Obituaries for Thursday, December 12, 2019

ALLEN F. WOOD

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. – Allen Francis Wood, 90, of Zephyrhills, Florida, and formerly of Palermo/ Sidney/ Augusta, passed on the early morning of Sunday, November 17, 2019, at his home in Zephyrhills, following a long illness. Allen was born in China on April 3, 1929, to William (“Bill”) Wood and Dorothy Choate Wood.

After graduating from Walker High School, in Liberty, Allen served four years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Alcona during the Korean War. After his stint in the Navy, he worked for and retired from the state of Maine Department of Transportation, working as the state’s first diesel engine mechanic and then foreman of the state DOT Motor Department, in Augusta. He retired in 1981 but did not stop working until the summer of 2013.

Following his retirement from the state, he worked for White & Bradstreet, in Augusta, and for various persons and garages who needed “expert diesel repair.” He was the author of a book titled What I Know About Engines. In Allen’s spare time, he was a “Jack of All Trades.” He took great pride in the building of houses for him and Gloria and for their son. He was also known for his many talents of crafting, constructing and engineering special gifts for family and friends, such as rocking horses for his grandchildren, rolling pins, bread boards, cutting boards, bird houses, whirlygigs, flag poles, and weathervanes.

He was an avid gardener with a great appreciation for watching things grow and then harvesting, canning, freezing the fruits of his labor. He enjoyed tapping maple trees and collecting and boiling down the sap into maple syrup.

Allen loved to dance and his motto was “Skip the Nursing Home. Die Dancing.” And he did dance, several nights a week until the Fall of 2018 He was very proud of his family and loved having them all together for lots of conversation, laughter, bantering, discussions about life and often concluded the discussions with “Now just think about that for a minute.” He was a great supporter of his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids in their many endeavors in life.

There will be no funeral services at this time. His body will be cremated; and his wish was “to go in the ocean and swim to France to dance with the girls there.”

His siblings were Harry Franklin Wood, Rachel Wood Sheaff, and Jeannette Wood Scates. His sister Jeannette survives him. Allen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gloria Hannan Wood, of Zephyrhills; their children, Allen Ross Wood, of Sidney, Sally Mae Bolduc and her husband Joseph, of Daytona Beach, Florida, and Mary Lou Ester Lane and her husband Richard, of Augusta, and Mission, Texas; six grandchildren, Heather Hopkins, Michele Dunn and her husband Matthew, Bethany Battistone, Rebecca Bolduc, Christopher Neptune and wife Melanie, Matthew Lane and wife Erin.; great-grandchildren Reed and Abby Hopkins, Marek and Maren Battistone, Mason Bolduc, Charlotte and Amelia Dunn, Kaitlyn, Richard, and Kristin Neptune, Alonzo Connor (Paige), Brandi Grady, Madeleine, Matthew, Jr., and Meredith Lane; and great-great-grandchildren, Derrick and Skylynn Neptune and Jaydyn Simmons.

RONALD D. KERSHNER

WATERVILLE – Ronald Dexter Kershner, 78, Waterville, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. He was born October 16, 1941, in Farmington.

Ron graduated from Bingham High in 1959. He enlisted in the Army in 1964, and was honorably discharged in 1966. He was stationed in Korea and Okinawa, Japan.

Ron began working for Scott Paper (later Kimberly Clark), in Winslow, in the early ‘80s and was there for about 16 years. He worked his way up from facilities and maintenance to working in the boiler room as an engineer, where he had the responsibility of ensuring that the mill did not explode.

While his sons were growing up, they spent time together hunting and fishing. They also made sure to see every Star Wars movie as soon as it came out, instilling a love of all things sci-fi.

With wife Judy, he enjoyed driving and traveling. They explored the east coast and loved the beaches of North Carolina.

Ron was a proud member of the Elks Lodge, in Waterville, where he liked to call the Beano games. He never turned down the opportunity to debate historical events; he cheered for local high school athletes with gusto; and he loved reading, especially novels about the old west by Louis L’Amour. He was also very social and met up for coffee with his regulars to chat daily.

