OBITUARIES for Thursday, June 24, 2021

MARGARET M. WOODBURY

WATERVILLE – Margaret M. (Lagasse) Libby Woodbury, 86, passed away Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Glenridge Comfort Care Center, in Augusta. She was born March 11, 1935, in Waterville, the daughter of Joseph and Eleanor (Vigue) Lagasse.

She attended schools in Waterville and graduated from Waterville High School. She was employed for many years as a secretary for Caswell’s Liquidation, in Waterville, and for the Boys and Girls Club, also in Waterville, after retirement. Margaret enjoyed taking trips to Canada, dancing with friends, going to concerts for various French Country and Western singers and bands and spending time with loved ones. She was a life-time member of Notre Dame Catholic Church, in Waterville.

Margaret is survived by five sons, John Libby and wife Jeanine, of Winslow, James Libby, Daniel Libby, and David Libby, all of Waterville, Anthony Libby, of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Adam Libby, Daniel Libby, Rebecca, Tiffany, and Alan; countless nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter who died shortly after birth.

There will be no funeral service.

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

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Margaret’s memory to Boys and Girls Club, Alfond Youth & Community Center, 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901.

NANCY L. DECCA

WATERVILLE – Nancy L. (Kendzierski), 72, passed away on Wednes­day, May 12, 2021. She was born on September 21, 1948, in Putnam, Connecticut, to Michael A. Kendzierski and Alda E. (Morin) Kendzierski.

She was raised in Danielson, Connecticut, where she attended Killingly Memorial School and was raised alongside her two brothers, David and Michael and two sisters, Arlene and Sally.

Nancy was predeceased by her ex-husband James F. Easler Sr., of Waterville; husband Richard P. Decca Sr., of Waterville; son James F. Easler Jr., of Waterville,; daughter Carolyn M. (Easler) Standring, of Waterville; grandson Michael A. Gentile, MM3 (SS), of Fairfield; and great-granddaughter Kya M. Standring, of Waterville.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Rose M. (Easler) Varney, of Waterville; sons Chad E. Decker Sr., of Waterville, and partner Krystal Brown, of Berlin, New Hampshire, and Eric P. Decker and partner Shelley Williams-Decker, of Waterville; grandchildren Mathew Danforth and partner Danielle Rosen, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kacee Standring, of Waterville, Randy Ruest II, of Warren, Kevin Easler, of Waterville, Jeremy Gentile and partner Brawn Palizzolo, of Waco, Texas, Kelley Easler, of Waterville, Anthony Curtis, of Waterville, Chad Decker Jr., of Waterville; as well as several great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the direction and care of her son Chad E. Decker Sr, 12 Autumn St, Waterville, ME 04901

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations in Nancy’s memory to Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville, ME 04901.

GEORGE M. STONE

ALBION – George M. Stone, 65, passed away peacefully at his home in Albion on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. He was born November 5, 1955, in Lewiston, the son of George and Virginia Stone.

George was a graduate of Hebron Academy. He worked for L.L. Bean and Johnny Selected Seeds.

He was devoted to the love of his life, his wife of 38-1/2 years, his children, grandchildren and his mom. Terri and he were making so many plans for retirement years. He loved visiting family, gardening and raising his chickens but most of all and loved by all was his cooking and baking.

He is predeceased by his father and his brother, Robert Stone.

He is survived by his wife, Terri-Ann Stone; his mother, Virginia Stone and his brother, Gregory Stone, and his wife Lise Stone; his son, Christopher Stone, his wife Heather Stone; and children, Anthony and Autumn; his daughter, Jamie Stone and children Brandon, Kimberlee and Greyson; and several nieces and nephews and one great-niece.

There was a graveside service held at Puddledock Cemetery, in Albion, on Wednesday, June 16.

MARIE M. WILLIAMS

WINSLOW – Marie M. Williams, 74, passed away on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at the Wood­lawn Nursing Facility and Rehabilitation Center, in Skowhegan. She was born on February 16, 1947, the eldest of seven children of Fernand and Annette Martin in Van Buren.

She was a 1965 graduate of Presque Isle High School, and earned her R.N. degree in 1968 from St. Mary’s General Hospital School of Nursing, in Lewiston. She began her nursing career at the Aroostook Medical Center, in Presque Isle, and subsequently worked for Dr. Gerald Donahu,e in Presque Isle, and Drs. Michael Kellum and Norman Seder, in Caribou.

In 1968 she married her high school sweetheart Thomas Williams. From that union was born one son, Gregg Martin Jorgenson.

In 1988 Marie suffered two cerebral hemorrhages, which changed her life forever. But she met the many challenges head-on. She never complained about what life had dealt her. She had no time to feel sorry for herself; she was always in good spirits.

