OBITUARIES for Thursday, August 29, 2024

RONALD C. MILLER

WATERVILLE – Ronald Callaway Miller, 79, passed away following a brief illness on Monday, August 5, 2024, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, in Augusta. Ron was born in Conway, South Carolina, on July 20, 1944, to James and Mary Hope Miller.

Ron attended Myrtle Beach High School and during that time he worked as a lifeguard on Myrtle Beach and as a golf caddie at the Dunes Club. He attended the University of South Carolina before entering the United State Air Force, where he served as a Medivac, in Vietnam. He loved karate and during his time overseas, he earned his black belt. After leaving the service, he married Jane, the love of his life, making Maine their home, and they were married for 54 years.

Ron was very talented in sales (starting as a child selling Krispy Kreme donuts door to door) and worked as the regional sales manager for Capp Homes, and the sales manager for Northeast Chrysler Plymouth and Town Auto Sales. He rounded out his career spending 19 years at Darlings Bangor, until his retirement in 2013. At Darlings, he worked with some of his closest friends and golf buddies.

He was a proud member of the following organizations: York Rite, Scottish Rite, Rising Virtue Lodge, (Past Master), and Anah Shrine, in the clown unit, often having his children accompany him as clowns in holiday parades. He enjoyed being a member of these organizations and attending their events. Ron was very proud of his quiet instrumental assistance in the development of the Masonic charity, the Dyslexia Learning Center in Bangor, which has helped hundreds of children with reading and writing challenges throughout the years, without incurring any expense to their families.

Ron loved being a husband, father and grandfather “Boppie”. He enjoyed golf, fishing, being with animals and adored attending his grandchildren’s activities, which included dance recitals, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, karate and playing board games all day with them. This is exactly what he did with his own children growing up and had an even deeper love doing so with his grandchildren.

He was an avid New England Patriots and Clemson University football fan and looked forward to every season. Ron was also a voracious reader and loved anything written by David Baldacci and numerous other authors. This was matched by his love for history, and he was always the family Jeopardy champion at home. No Christmas was complete without Ron putting his culinary skills on display with his famous lobster stew in a bread bowl, which was always a family hit.

Ron was predeceased by his parents; his older brother, Jimmy and his in-laws.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 54 years of marriage, Jane E. (Dudley) Miller; his daughter Stephanie and her husband Chris Procopis; son Christopher Alan and wife Jennifer Rogers Miller; grandchildren Alexandra Lillian and Samuel Callaway Miller; brother-in-law, Richard and wife Martha Dudley; niece, Anne; nephew, Chad; and southern cousins Nancy, Jan and Oliver “O.C.”

Ron’s private services will be determined at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Ave., Bangor, Maine 04401;Dyslexia Learning Center, 294 Union St., Bangor,ME 04401; or Maine Veterans Home in Augusta, 35 Heroes Way, Augusta, ME 04330.

EDWARD L. POLLARD

PALERMO – Edward Leonard “Skip” Pollard, 75, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, following a long illness. He was born April 3, 1949, in Providence, Rhode Island, a son to Edward Sr. and Helen (Dwyer) Pollard.

After high school he attended Northeastern University X-Ray program through Roger Williams hospital, in Providence, Rhode Island. At this time he joined the Rhode Island National Guard as a medic, training in California. Ed stayed with the guard for about four years.

He worked at Roger Williams hospital as a special procedures technologist from 1968 until 1973, when he became chief technologist at Newport Hospital in Newport, Rhode Island. This is where he met his wife, Anna. They married in May 1976 and moved to the family farm, in Palermo. They led the “Good Life”: garden, horse, cow, pigs and chickens.

Skip was the proud and loving father to two children, Edward III, and Allison. For a few years, he would travel every other week to Rhode Island to work for a mobile X-ray service. In 1980, the farm house burned down, and Skip went into the woods, cut logs, and in three years had built a new home. He worked cutting fire wood to sell, hauling gravel, and trucking potatoes from the county to New York City, New York.

