OBITUARIES for Thursday, May 9, 2024

EDWARD W. LACOMBE

SPRING HILL, Florida – Edward W. Lacombe, 88, of Spring Hill, Florida and Winslow, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He was born in Water­ville on August 29, 1935, to George and Leona (Paulin) Lacombe.

Eddie graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1954.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1954-1958. He was employed as a circulation manager with the Waterville Morning Sentinel for 37 years. He was a lifetime member of Waterville Elks Lodge #905.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, calling Bingo, playing cards, camping and going on cruises. One of his passions was splitting firewood. He also enjoyed following his New England sports teams along with the UConn girls basketball team.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 47 years, Betty (Bernard) Lacombe; his sister, Rita (Lacombe) Boucher, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Phyllis Kreft, of Spring Hill, Florida; sons John and wife Michele, of Winslow, James, of Sabattus, and Jeffrey, of Oakland; grandchildren Krystal and husband Neal Mecum, of North Yarmouth, Hillary Lacombe and partner Greg Rosshirt, of Newington, Connecticut, and Dustin and wife Sarah Lacombe, of Brunswick; several grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

There will be a funeral service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., Winslow on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m.

ELIZABETH B. REUTHE

VASSALBORO – Elizabeth Bonola Reuthe, 77, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, at her home on Cross Hill Road. Eli­zabeth was born in New Britain, Connecticut, in August 1946, the eldest child of Walter and Elizabeth (Baranowski) Bonola.

Throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment Elizabeth showed dignity and courage, an inspiration to all who knew her. She planned her own conscious death enlightening others to the concept and ensuring she would pass the way she lived, on her own terms.

She married the love of her life, John Reuthe, of South Bend, Indiana, in August 1982 and helped raise John’s young children Petra and Eric, first in Rhode Island, then Vermont and after 1986 on their farm, in Vassalboro.

Elizabeth earned her college education at the University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University, in South Bend, where she completed her MBA in 1977. Soon after, in her early 30s, Elizabeth broke the glass ceiling when she began working as plant manager for Bendix Brake and Steering Division. For nearly 20 years she was in senior leadership roles at Bendix Corporation including Fram Filters and Autolight Sparkplugs; the Digital Equipment Corp., in Augusta; and IDEXX Laboratories, in Westbrook.

Her journey was propelled beyond the corporate horizon after she studied at the Gestalt Institute and Process Work Institute and received a MA in Conflict Facilitation and Organizational Change. She then established her consulting firm, Elizabeth Reuthe Associates and worked with clients from all over the world. Among her noteworthy work was facilitating groups in New York City after 911, and for those seeking peace in the Middle East, Ukraine and India. Elizabeth never stopped her quest for knowledge, learning and human connection – she was always seeking new opportunities and relationships.

In 2001, following her younger sister Elaine’s death at the age of 52, Elizabeth wisely took time off to take care of herself and to examine what she hoped for in her own future, but even then she was not idle. She prepared gourmet foods, raised chickens, made maple syrup, took a Master Gardener’s course and became a Reiki Master. To this day the Reuthe’s farm is lavishly adorned with flower gardens designed by Elizabeth while taking some “time off.” During that transition Elizabeth and John joined the Quaker community, in Vassalboro, which blessed them with spiritual grounding and new “Friends” who have been a great source of comfort and strength.

Elizabeth spent a lifetime of learning, personal growth and mentoring others including family, friends, neighbors and strangers that quickly became friends. She was energized by other’s successes and growth. Her ability to work with diverse groups from throughout the world was exemplary – sometimes in situations that were dangerous and inflammatory. She also mentored women from all walks of life, including some of the “untouchables” in India. Seeing women whom she had supported reach their own levels of success gave Elizabeth great joy and a sense of fulfillment.