In 2002 she relocated to Winslow to be closer to family. She was a devout Roman Catholic and was a faithful communicant at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Winslow, until she moved into Woodlawn last year. She was an active member of EmPower and attended the Brain Injury Support Group.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, one sister Isabelle O’Brien, and her only brother, Arthur Martin.

She is survived by her son Gregg Martin Jorgenson (Brian), of Denmark; her sisters Anne Bochniewicz (Frank), of West Hartford, Connecticut, Rolande Phillips (Keith), of Yorktown, Virginia, Gabrielle Martin (Norman Breton), of Augusta, Michelle Sprague (Jack), of Biddeford; numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Marie’s request, there will be no funeral or visiting hours. There will be a graveside service at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Presque Isle, on August 3, 2021.

Condolences may be posted at http://www.duncan-graves.com .

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Services in Skowhegan, and Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, in Presque Isle.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Parish, 17 South Garand St., Winslow, ME 04901.

PATRICIA J. FURBUSH

WILLOWBROOK Illinois – Patricia “Patty” Joy (Gullifer) Furbush, 75, of Willowbrook, Illinois, passed away on Thursday June 10, 2021. She was born in Waterville on June 4, 1946, to Phil and Patricia Gullifer.

Patty was a skillful and hardworking business woman who enjoyed a long career in the automotive industry.

She married R. Norman Furbush, of Waterville, in 1975. Throughout their 39 years of marriage, they enjoyed working together, gardening, cooking, dining out, the companionship of very special felines, and spending time with family.

Patty was an avid reader. Since Norman’s passing in 2014 she was blessed by the company of her children and grandchildren, especially that of Ethan, Emma and Justin.

Patty was predeceased by her parents, her brother Phil “Jime” Gullifer, her husband, her niece Autumn Gullifer, of Gardiner, her daughter Jaye Furbush, of Oakland, and her grandson Seth Gosselin, of Auburn.

She is survived by her daughter Brandy Glashin and husband Garrett; son Andre Furbush and wife Kathy; daughters Ann Farrington and husband Mark, and Alyssa Tarr and husband Jason; nephew James Gullifer; stepbrother Gene; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.

In remembrance of Patty, please consider a donation to the American Kidney Fund or your local animal welfare society.

PHILIP BUSQUE

WINSLOW – Philip “Jimmy” Busque, 70, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, June 11, 2021. He was born in Augusta to Forest and Lorraine Busque on February 8, 1951.

He married his wife, Barbara, on February 27, 1971. They were married for 50 years. Together, they raised three children, Kevin, Keith, and Kelly.

Jimmy loved big Sunday dinners, eating his wife’s home-cooked dishes around the kitchen table with his family. He was an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan, and he enjoyed going camping and hunting with his brother and friends in Northern Maine. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, the VFW, and the American Legion.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Lorraine Busque; wife, Barbara Busque; three children, Kevin Ballard, Keith Ballard, and Kelly Turner; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; brother, Steve Busque; sisters, Collette Woodcock and Patricia Busque.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Busque and Richard Busque.

At his request, no service will be held.

You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting “Jimmy’s” guestbook at http://www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.

A service of Veilleux & Redington Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine 04901. (207)872-7676.

Donations may be sent to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pethaven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330.

CHELSEA A. MERITHEW

WATERVILLE/SEARSPORT – Chelsea Ann Merithew, 27, following her courageous battle against Leukemia, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at a Portland Hospital. She was born in Portland, the daughter of Theresa A. (Haupt) and Patrick B. Merithew.

Chelsea was an energetic, independent, and creative person who loved spending time with family and friends. In her downtime, she was an avid reader and enjoyed watching all genres of movies especially horror, as was evident by her favorite holiday Halloween. She had an eclectic taste in music with a preference for ‘80s big hair bands. Chelsea loved caring for others, this led her to a fulfilling career in mental health care. Her caring spirit was not limited to humans, she also loved and cared for animals; throughout her life she often brought home rescues and strays.

Chelsea is survived by her mother and father; fiancé Justin Sularie; many relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held on June 22, 2021, at Merithew Cemetery, in Searsport.

In place of flowers, the family asks that you bring plants to grow Chelsea’s Memorial Garden.

A celebration of life will be held on July 24, 2021, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Moose Point State Park, in Searsport.

Arrangements are under the care of Young Funeral Home Searsport. (mitchelltweedie-young.com).

CURTIS A. SMITH JR.

SIDNEY – Curtis A. “Skip” Smith, Jr., 67, of Pond Road, passed away on Sunday, June 13, 2021. He was born on July 24, 1953, in Augusta, to Curtis A. Smith, Sr. and Betty (Freeman) Smith.