He is survived by sons Daniel Kershner (wife Stacie) and Trever (girlfriend Lauren Chan); grandchildren Hollyn, Weston and Ari, as well as girlfriend Nancy Johnston; brother Terrance (wife Renee); nieces and nephews, stepchildren; and step-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents George Crosby and Eloise (True) Kershner and stepfather Roland Kershner; his eldest son Anthony, wife Judy (Godbout), sister Kathy Doucette and brother Rodney.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

ROWENA M. WITHAM

OAKLAND – Rowena M. Witham, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at Oak Grove Center, in Waterville. Rowena was born on September 1, 1924, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, to Wendell Richardson and Katie (Robie) Alton.

Rowena grew up in Harmony and graduated from Harmony High School with the class of 1942. She resided in Oakland for most of her life working at the Diamond Match Company, in Oakland, for 36 years. Rowena will be remembered for her spit fire personality and quick wit and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She loved going out to eat with her family and enjoyed the many boat rides around China Lake.

She is survived by her sons, David Witham and Donna, of Sidney, and Robert Witham and Karleen, of Philadelphia, New York; her daughters, Lori Witham and wife Wanda Hoffmann, of Dover, New Hampshire, and Joyce Savage, of Hudson, Florida; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Connie Rowe, whom she enjoyed many excursions and activities with.

Rowena was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Harold; her son, Ricky; her grandson, Timothy Foye; her son-in-law, Wallace Savage; her siblings, Edward Richardson, Frank “Fred” Alton Jr, Harry Alton, George Alton, Carroll (Cad) Alton, Eugene and twin Emogene Alton, and Marie Alton; and sister, Velma Gibbs.

Burial will be held at a later date at the Veterans Cemetery.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

ROSCOE PELTON

WEEKS MILLS – Roscoe “Ross” Pelton Jr., 82, passed away at his home on Saturday, November 23, 2019, following a long illness. He was born in Waterville on May 5, 1937, the son of Roscoe Sr. and Bertha (Brooks) Pelton.

He graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China in 1956. After working at Fairbairn Equipment, in Augusta, he operated Ross Small Engine, on Route 3, in Weeks Mills. He coached Little League baseball for several years. After serving in ministries at Weeks Mills Baptist Church, he attended Glen Cove Bible College for two years and graduated from New Brunswick Bible Institute in 1981. After graduating he pastored for over 20 years in South Gardiner and South Monmouth Baptist churches.

Ross is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pauline (Breton) Pelton, of Weeks Mills; a son, Dr. Randal (Michele) Pelton, of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania; a daughter, Anita (Leon Sr.) Whitmore, of West Gardiner; grandchildren, Caleb (Pam), Benjamin, Seth, Leon Jr., Moriah (Jacob), Michael, and Amanda (Eric); great-grandchildren, Logan and Ivy; his brother, Gerald (Pat) Pelton, of Weeks Mills; sisters, Betty (Herb) Flint, of Weeks Mills, and Sandra Curtis, of Augusta; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Virginia Hansen and Janice Hisler.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ross’s memory may be made to the Weeks Mills Baptist Church, 13 Deer Hill Road, Weeks Mills, ME 04358.

CECILE T. GAGNE

AUGUSTA – Cecile Theresa (Theriault) Gagne, 71, of Augusta, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019. Cecile fought a courageous battle of cancer over the last 15 years but, has lost the battle to ovarian cancer. She was born June 1, 1948, in Augusta, to the daughter of Wilfred & Cecile Louise (Blais) Theriault.

Her father Wilfred passed away when she was young. Omer “Babe” Maheux, her mother’s second husband raised her like she was his own.

On May 2 1970, she married Robert “Bob” Gagne, in Augusta. She was employed for many years at Augusta General Medical Center, in the O.R. dept., where she made many lifelong friends. She was a member of St. Augustine Parish, in Augusta. Cecile was known for her kindness and generosity. She loved to crochet special blankets that she would give away to show her love. She enjoyed crafts, painting and shopping. Cecile was known to be a “jack of all trades” kind of woman. Her most favorite past time was being with her family, especially her two grandchildren, Vanessa and Jamison, who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Robert “Bob” Gagne, of Augusta; son, Michael Gagne, of Sidney; daughter, Cheryl (Gagne) Bragdon and husband Tobby, of Augusta; one granddaughter, Vanessa Bragdon and one grandson, Jamison Bragdon, both of Augusta; a step-grandson, T.J. Bragdon and a step-granddaughter Amanda (Craig) Ray; two sisters, Laurette Minoty and husband Richard, of Augusta, Rita Ellis, of Augusta; brother, Richard “Zeke” Theriault and wife June, of Augusta; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

She was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Claire (Pomerleau) Poulin and Doris (Lajoie) Marquis.