The many strangers that became friends found themselves among neighbors and family who were welcomed into the Reuthe’s beloved Thanksgiving Farm on Cross Hill Road aptly named for the thanks that the Reuthe clan always strives to give. There was comfort, beauty and kinship found at the Thanksgiving Farm table which was plentifully laden with food and drink and a house filled with lively conversation and laughter. In between hosting, John and Elizabeth enjoyed traveling all over the world to places such as Australia, India, New Zealand, Russia, the Middle East and Europe. Cruises on the Mary Day off the coast of Maine or voyages across the Atlantic with a group of fellow voyagers turned friends are among the adventures they have enjoyed over the last several years – the final one a few short months ago when Elizabeth’s health was failing but her zest for life was still soaring.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Elaine and nephew, Michael Bonola.

She is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Petra, husband Jim Kennedy and their children Parker, Liam and Spencer, of Connecticut; son, Eric and his children Camden, Willow and Griffin, of Tennessee; brother, Walter Bonola, of Connecticut; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to John Reuthe, c/o Friends Meeting House, 48 South Stanley Hill Rd., Vassalboro, ME 04989.

A memorial service will be held July 6 at the Vassalboro Friends Meeting House, time to be announced.

The family would appreciate donations made in Elizabeth’s memory to either of these organizations: The Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care expansion campaign with “HACCC Capital Expansion” noted in the check memo line, mail to MaineGeneral Health, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903, or to Right Sharing for World Resources, which partners with women in Kenya, India, and Sierra Leone in support of their families and to transform their communities. Donations to Right Sharing should be mailed to, 101 Quaker Hill Dr.,, Richmond, IN 47374, or online via, rswr.org/share-your-abundance.

RONALD A. EMERY

CHINA – Ronald Abbott Emery, 78, of China, died on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta.

Ron was born in Hartland on Oct. 30, 1945, to Dulcie (Boone) and Charles Emery.

Ron lived a full life, and was beloved by his family, his adopted hometown of China, and members of several organizations of which he was a dedicated longtime member. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, grace, and dedication to a life of service.

He lost his father when he was four years old. He and his two brothers, Ralph and Jeff, were raised by their mother and her father, Murray Boone. Ron attended one-room schools in Dixmont and then spent two years of high school in Carmel before graduating from Hermon High School in 1964. Ron loved playing baseball and basketball during those early years and was an accomplished middle infielder and pitcher.

He earned an associate’s degree from Beal Business College and his bachelor’s degree from Husson College, in Bangor. He earned money to pay for college by cutting pulpwood on the family property in Dixmont.

Ron joined the Maine Air National Guard in 1965 and spent a summer at Keesler AFB, in Biloxi, Mississippi, attending an aircraft radio repair school. He remained in the Guard, retiring in 1990 with 25 years of service.

In 1964, Ron took a part-time job as an engineering aide with the Maine Department of Transportation. This was the beginning of a long and storied career. Ron moved into computer programming and was responsible for the development of the Transportation Integrated Network Information System (TINIS) database, a unified system for managing highway, bridge, and accident records across the state. Ron was able to attend a number of annual traffic conferences at the University of North Carolina because of his work on TINIS, which he always enjoyed. Ron purchased a house in China in 1978, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Ron was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, in Archon Lodge #75, in Dixmont in 1967, and was an active member for 56 years. He was involved with the Anah Shrine, Scottish Rites Valleys, of Augusta and Portland, and was an affiliated member of Dirigo Lodge #104, in Weeks Mills. Ron was instrumental in keeping the 11th Masonic District well informed for over 40 years with the Trestle Board, a monthly newsletter that he printed and mailed to Masons in Maine and across the U.S.

In February 1987 Ron met the love of his life, Helen (Downs) Emery, and her two-year-old son, Mike. Ron was smitten, and he and Helen were married on November 28, 1987. Their son, Mason, was born in October 1988. Family meant everything to Ron, and he cherished having a family with whom to celebrate. He was a devoted husband and father, which led to Ron discovering a passion for Scouting. Ron became an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop #479 when his boys joined the troop, and he continued to serve the troop with his friend, Scott Adams, long after their sons had moved on. Ron was a Scout leader for 28 years, during which time 44 Scouts earned their Eagle rank with Troop #479.