Skip attended school in Sidney and graduated from Messalonskee High School, in Oakland, in 1972. In August 1974, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Mary, and soon began a family of their own.

He worked at Frank X. Pomerleau, Inc., in Augusta, in appliance repair during the early years of his marriage but it was his desire for auto body repair that resulted in a career change. In the late 1980s, he then became the owner and operator of West Sidney Auto Body, doing what he loved the most. In 2010, he also decided to follow in his late father’s footsteps and take on a side job driving school bus for RSU #18 where he was able to bring joy, laughter, and lifelong memories to the kids he drove to and from school.

Skip was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, friend and a firm believer in God. For most of his Christian life he worshiped at West Sidney Baptist Church but in recent years has been in faithful attendance with his family at Church Hill Baptist Church, in Augusta.

He and his family spent a lifetime of weekends and vacations at the camp on Moxie Lake where he loved to fish, dune buggy, ATV ride, and snowmobile. He also raced snowmobiles during the oval ice track days from the ‘70s to the mid ‘90s when he then decided it was time to hang up the race helmet, but never gave up his passion for snowmobiling for fun with his family by his side. He also loved to build and fly R/C planes where he would always draw an audience.

Skip was predeceased by his father, his uncle Henry N. Smith and aunt Mary L. Smith, all of Sidney.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary A. (Michaud) Smith, of Sidney; their four children and seven grandchildren, Laurie Elsemore and her husband Kerry, of Windsor, and their children Cody and his wife Grace and Jacob; Carrie Smith, of Waterville, and her children Simon and Ava; Jamie Higgins and her husband Kevin, of Sidney, and their children Jasmine and Shawn; Jeremy Smith and his wife Jaimie, of Vassalboro, and their son Isaiah; his mother, Betty, of Sidney; seven siblings, Linda Smith, Carol Smith, Barbara Tobey, Donald Smith and his wife Doreen, Ronald Smith and his wife Julie, Andrew Smith and his wife Lisa, Dixon Smith and his wife Laurie, sister-in-law Brenda Cadwallader and her husband Mike of West Gardiner; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at, 1 p.m., on Friday June 25, 2021, at Church Hill Baptist Church, 258 Church Hill Rd., in Augusta.

Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Belgrade.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

SHARON R. SHAW

UNITY – Sharon R. (Chase) Shaw, 72, passed away on Sunday evening at her home, June 13, 2021. She is the wife of Dale R. Shaw, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.

Sharon was born October 16, 1948, in Bangor. She is the daughter of the late Raymond Chase and Marie (Washburn) “Lou” McGregor.

She grew up in Troy until her family moved to Unity where the family had a dairy farm. She graduated from Mt. View High School, in Thorndike, class of 1966, where she met Dale. She went on to further her education and received her associates degree from Bliss College in 1968

Sharon retired in 2008 due to health reasons. She was on dialysis for the last six years. Sharon remained at home throughout her illness which would not have been possible without the care from her husband Dale. Sharon never complained about any of her health issues.

Sharon began her career in banking at the Federal Trust Bank, in Unity. She remained employed at Northeast Bank, in Lewiston, until her retirement in April 2008 after 37 years in banking.

Sharon loved to spend time with her family especially with her children and grandchildren. She and Dale took many trips to Prince Edward Island, Canada, and enjoyed many lobster dinners surrounded by her family. She also enjoyed taking rides with Dale on the motorcycle and playing cards. Sharon loved the Christmas holiday from decorating, shopping and cooking for her family.

In addition to her husband Dale, Sharon is survived by her two sons Scott R. Shaw, of Unity, and Travis B. Shaw, of Winslow; her brother Richard Chase and his wife Joyce, of Unity, her sister Rosealee Loader and husband Robert, of Virginia, sister Dorothy McArthur, of Wales; her three grandchildren Brook L. Shaw, Kodi S. Shaw and Vanessa Sparrow; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sharon was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Tammy Shaw; her brothers Roland and David Chase.

Sharon’s graveside service took place at Pond Cemetery, Kanokolus Road, Unity, on Monday, June 21, 2021.
Arrange­ments are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Assn., 45 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101 or United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 146, Unity, ME 04988, c/o Sandra Fernald.

DANIEL R. MILLS

WATERVILLE – Daniel R. Mills, 80, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, in Maine Medical Center, Portland, following a lengthy illness. Danny was born July 1, 1940, in Lewiston, the son of the late Frank E. and Pauline A. (Yates) Mills.

He is the husband of Patricia A. (O’Brien) “Pat” Mills. He resided in Waterville for most of his life and grew up in Oxford.

Danny worked for the Waterville Public Works as a labor foreman and previously drove truck for 40 years, retiring in September 2002. Better known at work as “Danny Mills” he took great pride in working for the city of Waterville. After retiring Danny worked with his son-in-law at Stevens Dairy Farm, in China. He also cut wood and tore down buildings.