In 1991, he returned to the Radiology profession and worked at Kennebec Valley Medical Center and Maine Mobile MRI, until 2001 when he suffered a stroke. Paralyzed in his right side, he was still able to walk, so he went back to the woods and cut his own firewood. With help he added two decks to his home. He built a slide-in camper and a Bucket-T hot rod. (Did a few drag races with it and won).

Skip was adventurous, he was a skier, scuba diver, learned to fly a plane, and crossed this country twice on his Harley Davidson. His greatest joys in this world were his two grandchildren, Scarlett May Pollard and Ella Marie Murphy. No matter how bad he was feeling these two girls brought light into his life.

Skip was predeceased by his grandparents, his parents Edward Sr. and Helen, and his nephew, Isaac J. Pollard.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; his son, Edward III and partner Nancy Crockett; daughter, Allison and husband Mark Murphy; his brothers, Wayne Pollard and wife Margie, and Jerry Pollard and sister-in-law Stephanie Pollard; and nieces Kelly and Lindsey.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Palermo Christian Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care.

RONALD T. MAYO

AUGUSTA – Ronald T. Mayo, 77, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Tim was born on May 11, 1947, in Augusta, to parents William and Arlene Mayo.

Tim grew up in Weeks Mills and attended China schools, graduating from Erskine Academy, in South China.

Tim was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Vietnam War. Tim worked most of his adult life doing concrete construction. He spend the last 15 years before retirement owning his own business, doing concrete slabs. Tim’s biggest passion was classic cars. He built many over the years, all of which were show quality.

Tim was predeceased by his parents William and Arlene Mayo.

He is survived by his significant other Evelyn Coutts, her large family and his beloved dog Millie; his daughter Sara Cobb, her husband Geoff, and grandson Colton, all of Winthrop; sisters Lois Gilbert and husband Don, of Sidney, Tobey Taylor, of Albion, Linda Mayo and partner John Joyce, of Albion; brothers William Mayo and wife Linda, of Wauchula, Florida, Steve Mayo, of Weeks Mills, Linden Mayo and wife Renarda, of Weeks Mills; many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the South China American Legion, at 1 p.m. Anyone with classic cars are asked to drive them. Tim’s latest car will be there for people to see.

KENNETH L. CUNNINGHAM

WHITEFIELD – Kenneth Leroy Cunningham, Jr., 83, passed on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. He was born April 3, 1941, to Kenneth Cunningham Sr. and Rachel (Small) Cunningham.

Kenny had six siblings, Patricia (Glidden) Cunningham, Kathleen (Wrigley) Cunningham, Linda (Estes) Cunningham, Thomas Cunningham, Dorothy (Shuman) Cunningham and Ruth Cunningham.

Kenny lived the majority of his life in the Oakland area, with time spent in Burnham, North Berwick and Whitefield. Kenny graduated from Williams High School, in Oakland, in 1959 and married his high school sweetheart, Iva (Knox) Cunningham, in December 1961.

Kenny was known for his lighthearted and conversational ways, as well as his dedicated and driven work ethic. Kenny entered the workforce as a co-worker to his parents at the Harris Bakery, of Waterville, from there he gave many dedicated years to the Waterville Morning Sentinel in the engraving department. In 1978, Kenny, following his love for animals and working the land, became a chicken farmer in Burnham and raised his children in idyllic rural Maine. Kenny later returned to his craft at Graphic Color, of Waterville, where he was a color scanner operator. Kenny, a seasoned veteran of the industry finished out his career with Spencer Press of Wells, where he was beloved for his farmer’s work ethic and can-do attitude.

In his retirement, much like his professional life, Kenny was a gentleman farmer, a skilled woodsman and an outdoorsman like none other. Much like his namesake, Kenny was a natural fisherman and renowned deer hunter, from his childhood to his death, a season didn’t pass where he didn’t “tag out” with a beautiful white tail or creel full of brook trout taken from land and lakes that he loved.