Ron was an active member of the South China Community Church for over 30 years. In addition to being the longtime assistant treasurer, he was renowned for often giving the children’s message, and he was a fixture in the kitchen at the church’s monthly turkey pie suppers. He also served as the regular master of ceremonies for the annual Scout Sunday at the China Baptist Church. His church activities showed the essence of Ron — a gentle soul who dearly loved people, and who especially cared for children as the most vulnerable members of the community. Ron’s own childhood was tough but filled with love, and he made it his mission to ensure that children who were his neighbors, extended family, or fellow congregants felt love in their life, and that they had at least one adult who saw them as people and genuinely cared about them.

In 2001, Ron received the David H. Stevens Award, MaineDOT’s highest honor. The Stevens Award is presented each year to a MaineDOT employee for their outstanding contribution to transportation excellence in the State of Maine. Though he had 37 years of service when he received this award, Ron was not nearly finished. He continued his service to the state until finally retiring in 2021 at the age of 75, having supported MaineDOT for 57 years.

Ron faced multiple medical maladies as he moved into retirement, culminating with his diagnosis of stage four esophageal cancer in early 2023. Despite this, he continued to serve the Scouts, the Masons, and his church in the capacities he had long been serving, continuing in some of these up until his final week. Illness could not dampen his spirit, and he took time to make lasting memories with his family, including welcoming his beloved first grandchild, Margaret, into the world in December 2023. Ron took nothing for granted and appreciated every moment he had on Earth.

Ron was predeceased by his parents; and by his brother, Ralph Emery.

He is survived by his wife, Helen (Downs) Emery; his sons, Mike Emery and his partner Tekia Cox, Mason Emery, his partner Tesse Rau, and their daughter Margaret; his brother, Jeff Emery and his wife Lee; his nephew, Ben Emery, his wife Kait, and their daughter Quinn; his sisters-in-law, Song Emery and her partner Ben Wilcox, and his sister-in-law, Carrie Doyon and her husband Eric; his niece Julie Emery; his nephew Alan Emery and his daughter, Amelia; his brother-in-law, Herb Downs and his wife Stacey, his sisters-in-law, Liz Downs, an Carrie Doyon and her husband Eric; his niece, Mary Dufour and her husband EJ; his brother-in-law, Harold Downs, his sister-in-law, Lorraine Downs; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ron’s funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m., on Saturday, May 11, at the South China Community Church, 246 Village St., South China. A private family burial with full military honors will be held at the Central Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta.

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bomazeen Old-Timers, ℅ Scott Adams, P.O. Box 6134, China Village, ME 04926-0134; South China Community Church, 246 Village St., South China, ME 04358; or Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 168 Leighton Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.

JOHN B. WHITTEN

OAKLAND – John B. Whitten, 80, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Augusta. He was born July 2, 1943, in Portland, the son of Wendell and Hariet Whitten, of Scarborough.

He graduated high school in 1961 and earned a B.S. in education in music from Gorham State Teachers College in 1965. He would later earn his master’s degree in music administration from the university of Southern Maine in 1985.

On July 27, 1968 he married Gale (Kelley), of Jonesport, and together they raised their children in Harrington.

John spent his career in music studying trumpet-first with studio musician Don Spear and with Band Leader Don Doane (Maine’s premier jazz trombonist). He taught music in Winslow, Jonesport and finally in Harrington, at Narraguagus High School, and M.S.D.A. #37 for 37 years. While with Narraguagus High School, he combined teaching band, chorus and beginner music lessons with serving his country and state, as a member of the 282nd Army Band, at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, and the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band, of Bangor.