Danny treasured the time he spent with his family – he especially enjoyed when he would have all of his family at the camp on China Lake.

He will always be remembered as a very selfless man with a big heart and took great pride in sliding his grandchildren a few bucks when he was with them. He will also be remembered by all the neighborhood kids as the “Candy Man”. He enjoyed hunting, collecting guns, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the former Pete and Larry’s, in Waterville, with the love of his life, Pat, on her birthday. He also liked reminiscing about his childhood.

In addition to his wife Pat, Danny is survived by his three daughters, Rose Spaulding and her husband Dennis, of Vassalboro, Donna Mills-Stevens and her husband Elwood, of China, Susan Huff and her husband Stewart, of Burnham; his brother Bernie Mills and Mary Shelia, of South Carolina; his grandchildren Sarah Mills and her fiancé Justin Walker, Elizabeth Irving and her husband Ben, Michael York and his fiancée Erica French, and Alex Huff; his great-grandchildren Emma, Gavin, Michelle, and Arleigh; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Danny was predeceased by his brothers Frank, Edgar and Russell Mills and his sisters Betty Damon and Eileen Pratt.

His graveside service will be in the Falls Cemetery Clinton Ave Benton on Friday, June 18, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Following the service there will be a celebration of Danny’s life at the Best Western, in Waterville. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Memories may be shared and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St. Fairfield.

Donations may be made to the Daniel Mills Hunters Safety Scholarship, Skowhegan Savings Bank, 92 Main St., Fairfield, ME 04937.

RUSSELL SMILEY

WATERVILLE – Russell Smiley, 59, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021. He was born January 11, 1962, in Glens Falls, New York, a son of Robert and Eunice (Bellrose) Bowers.

He enjoyed fixing things, hunting, fishing, artistry, and most of all long conversations. He was a cheerful giver, always helping a friend or stranger in need. There was never a day that went by that he was not making plans to help someone. His gift was talking; he could talk about every subject and his sense of humor would brighten your day.

His granddaughter Natalie held a special place in his heart. She was his Natty and he was her Bampa. His nieces and nephews will always remember him as their “Uncle Bud.” His brother and sisters are grateful to have been blessed with a wonderful brother.

He is survived by his siblings, Robert Bowers, of Middlesex, Vermont, Patricia Gilbert and husband Bruce, of Dexter, Nancy Gray and husband Christopher, of Plymouth; nieces and nephews Vanessa McEwen, Beth McEwen, Christopher Gilbert, Kelsey Bowers, Marcus Bowers, Ryan Bowers; and granddaughter Natalie Smiley.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister Linda Bowers.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 18, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter.

Those who wish may leave written condolences at http://www.CrosbyNeal.com.

ELIZABETH J. KING

FAIRFIELD – Elizabeth “Betty” J. King, 80, of Fairfield, passed away, June 16, 2021, at Glen­ridge Nursing Home, in Augusta. She was born in Fairfield on May 12, 1941, the daughter of the late Warren and Lucille (Gerald) Johnston.

She attended Fairfield schools, graduating from Lawrence High School.

She was married to Thomas E. King for 54 years before he passed away on September 7, 2015. She enjoyed motorcycling with her husband, Thomas, and they traveled across the country, and they also belonged to the Blue Knights and did a lot of traveling with them. Betty enjoyed spending time with her family as well.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased a son Steven King, on November 6, 1993, her brothers, Wayne, Ernest, and Barry Johnston.

Betty is survived by her son, Scott Warren King, of Fairfield; a grandson Scott Thomas King, and three granddaughters Dawn Grimshaw, Michelle Carr, and Vickki Sergent.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield.

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

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

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name may be made to MaineGeneral Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828.

ARNOLD W. GRARD

FAIRFIELD – Arnold Wilson Grard, 85, of Fairfield, died Saturday, March 6, 2021.

He is the husband of Virginia M. (Roundy) Grard with whom he has shared 63 years of marriage.

In addition to his wife Virginia, Arnold is survived by his children, Janet Grard, James Grard; his grandchildren, Brandon Ludden, Evan Grard and Jordan Grard; his great-grandchild, Dillon Ludden; his sisters, Dorothy Trahan, Lorraine Buker, and Linda Rogers; and his brother, Rick Grard.

He was predeceased by his brothers, George Grard Jr., Hervey Grard, and sister Marion Fann.

In honoring with Arnold’s wishes there will be a graveside service in Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield, on Saturday June 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. Following the services there will be a celebration of Life at the Grard Family residence.

Arrangements are in the care of the Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield where condolences to the family may be shared on the obituary page of the website at http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.