At the request of Cecile, a private mass of Christian burial will be held in December at the St. Augustine Chapel then later buried at the V.A. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecile’s memory may be sent to St. Augustine Parish, 75 Northern Ave. Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

JAMES E. LAJOIE

WATERVILLE – James E. Lajoie, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2019. He was born December 16, 1932, in Eagle Lake, the son of Leon Lajoie and Alma (Bouchard) Lajoie.

He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Army, where he received a Korean Service medal, a United Nations medal and a National Defense Service medal.

His love for farming was evident in his tenure at Rossignol’s Dairy Farm as a herdsman. He loved to tinker with machines and mechanical projects throughout his life but especially during his employment at Mid-State Machine and Sukee Arena, both in Winslow, (known as the Zamboni man).

He was a dedicated member of Corpus Christi Parish, Winslow VFW MacCrillis-Rousseau Post #8835, Waterville Knights of Columbus and Waterville American Legion Bourque-Lanigan Post #5. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend whose heart showed in his every day actions.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife of 36 years and mother of his children, Jacqueline (Plourde) Lajoie, Marion (Murkas) Lajoie of 25 years, a sister Patsy (Lajoie) Pelletier, a brother John Lajoie and grandson Jarod Kervin.

He is survived by his sons Elmer Lajoie and wife Anne, of Hooksett, New Hampshire, Brian Lajoie and wife Torrie, of Vassalboro, Donald Lajoie and wife Cheryl, of Winslow; daughters Ann (Lajoie) Brooks and husband Colen, of Oakland, Irene (Lajoie) Plourde and husband Donald, of Sidney, Sandra (Lajoie) Kervin and husband Edward, of Port Charlotte. Florida, Norma (Lajoie) Gurekovich and husband William, of New Britain, Connecticut; a brother Jerry Lajoie and wife Dorothy of Somers, Connecticut; sisters Jacqueline (Lajoie) Giguere, of Waterville, and Diane (Lajoie) Brady and husband William, of Bristol, Connecticut; 19 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Waterville Humane Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

GEORGE S. GOODWIN SR.

BENTON – George S. Goodwin Sr., 77, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation, in Waterville. He was born in Waterville, December. 9, 1942, the son of Horace E. and Victoria M. (Flood) Goodwin.

Before entering the nursing home, George (Steve) lived on the River Road in Benton, where he devoted his life working as a dairy farmer at Goodwin Farms, a sixth-generation family run farm for over 200 years. The land where Goodwin Farms is located was granted to his ancestor, Stephen Goodwin, in exchange for help in building Fort Halifax. George had a love for animals and farming, and was very proud of his family and heritage. He will be fondly remembered for all his stories, jokes, and “isms” that gave great joy and laughter to all. He definitely left his “foot print” for all to remember.

He is survived by his four children, Tamara G. Smith, and her husband Matthew, of Richmond, Tina M. Leclerc and her husband Jeffrey, of Sidney, George S. Goodwin Jr., of New Gloucester, and Annette L. Steward and her husband Joshua, of Smithfield; his two sisters, Jane Chee, of Biddeford, and Priscilla St. Louis, of Rangeley; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey C., Casey J., and Matthew S. Smith, Alyssa L. and Shane E. Davis, Myles C. and Masyn D. Goodwin, Dalton J. and Jacob J. Steward; great granddaughter, Braelynn M. Davis; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, and his eldest brother, Charles A. Goodwin Sr.

Interment will be held in the spring at the Goodwin Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s memory to Beacon Hospice, 5 Community Drive, Suite A, Augusta, ME 04330.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

GRACE L. STOCKFORD

SMITHFIELD – Grace L. Stockford, 89, of Smithfield, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2019. She was born in Smithfield on June 25, 1930, the daughter of the late Joseph and Lucy (Rowe) Dudley.

Grace attended Williams High School, in Oakland. She was a very hard worker, being employed by Bear Spring Camps, in Rome, working for Dr. Howard Hill, in Belgrade, Mrs. Brown, in Waterville, and Norwalk Shoe Company.

She married Robert “Bob” L. Stockford, and the couple enjoyed many wonderful years together until his passing in 2000.