He was president of the Washington County Teachers Association and twice president for the M.S.D.A. #37 Teachers Association. He also served as a member of the Harrington Volunteer Ambulance Crew and performed military honors for veterans in the area, as a bugler. He was a member of the Tuscon Lodge #106 A.F.A.M., in Addison, and visited Sabasticook Lodge, in Oakland, and Siloam Lodge, in Fairfield. His grandson Erik is a third generation Mason on both sides. He exported blueberries for Cherryfield Foods Inc. for nearly 20 years and later worked for Charlie Renski.

John enjoyed carpentry, gardening, ham radio (A.R.S.KA1HRV), reading, supporting the New York Giants ad visiting with his family. Later he joined the Waterville Bourque-Lanigan American Legion Post #5 and worked last year with the Maine Education Association testifying at the State House in support of retired educators.

Almost 37 years ago in 1987, John had his first triple bypass in Portland six days before his 44th birthday after Dr. Kramer had told him, “If you don’t want cholesterol problems, choose the right parents!” He lived Heart Smart after with no egg yolks of red meat and later limited salt. In 2017, he had his first heart attack with new house building problems, in Oakland, after living in Harrington for 50 years. Dr. Estrada’s team and later on, Dr. Vasaiwala’s, saved him in Portland, again. Last May, John had his final procedure there and Dr. Kramer visited him in recovery after he had been able to live another 36 years beyond their first meeting.

His children surprised him with a fabulous 80th birthday party in Waterville last July 2 that he thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to be remembered at his party. He left this message,” We are where we need to be and we follow God’s plan, as each of us is in God’s Hands!”

John is survived by his wife, Gale, of 55 years; their twin daughters Ellyn and her husband Derik Smith, of Presque Isle, and their children Erik and his wife Mykaela, of Old Town, and Adelle, of Presque Isle; Lynn and her husband Nathan Bustard and their daughter Evelyn, of Benton, and their son Andrew and his wife Erica and their children Alyssa, Sara and Brooke, of Corinna; nephews Robert and Aaron Whitten.

He requested no services, as he wanted to be remembered in life and will go to the ocean eventually.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home, Church Street, Oakland, where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com

If one wishes, gifts in his memory may be made to the Maine Masonic Charities Foundation or your local music boosters in support of the music Education.

GLORIA J. CASCIO

ALBION – Gloria J. Cascio, 53, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 26, 2024. She was born in Brunswick on October 26, 1970, a daughter of Chester M. Coston, Jr. and Hazel (Pushard) McDougall.

Gloria was a 1990 graduate of Cony High School, in Augusta.

She had been employed for many years at Johnny’s Selected Seeds, in Winlow, working as their lead shipper and receiver.

Gloria’s smile would light up a room. To meet her was to love her. Her husband, children and grandchildren were her whole world. Her heart grew two sizes the day she became a grandmother.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Vincent A. Cascio, of Albion; her parents Chester M. Coston, Jr., of South China, and Hazel McDougall, of Waterville; her children, Seth A. Sutter and his wife Courtney, of South China, Heather L. Sutter and her companion Keith Ward, of Windsor, and Torri S. Gerrard and her husband Mitchel, of Manchester; two brothers, Chester M. Coston, III, of South China, and Wayne H. Coston, of Monmouth; seven grandchildren, Lucas, Wesley, Rayne, Ivy, Maverick, Scarlet and Tessa; as well as several aunts, uncles; nieces, nephews; and cousins.

There will be no public visiting hours. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m., at Plummer Funeral Home, Windsor, Chapel, 983 Ridge Rd., Route 32, Windsor. Burial and committal prayers will follow in Dyer Hill Cemetery, Windsor.

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

The family requests that donations in Gloria’s memory be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #6924, 246 Main St., Fairfield, ME 04937.

GERALD A. WATSON

CLINTON – Gerald A. “Bear” Watson, 85, passed away April 26, 2024, at home with his family by his side. He was born in Clinton on March 7, 1939, the son of Myron and Junita (Salisbury) Watson. He attended Clinton High School, graduating in 1957. He enlisted in the U.S Navy and following his graduation, he served a total of six years, most memorably on the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa. He was proud of his military service and the U.S. Flag.