Kenny had an unshaken faith in Our Lord, Jesus Christ and lived a life that was a constant statement of hope and love to those around him. He was a giver and an encourager, spending most of his free time working in his gardens fertilizing, weeding and harvesting or in the woods, cutting, splitting and hauling. Whether it was zucchini or tomatoes, oak or ash, he would keep some, but mostly give it away to others in need. But where Kenny gave most was time in conversation, a skilled story teller and a reciter of scriptures and quotes, his intent was always the same, he wanted to lighten your load, bring joy to your heart and inspire you to move ahead.

Kenny was blessed to be married to Iva, a spouse who was his greatest admirer and at his side through nearly all the seasons of his life, until our Lord called her home. In Kenny’s later years, he received one of his greatest blessings, a second opportunity at love. Kenny happily married Sue (Montag) Cunningham, of Whitefield, who gave him a new lease on life and showered him with love and admiration daily and selflessly cared for him till his passing.

Kenny was proudly the father of four children, Kathy (Cunningham) Lawler and fiancé James Smith, of Oakland, Kelly (Cunningham) Dyer and spouse David Dyer, of Sidney, Kenneth Cunningham III and spouse Kristen Cunningham, of Lyman, and Trisha (Cunningham) Brown and spouse Michael Brown, of Georgia. A grandfather and great-grandfather to many, Kenny looked forward to Heaven, where he could be reunited with his adored granddaughter, Kristin.

Funeral service was held on Friday, August 23, at Kingdom Life Church, 191 High St., Oakland.

THOMAS G. SCHOLTENS

FAIRFIELD – Thomas G. Scholtens GMT, 66, of Fairfield,, passed away on Tuessday, August 13, 2024.

Tom was a kind and caring Christian man who was full of love for everyone and was loved by all who knew him. Tom never hesitated to help anyone in need. His goal every day was to make at least one person smile. He always had a way of making everyone he saw smile. He also always carried Light Up Butterflies which he would give to anyone who looked like they were having a bad day. He would hand them to them and tell them “This is the Beauty God gave you” then he would light the butterfly and tell them “This is the Beauty God put inside you”. He made every one smile and everyone loved him.

Tom was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy as a Gunners Mate on the USS South Carolina CGN 37. He always said his Lord, Family and Country were most important to him. After the Navy he spent his life devoted to his late wife, Cindy A. Scholtens and his two children, Samantha and Jason. He also devoted many years to working with many children as a soccer coach who his “Kids” still call him “Coach Tom”. He was so proud of his “Kids” and his time with them. He also worked as grounds keeper for St. Mary of Celle, Stickney soccer field and Berwyn soccer field.

Tom also worked as the head of maintenance at Hillside Mal, in Hillside, Illinois. He developed a love for books when he was working at Lakebook MFG. He worked for Starship until he retired in October 2021. It was then he met and married his “Special Country Girl” Cindy J. Scholtens. They made their life together in Fairfield in their “Little Log Cabin” on what Tom referred to as “God’s Green Acres”. It was there he passed into Heaven with his wife and family at his side.

He encouraged children to enjoy reading and would donate books to schools, libraries and children in need.

Tom is survived by his wife, Cindy J. Scholtens; son, Jason, of Fairfield; his daughter, Samantha and partner, Joshua Martinez; grandsons Alex (Zander) and Angel Martinez; granddaughter, Raven Martinez; great-granddaughter, Hope Martinez, of Justice Illinois; his brother, Robert Scholtens, of San Martin, California; his sisters Virginia Johnson and Marion Ruzek, of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; and many, many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Sylvia Scholtens; siblings Lois, Joan, Helen, Dick, Don, Carol, John and Susan.

Memorial services were held at the Getchell Street Baptist Church, 3 Getchell St., Waterville , on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Christmas Child. Please make checks payable to Getchell Street Baptist Church, 3 Getchell St. Waterville, ME 04901.

WILLIAM R. EXNER

WATERVILLE – William “Bill” R. Exner, 85, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at home. Bill was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on February 15, 1939, son of Thomas and Constance Exner.

He married his wife and best friend, Shirley Ann Dunn. They were happily married for 45 years and raised four children together.

Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army while living as a young man, in Somerville, New Jersey. He held many careers from a miner in New Mexico, a woodsman and a jailer in Oregon, a chauffeur in New York and New Jersey, and a car salesman in Maine.

Bill was an avid fisherman who would wake his children and grandchildren at 2 a.m., to be on the lake before sunrise. He enjoyed playing poker, painting, auctions, wheeling and dealing, and creating chainsaw sculptures. Bill loved telling stories of fishing, movie stars he chauffeured in New York from Brooke Shields to Donald Trump.

As a young child he was placed in an orphanage with his sister Betty. He often ran away, and usually was found at the railroad tracks eating with the hobos. The orphanage would shave his hair and paint his head blue to find him easily. He had a couple stand-in spots in the movies (Twins and Electric Gliding Blue), where you could see him standing. He proudly participated in Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades with his tribute to the troops he painted and would collect toys throughout the year to give to children. He loved karaoke and was always introduced by DJ Lena as “Sexy Bill” to sing I’m too Sexy to his wife Shirley at The American Legion. He would pull a chair to the middle of the dance floor and have her sit while he serenaded her. He always put his own spin on it singing “I’m too sexy for my dentures,” changing the lyrics to make everyone laugh.

Bill was a generous man, and always had small gifts for random people. A small trinket or toy. He would always help other people by giving them food, clothes, or money.

He was predeceased by his wife Shirley Ann Exner, his parents, Thomas and Constance Exner, his sister Elizabeth Mandakas and husband Gus Mandakas, and his brother Tommy Exner of Florida.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Christina E. Exner, of Belgrade, Amanda C. Exner, of Waterville, and Brenda J. Exner, of Pittsfield; his son James C. Exner and his wife Shauna Exner, of China; grandchildren, Naval Aviator Lt. Phillip A. Exner and his wife Abbie Gaudette, of Milton, Florida, Joseph M. Exner, William J. Eaton, Brandon Brown-Exner, Trevor Exner, and Addison Exner; his companion Janice Brelsford; and many other extended family and friends.

Bill’s wish was to have a private family gathering.

Please visit Bill’s memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/bill-exner where condolences, photos, and special memories may be shared.

In lieu of flowers or cards, please donate in his name to The Travis Mills Foundation, 647 Castle Island Rd, Mt. Vernon, ME, or The Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

CHARLES H. POOLER III

SOUTH CHINA – Charles Harry Pooler II, 69, passed away at his home in South China on Monday, August 19, 2024.  Harry was born on April 1, 1955 in Waterville, the son of Charles Harry Jr. and Elizabeth (Hunter) Pooler, on his mother’s birthday.

He graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, where he played football.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves earning a Rifle Marksman Badge.
He built his own masonry business specializing in stone and brick chimneys, fireplaces, and hearths, as well as slate floors while working for Cianbro Co., of Pittsfield, from which he retired after several decades.  His talents with slate expanded into mosaics, and his masterpieces can be found in homes throughout Maine.

After “semi-retiring”, his masonry business continued, only taking select jobs to spend more time doing things he loved.  Harry’s treasures were his family and land.  During retirement he was a strong presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren.  The Papa that made every visit a big deal with his special triple-flipped bacon and regular visits before school with chocolate milk and treats.  Humor and fun were always on his mind.  He was full of antics.  They loved it when he would call them and say, “I have an idea….”.  He was the go-to for his girls with any problems, even the ones they didn’t know they had yet!

Rachel and daughters fondly referred to him as Papa Fix-it Pooler.  He was creative and resourceful, always tinkering in his garage transforming unwanted materials into fun, clever creations.  He spent time with his friends and tractor cutting trees, building roads and maintaining his land, and watching wildlife.  He was a giver; sharing spaghetti sauce, potato salad, pasta salad and vegetables from his garden with family and friends.  He cared about needs in his community, often donating time or resources to support others.  He was also a giver of knowledge, empowering his daughters, granddaughters and other women to tackle home projects, patiently teaching them valuable skills.