Grace loved to dance, and enjoyed caring for her plants and flowers, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Besides her parents, and her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters, Pearl Wilde, Lucille Wilde, Clara Moody, and Elevena Yeaton; her brother, Roland Dudley; her granddaughter, Sadie True; and her son-in-law, David A. Brown.

Grace will be sadly missed by her daughters, Debra Geaghan, Diane Stockford, Darlene Brown, and Donna True and her husband Greg; her sisters, Alice Christensen and Florence Witham; her brother Bill Dudley; her grandchildren, Christopher Geaghan and his wife Jodi, Amanda Stockford, Brandi True, and Dusty Corson; her grandson, Bob Stockford and his significant other Daryl Saxton; her great-grandchildren, Abigail and Holly Geaghan and Mattea Ludden; and several nieces and nephews.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 26 Church St., Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

WALLACE R. HALL JR.

WINDSOR – Wallace “Wally” Richard Hall Jr, 62, of Windsor, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at Maine Medical Center, in Portland. He was born March 15, 1957, to Wallace and Kathleen Hall.

Wally was one of 12 children. He attended East Hampton High and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps. In 1980, Wally moved from Connecticut to Windsor with his father and siblings to manage Lipman Poultry Farms. He met the love of his life Gail in 1981 and they married in 1985. He had his daughter Danielle in 1987 which he often shared as one of the proudest moments in his life. He was a family man who loved being a husband, a father and most recently a proud grandfather to his “buddy” Nash.

He worked 25 years as a machine operator at Maine Poly and later as a Transportation Aid for the state Department of Transportation. Wally was known as a hard-working man who enjoyed working with his hands. You would often find him making well-houses, mowing his lawn, cutting and stacking wood or just tinkering on something. If he wasn’t tinkering on something he was riding his motorcycle with his wife, father, daughter and friends often riding to his favorite spot, Pemaquid Point.

He loved spending time with “the girls” his beloved dogs Sheba and Kenzy. He enjoyed and appreciated the simple things that life had to offer.

Wally was an honest, kind, loyal, strong and loving man. He was the first to offer help but never expected it in return. He made friends wherever he went. Strangers became friends and friends became family. He had no quit – it was all grit. He loved big and deep. His love had no boundaries, no expectations and was always expressed genuinely. The world was a better place with him in it.

He was predeceased by his parents Wallace and Kathleen Hall; sisters Laura Oliger and Sharon Hall.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gail; his daughter Danielle Sherwood and her husband Eric; his grandson Nash; brothers and sisters, Tim, Mark, Lenny, Mike, Colleen, Carol, Charlene, Doreen and Vicky; many brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at noon located at the American Legion Post #179, 78 Legion Memorial Drive, South China. A private burial will be held in the spring.

Please consider registering to be an organ donor – https://www.donatelife.net/ Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, 130 Pleasant St., Richmond.

Condolences may be expressed at www.kincerfuneralhome.com.

MARK A. TRIAL

FAIRFIELD – Mark A. Trial, 57, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 4, 2019. Mark was born September 18, 1962, in Skowhegan, son of Shirley (Quinn) Trial and Peter Trial.

He went to high school in Madison, graduating in 1981.

Mark spent the last years working at J.S. McCarthy, in Augusta. He had a massive work family including his work wife, Ann. Before J.S. McCarthy, he spent numerous years at Huhtamaki, in Waterville. He loved spending time with his granddaughter Jerika, shopping on the weekends and eating at Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant, in Waterville. Mark had an undying love for the Patriots, Trump, and his kids. In no particular order.

Mark was predeceased by his mother, Shirley, his father, Peter; his sister, Ann Marie; his nephew, Lance; and his beloved dog, Nikki Moon.

Mark is survived by his sisters, Ruth, Mary, and Kristy; his sisters-in-law, Lou, and Val; his brothers, Pete, Aaron, BIL Cliff; his brother-in-law, Chet; his numerous ex-wives, his favorites being Carmen and Carol…in a particular order; his son, Jason; his daughter, Jess; countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved him, especially nephew and niece Zack and Emily who knew him as Uncle Rico. Finally, his granddaughter, Jerika Trial; his grandson, Jeremiah Ward.

An online guestbook may be signed, and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main St., Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Somerset Humane Society, PO Box 453, Skowhegan, Maine 04976.