After an honorable discharge, he attended Keene State College, in New Hampshire, graduating with a B.S. in Industrial Education in 1963. He began his career at Lawrence High Schoolf, in Fairfield, and taught Industrial Arts, retiring as Department Head after 35 years. He impacted many students during his teaching career, encouraging them with his quiet manner. He was delighted when former students would visit and talk about their careers and families.

He married Ruth Ann Bowen on September 3, 1960, and together they raised four children. During the summers, he spent much of his time doing renovations and carpentry type work, returning each night to the family camp at Unity Pond, where they shared many years of swimming, boating, fishing, sailing, berry picking, water-skiing and always ended the day with a good meal.

For many years, Bear and Ruth sailed on their friends Bill and Julie Alexander’s schooner Timberwind each summer. A wonderful group of teacher friends enjoyed sailing the coast of Maine and creating lasting memories each year.

Bear loved being in the woods. He was particularly fond of Canaan camp, where he and his brother David spent many happy times with their parents and grandparents. In later years, his own children shared their own memories of hunting, walking in the woods and cutting wood with their dad at Canaan camp.

Bear was a longtime member of the Clinton Lions Club, serving in all positions including King Lion. He was involved in many activities including mechanical pulls, and was proud to be a member of a four-generation Lion family.

There was nothing Bear could not build or repair. He once bought a bushel basket of parts that he built into a snowmobile, Old Yeller. He made Lincoln logs and ice traps as Christmas presents for his kids. Auto body work, plumbing, electrical work, welding, sheet metal and foundry work, auto repairs, machining, rebuilding a 1964 Ford automobile and his 1952 Ford tractor. He restored a 1929 Ford Model A and loved driving it on the back roads of Maine with family in the rumble seat. You name it, he could do it.

Moosehead Lake held a special place in Bear’s heart. From Lily Bay to Rockwood, he caught many fish and enjoyed many cherished family times. He loved to fish, not catch, and release, but catch and eat, enjoying every bite. In his later years, he loved special times on the boat, trips to Pebble Beach, and time spent on the porch on the Moose River.

After retirement, Ruth and Bear bought a condo in Gulfport, Florida, and became snowbirds.

Bear had a special place in his heart for dogs.

Bear was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, David.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; children Michael (Jody) Watson, Mark (Kim) Watson, Matt (LeeAnn) Watson, Melissa (Rod) Parlin; grandchildren Rachel Watson, Katie Medina, Tashia Watson, Hannah Parlin, Taylor Nutting, Hallee Parlin, Brielle Watson, Brandon Watso; great-grandchildren Parker Rose, Avery, Jackson, Molly, and Harriet.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 19, from noon to 2 p.m., at Brown Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 36 Church St., Clinton. A private graveside service will be held immediately following for the family.

Arrangements by Direct Cremation of Maine in Belfast.

In lieu of flowers, please do a kind deed for someone in honor of Bear.

JACQUELYN G. BLACK

CHINA – Jacquelyn Goddard Black, 88, passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, April 27, 2024. Jackie was born in Water­ville on March 12, 1936, daughter of G. Cecil Goddard and Clara (Nevers) Goddard.

She attended primary schools in Waterville and attended Oak Grove Coburn and graduated from Waterville High in 1954. She attended Farmington State and Thomas College.

Jackie worked in the family business at Goddard Agency, in Waterville. She also worked for Main Gas, Slender You, and assisted with her daughter’s daycare. Her most rewarding and satisfying job was being a mother, grandmother, and auntie. She enjoyed her children, their friends, and their activities.

Jackie was known for her baked goods at home, at the church, and in the neighborhood. Biscuits, strawberry shortcake, jam and chocolate chip cookies were just some of her specialties.

Jackie was a dedicated nana to Justin and Jayson. She and her husband, Jim Black, never missed a game, school function or birthday. The boys were always supported by her love and presence.