Time spent on his land and building projects they completed together inspired his family and are some of their most treasured memories.

He was predeceased by parents, Charles and Patricia Pooler, and Elizabeth and Stephen Maddocks; and brother Scott.

Harry is survived by daughters, Rachel (Brad) Hinton, and Emily (Joel) Bamford; grandchildren Olivia (David) Hammershoy, Ella Baker, Maxwell and Caroline Bamford; sisters Linda, Nancy, Susie, Diane, Tammy, Wendy, Rhonda; nieces, nephews.

A private Celebration of Life gathering will be held for family and close friends.

In honor of Harry, do something kind for your neighbor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, ME 04330. To express condolences, please visit www.plummerfh.com.

CHRISTINE M. SLOCUM

CHELSEA – Christine “Chris” Mabel McGlauflin Slocum, 85, of Chelsea, passed away at home on the morning of Monday, August 19, 2024.

Chris grew up in the “Downeast” town of Charlotte, where indoor plumbing and telephones were still a rarity and living “off grid” wasn’t something people chose to do; it was just a way of life. She grew up with three brothers and was often her father’s sidekick on his weekly trips into town. She attended Charlotte Elementary School and graduated from Calais Memorial High School.

Chris received a bachelor of science degree from Farmington State Teachers College in 1960. Her first teaching position was at Ricker Classical Institute, in Houlton, where she taught home economics and coached cheerleading. While in Houlton, she met and married, Richard “Dick” Slocum. Chris went on to attain a master of science degree and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Education from the University of Maine, Orono.

Chris and Dick relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, so Dick could attain a Ph.D. of Mathematics from Tulane University. While living there, she taught second grade, and also taught cooking classes at the New Orleans YMCA, all while raising two children and living in a third-floor walkup with no air conditioning. She always felt it was “culture shock” living in a big city after growing up in a very small Maine town, but they made great friends, ate fantastic foods, and learned to make the best hurricanes while there.

A third child was born, and Dick got his degree, so they were off to Martin, Tennessee, where they bought their first home. There she established “Mothers’ Day Out” which was a preschool program. Christine was also employed by the Easter Seal program where she taught adults with disabilities.

In 1975, Chris and her family returned to Maine, believing it to be the best place to raise their family. She taught home economics, later labeled Family and Consumer Science, for over 20 years at the Gardiner Middle School. Chris loved her interaction with the students and was thankful for her profession. Chris impacted many lives as a teacher and was happy to have helped children learn skills to make them independent adults, such as cooking, sewing, balancing a checkbook, understanding how to read a product label, and how to comparison shop. When a student didn’t have a sewing project they wanted to create, she would often have them sew a teddy bear for the local police department, so officers would have something to break the ice when they encountered a young person in need of comfort.

Chris and Dick traveled extensively. When the children were young, they drove across the country during summer vacations. They saw many sights, and taught the children valuable lessons, such as the time the car broke down while driving through Las Vegas, Nevada, on the way to the Grand Canyon. Chris was playing the penny slot machine as their vehicle was being repaired. The children were being told “Watch your mom put coin after coin in the machine. The house always wins.” And at just that moment, she hit a small jackpot. Chris always was lucky. That lesson may have gone awry, but Chris often said she was grateful she and Dick traveled as much as they did when they were both healthy enough to do it. In addition to traveling in the U.S., they traveled to many faraway lands, such as Italy, Portugal, Spain, Greece, the Caribbean, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. In the British Isles she visited the McLachlan Castle which is the farthest her ancestry can be traced in the McGlauflin line.

Chris was an active member, and for several years, Queen of a Red Hat group, Rubies Cuties. Her group has been active for over 15 years. Christine formed many lasting close friendships within the group. At Christmas time, Chris collected from any member who wanted to donate to Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers.

Chris had a green thumb and spent many pleasant hours tending her flower beds and vegetable gardens. Family and friends reaped the benefits of her expertise by admiring her beautiful flowers and tasting fresh vegetables. She was also a fabulous cook, and hosted family gatherings and parties in her home, and made everyone feel at home with her warm smile and huge heart.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Mabel McGlauflin; an infant twin sister, Pauline; a brother, Donald McGlauflin; and her husband Richard Slocum.

