Saturday July 24, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Readsboro Baptist Church in Readsboro, VT. Thelma will be laid to rest beside her husband Edgar in North Hill Cemetery, not far from where her parents are buried. She's traveling with God, back to North Hill for the last time, surrounded by her family. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Care in the Berkshires in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.