Jackie was an amateur bowler, who bowled at the Waterville Lanes and bowled in the Pro Am. She earned the title: City, State, and New England Champion. Her trophies and plaques are proof of what a proficient bowler she was. It was there that she met her second husband, James A. Black.

Jackie took pride in the in the outside appearance of her home. She worked in her flower beds and mowed her lawn from dawn to dusk. She also could be found shoveling at the first sign of snow. She loved the fresh air and the vigorous exercise.

Some of her pastimes were antiquing and flower shopping with her daughter, watching the Boston Red Sox and Celtics games. She enjoyed discussing the games and players with her son and grandsons.

Jackie was an active member at the Waterville and China Baptist churches. She could always be found in the kitchen after services, helping out. She also participated in the Women’s Bible Study, in China. In her final days she got great pleasure watching the parishioners coming and going.

Jackie was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. Cecil Goddard; her husband, James A. Black; her daughter, Julie A. Smith, and her brother, Samuel A. Goddard.

She is survived by her son, James G. Smith and fiancée Kathy Cunningham, of Vassalboro; daughter Joanna L. Bearce and husband Jeffrey, of Belgrade; her grandsons Justin M. Bearce and partner Tabitha Doak, of Waterville, Jayson H. Bearce and wife Juli, of Narvarre, Florida; sister, Melissa Ayer, of Shelton, Connecticut; nieces Suzanne Goddard, of China, Rebecca Bean, of Williamsburg, Virginia, Alexandra L. Pierce, of Stratford, Connecticut; great-nephews, and niece Nathan A. Pierce, Stella G. Pierce, and Lukas J. Pierce, also of Stratford, Connecticut.

To honor Jacquelyn’s wishes a private service will be held for family at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the China Baptist Church in Jacquelyn Black’s name, P.O. Box 6095, China Village, ME 04926.

RENA HARDING

ALBION – Rena Harding, 101, passed away in her home in Albion, on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Rena was born in Palermo to Leslie E. Bailey and Gertrude (Boynton) Bailey on Oct. 29, 1922. She was the fourth of five children.

She married her husband, Warren, in May 1942, and together they had four children.

They started a dairy farm in Albion in 1943, where she lived until her death. Rena worked hard her whole life on the farm to provide for her family. She was a dedicated caregiver to her husband for the last 30 years of his life.

Rena dedicated her life to Jehovah through baptism on September 22, 2007, and became a Jehovah’s Witness, where she gained a whole spiritual family of fellow brothers and sisters. Her family was her life and her dedication to Jehovah meant everything to her. She constantly talked about the future hope of the Paradise Earth under Jehovah’s rule. She believed wholeheartedly in Jehovah’s Word, the Bible. In Job 14:15, it says that Jehovah longs for the work of His hands. She is sleeping, awaiting her Father’s call, she will answer! Rena loved deeply and gave all that she could to whomever was in need without hesitation. She will be sorely missed by those who loved her. Goodbye for now. ~ Until we meet again!

She is survived by her sister, Natalie Coro, of Waterville; sons, Eugene Harding Sr. and wife Joanne, and Sheldon Harding and Neal Harding, all of Albion; daughter, Athene Fisher, of Oakland; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Warren Harding; sisters Velda (Ethel) Penney, Verda Barnes, and brother, Melvin Bailey; daughters-in-law, Mozelle Harding and Linda Harding, son-in-law, Douglas Fisher; great-granddaughter, Heather Harding; and great-great-granddaughters Hannah and Hope Clifford.

There will be a service at the Memorial Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, on Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. Following the service there will be a celebration of life gathering at the Bessey Building, in Albion.

GEORGE LAMOTHE

VASSALBORO – George Lamothe,79, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024. George was born December 23, 1944, in Brunswick, to Arthur and Antoinette Lamothe (Berube).

He continued to live in their lakefront home on Three Mile Pond, in Vassalboro.