She is survived by her three daughters: Alison Valley, of Gardiner, and her husband, Alan Valley, Melanie Slocum, of Thomaston, and Jennifer Bergeron, of Dresden; a grandson, Phillip Bergeron; a granddaughter, Rachael Bourget, and her husband, Luc; two brothers: Hollis McGlauflin, and his wife, Rosemary, and Ronald McGlauflin and his wife Roxanne; and a sister-in law, Jane McGlauflin; many nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at Round Pond Cemetery, in Charlotte, Maine, on Saturday, September 7, at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a celebration of life on Saturday, September 21, at 11 a.m., at 5 Togus Road, Chelsea.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville.

Those who would like to contribute in Christine’s memory, she requested all donations be given to the Maine Children’s Home, in Waterville. Donations may be made by phone 207-873-4253 (M-F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) or by mail to Maine Children’s Home, 93 Silver Street, Waterville, ME 04901.

ROLAND A. POOLER

FAIRFIELD — Roland A. Pooler, 91, of Fairfield, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. He was born in Fairfield on February 22, 1933, the son of the late Clifford J. and Exilia M. (Fortin) Pooler.

Roland lived all his life in Fairfield until moving to Benton in 2016.

He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School and was a communicant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and Corpus Christi Parish.

Roland dedicated his working career to Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, in Fairfield, working there for 62 years. Over those years he cared for countless families in Fairfield and the surrounding area. His commitment and kindness to the families he served was unparalleled.

When he wasn’t working for the funeral home, Roland enjoyed rooting for the New York Yankees, New York Giants and was an avid wrestling fan as well.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Juliette Thompson Pooler; his daughter Lauri Ann Pooler, his son Stephen Pooler and his sister Gloria Pooler Ducas.

Roland is survived by his wife, Joyce A. Hart, whom Roland married in 1984; his children, Gloria Pooler, John Pooler and his wife Deborah, Robert W. Hart, James R. Hart, Marcella “Marcie” Hart. Melody Hart Simpson, Janice Hart Paden, and Nancy Hart Paczesny; 19 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 116 Silver Street, Waterville. Burial will be beside his first wife in St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, in Waterville.

An online guest book may be signed, and memories shared at http://www.vrlfuneralhome.com .

Arrangements are in the care of Veilleux-Redington-Lawry Brothers, 8 Elm Street, Waterville.

SHAWNA L. MAGANTI

CHELSEA – Shawna Lynn Maganti, 47, of Chelsea, passed away due to complex medical complications on Wed­nesday, August 21, 2024. She was born May 9, 1977, in Augusta.

Shawna was the family’s wild child and was always up for something fun. She attended Chelsea Elementary School and Hall-Dale High School, and had an endless supply of friends that she spent lots of time with. She worked as a dental assistant and loved her job. Her family was her sole focus and the only thing that truly mattered to her. She wanted nothing more than to protect and be with the ones she loved.

Shawna loved to laugh, had an incredible sense of humor, and valued honesty, loyalty, and authenticity. Her facial expressions said it all and she could be stubborn like no other. She loved being home, tending to her flowers, drinking her tea, enjoying a sweet treat, and loving her dog and two cats.

Since she was a child, she loved being near the water, whether that be fishing with her family or finding a camping site where she could view it. Preparing to go camping, decorating her camper, and making sure everything was just perfect for their next adventure was a highlight of Shawna’s life.

Shawna adored watching her son, Kesar, play sports. She was his biggest supporter and could always be found on the sideline of whatever sport he played. He was the light of her life and her miracle baby. Shawna loved living in Maine and enjoyed fall the most. Picking apples, decorating her home, and watching the leaves change gave her much joy.

Shawna was preceded in death by her father, Roger Gagnon.

She is survived by her mother, Cynthia Gagnon and stepfather, Richard Grimshaw; husband, Ravi Maganti; and their son, Kesar; sister and brother-in-law, Shannon and Nicholas Kakasenko and their children Maris and Nikolai; father-in-law, Bhagavan Maganti and his wife Susan; mother-in-law, Devi Maganti; brother-in-law, Vasu Maganti and his wife Meagan and their children, Jaitin and Anjali; sister-in-law Madhu Learned and her husband, Keven and their daughter, Ria; sisters-in-law, Melissa and Jenny Moody.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Augusta Elks Lodge, on Saturday, August 31, from 2 – 5 p.m. All are welcome to come celebrate Shawna’s beautiful life.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine.

OTHERS DEPARTED

LOUISE B. SHEARER

RANCHO CORDOVA, California – Louise (Balamut) Shearer, 94, of Rancho Cordova, Calif., passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024. Born in Winslow, Au­­gust 27, 1929, to Thomas and Mary (Koziol) Balamut, she was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Boles Balamut, Veronica (Balamut) Wayshak, Zigmond Balamut and Estelle (Balamut) Wareing; as well as her former husband, Amos Shearer.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was educated in Winslow, and helped her family run the Balamut Dairy Farm, on Bassett Road. She moved around the U.S. and Canada to different Air Force bases with her husband, eventually settling in Rancho Cordova, California (Mather AFB). She retired after 30 years as an office worker at the Army and Air Force Exchange. Later in life she worked in real estate in California with her sister, Veronica, and niece, Betty.

Burial in the family plot at St Francis Cemetery in Waterville, will be private.

TERRENCE F. MURPHY

ESTERO, Florida – Terrence Francis Murphy, 77, passed peacefully at his home on Wednedsday, July 17, 2024, following a brave battle with kidney cancer. Terry was born in Torrington, Connecticut, on September 11, 1946, and grew up in Litchfield, Connecticut, with his parents and brother.

On May 3, 1976, he married his true love, Susan, and resided for many years in Waterville.

Terry enjoyed playing golf at the Waterville Country Club, where he was proud to have served as president. Summer months were spent at their camp on East Pond, in Oakland, fishing, boating, doing puzzles with his grandchildren, playing tennis, making his famous shrimp scampi and baked stuffed lobster, planning spectacular July 4th fireworks, helping to run the grand annual lobster bake, and porch-sitting with family and friends.

For most of his adult life, Terry worked as a sales rep for Lemans Corporation, dealing in snowmobile and motorcycle accessories throughout the state of Maine. This was the career path he chose and loved, because it allowed him to carry a fishing rod wherever he traveled.

After retiring in 2012, Terry and Sue resided at Pelican Sound, in Estero, Florida. Terry continued to golf with his good buddies, and served as captain of the Island Sound II bocce team, which he always spoke of in glowing terms, win or lose.

Terry leaves behind his wife, Susan; their children, Donald and fiancée Ann, Jennifer and fiancé Larry; 13 grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dennis and Helen Murphy, and his brother, Dennis Murphy Jr., of Litchfield, Connecticut.

At Terry’s request, there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hope Hospice, 13020 Livingston Road, Naples, Fl 34105, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

EUPHEMIA MILLER

Ruby Poulin and husband Gerard, of Augusta, lost her sister, and Deborah and husband Andrew Coulombe, of Augusta, Jeanette and husband Rick Chartier, of Gardiner, Mary Poulin, of Waterville, and Paul Poulin, of Augusta, all lost their aunt, Euphemia “Bea” Miller, 88, on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Home, in Augusta, following a long but courageous battle with dementia.

Bea was born in Eskasoni First Nation Nova Scotia, Canada, on December 5, 1935, the daughter of the late Michael R. and Mary Bella (Herney) Denny.

Bea moved to the U.S when she was just 15 years old and lived out the rest of her days in the central Maine area alongside her husband, Jesse Miller.

There will be no public visiting hours. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, at 2 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Cross Hill Road, Augusta. Burial will be at a later date in the new Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

Donations in Euphemia “Bea” Miller’s name can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME, 04074.