An avid boat enthusiast, George invited everyone to visit and take a ride on his boat. He taught his grandsons to fish and spent many weekends with them as they grew into young men. He had a strong work ethic, and would lend a hand any way he could, often helping neighbors with docks or chatting with the bass fishermen and boaters.

George was a decorated veteran, having first joined the Navy in 1963. He spent time on the USS Lawrence during the Vietnam War, then transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1966. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1981. He was subsequently deployed with the 286th Supply and Service Battalion to Desert Storm from 1990 until July 1991, and earned the South West Asia Service Ribbon for his service. He worked as an accountant for state government for over 25 years.

He is survivd by his daughter, Lisa LaMothe, partner Tarn Petty, and grandsons Grayson Petty and Casey Petty, all of China; a son, Scott Lamothe and grandson Dillon Lamothe, of Vassalboro; brothers Paul Lamothe, of New Brunswick, Canada, Claude LaMothe and wife Norma, of Caribou, Roland Lamothe and wife Kathy, of Gardiner, and sisters Jacqueline Lamothe, of Florida, and Irene Bourque, of Windsor.

His wife of 52 years, Sandra Lamothe (Jacques), predeceased him in 2020.

A celebration of life will be held this summer for family and friends.

MICHAEL W. HEBERT

OAKLAND – Michael W. Hebert, 72, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Maine Medical Center, Portland. Mike was born in Waterville, May 23, 1951, to Clarence G. and Jeannette A. (Cyr) Hebert.

He graduated from Water­ville High School in 1970 and Central Maine Community College, in Auburn, in 1972.

Mike began his working career at Flo’s Greenhouses, in Waterville, during high school. While at college he worked at Lost Valley Ski area in a variety of roles. After graduating from CMCC, he worked as a machinist at Valley Engineering, in Auburn, until he returned home to Waterville to work alongside his father at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery as a foreman.

When his father retired, he became the director until he retired in 2017 after 42 years of service. He was also the facilities manager for Corpus Christi Parish, in Waterville, for 10 years. He took great pride in all of his accomplishments at both locations. Mike also served as the chairman on the board of directors of Seton Village, in Waterville, and the Maine Catholic Cemetery Committee. He was a member of the board of incorporators for Seton Village and St. Francis Apartments, in Waterville.

When he returned to Waterville, he realized the “girl next door,” Deb Morissette, had grown up and in 1977 they were married. His pride and joy were his two children, Amanda and Matthew. He was very family oriented and loved doing things with them and for them, as well as with and for his grandchildren. He loved working in his vegetable garden and took great pride in his flower garden, especially his lilies. One of his favorite past times was boating on area lakes in his ’74 Corson and paddling the canoe for the “Hebert Regatta.”

Mike was predeceased by his parents; and many aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Deb; his daughter, Amanda Delorie and husband, Jim; his son, Matthew Hebert and wife, Janelle; his three grandchildren, Mackenzie and Zachary Hebert and Cooper Delorie; his siblings, Bonnie Hebert, Kathy and Lew Libby, Denise Costello, and Fred and Catherine Hebert; uncle, Dan and Pat Cyr; many nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Mike and his wife, Deb, loved taking vacations to the Caribbean. He loved the ocean, the scenery, and the bright colors.

A graveside service was held at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, at 78 Grove St., Waterville, on Monday, May 6, at 11 a.m.

If one wishes, gifts in his memory may be made to the Barbara Bush, Children’s Hospital.

TRAVIS W. ANDERSON

BENTON – Travis W. Anderson, 46, formally of Benton, passed away peacefully at his home following a long illness on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. He was the son of Charlie Anderson and Linda Anderson. He was born March 8, 1977.

Travis attended the SAD #49 schools, graduating from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, in 1996, alongside his twin brother, Jason. He went on to attend Eastern Maine Community College, in Bangor, graduating initially in 1998 and again in 2004.

Carpentry was his field of choice, he would spend hours discussing how to build things and types of wood to use for his building projects. He was employed at Bath Iron Works until his illness made him retire early.

Travis married the love of his life, Marci Leeman, on July 4, 2009, in Friendship Harbor. They shared their home with his brother Jason and his dog, Tucker. Travis was very dedicated to his family, loved his job at Bath Iron Works and was proud to show off his skills in his building projects.

He is survived by his wife, Marci; his mother, Linda; his twin brother and best friend, Jason, his other brothers, Sean and wife, Lori, and Chad and wife, Rachel; and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at MacCrillis-Rousseau VFW Post #8835, hall. Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com.

PAMELA V. HATCH
PAUL R. HATCH

SKOWHEGAN – Honorable Pamela A. Hatch, 80, passed away on May 21, 2023, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Pam was born on July 22, 1943, to John F Henderson and Irene V Henderson (Lacroix) in Lincoln.

Pamela graduated from Penobscot Valley High School and attended the University of Maine and Beal College.

Just a few months later and very unexpectantly, her husband Paul Hatch, 80, passed away. Paul was born on August 3, 1943, to Perley A. Hatch and Elva E. Hatch (Rollins). They were married for 56 years.

Paul graduated from Penobscot Valley High School.

On May 27, 1967, Pamela and Paul joined hands in marriage. They spent their first few years of marriage in Lagrange, where they had their two girls, Paula Irene Hatch (now of Gilbert, Arizona) and Victoria Maria Hatch (now of Skowhegan) and a menagerie of farm animals and fur babies. In 1978, Pam and Paul moved to Arizona for four years, where they owned multiple businesses, before returning “home” to Maine.

Pamela and Paul were highly involved in their community. Pamela wore many hats over the years, as a business owner, a mother, a wife, grandmother, and a community leader. She spent many years involved in the community, as a selectman, school board member and youth group leader before being elected to the Maine house of Representatives and the Maine Senate. She genuinely loved representing her constituents. Pamela never met a stranger-as she loved everyone. She leaves a legacy of love, light and kindness.

Paul also wore many hats, also a business owner, a father, a husband, a grandfather and mill worker, union leader and community leader as well. He worked in many paper mills over the years, before finally settling at Sappi, in Hinckley, where he served as a union officer and respected employee albeit workplace prankster as well. As he neared retirement, Pam somehow roped Paul into running for office himself, when he ran to fill the seat Pam vacated in the Maine House of Representatives. He later became a County Commissioner, and while he swore he “didn’t much care for people”, we all know that was a fib.

Pamela is survived by her brother, Robert Henderson and wife Anne, of Maxfield.

She is predeceased by her parents, Irene and John Henderson and sister, Dorann Grant.

Paul is survived by his sister, Patricia Merrill, of Portland.

He was predeceased by his parents, Perley and Elva Hatch, brother Avern Hatch and sister Kay Greenleaf.

Surviving Pamela and Paul are their daughters, Paula Hatch, of Gilbert, Arizona, and Victoria Hatch, of Skowhegan; granddaughter, Hannah Shaw-Chapman and husband Nate Shaw-Chapman and two great-granddaughters, Angela Victoria Shaw-Chapman and Elsie May Shaw-Chapman; bonus “son” (nephew) James Grant and a bonus daughter, Jennifer Poirier.

A Celebration of Life will be held in their honor on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the Poulin-Turner Union Hall, in Skowhegan, from 2 – 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome!! Share memories and enjoy laughs and light music, as well as refreshments and snacks. If you knew them, in any capacity, please feel free attend. Pam would have been thrilled.

A burial for the family and friends will take on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the West Enfield, Maine Cemetery.

SERVICES

JEAN CLARK

SIDNEY – The interment service for Jean Clark, formerly of Oakland, will be held at the Sibley Cemetery, in Sidney, on Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. Jean was a graduate of Williams High School, in Oakland, class of 1949.

For information, contact Stephen Clark at email: sclark60@live.com.