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Obituaries 09-17-13

Barbara Jean Spear

BRISTOL: Barbara Jean Spear, age 69, died Thursday, September 12, 2013, at Helen Porter Health & Rehabilitation Center in Middlebury. Mrs. Spear was born in Middlebury on September 26, 1943. She was the daughter of Kenneth and “Gussie” (Palmer) Bannister. She received her early education in Bristol Elementary and on to Poultney and was graduated from Otter Valley Union High School. Barb worked for furniture factories across Addison County. December 2, 1972 she married Bob Spear. What a couple they were. They loved spending time with family especially nieces & nephews. Barb loved dancing, bowling & skating. She enjoyed pictures and going to lawn sales with her sister Mary. She is survived by her daughter Tori Spear of Middlebury, her long time partner Pete McIntyre of Bristol, three sisters; Ginger Stearns of Middlebury, Bev Devino of Forestdale and Mary Jensen & her husband Mike of Brandon, two brothers; Carl Wixon & his wife Jan of Roswell, NM and Lee Haire & his wife Liz of Springfield, MA. She also leaves six great friends who were with her from the beginning to the end; Cindy Patti, Bobbie Hartwell, Nettie DeRagon, Wilma Pecor, Judy Mott and Judy Lubinski, and her aunt Shirley Wisell of Middlebury. Many nieces, nephews & cousins also survive her. She was predeceased by her husband Bob on September 15, 1982, a sister Debbie Lowell on August 12, 1999, three brothers; Ken Bannister, Dick Bannister and Doug Bannister. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 10 AM, at the Brandon Baptist Church. The Rev. Robert Bove, pastor will officiate. A private graveside committal service and burial will take place, at a later date in Forestdale Cemetery. Following the ceremony the family will receive friends at Brandon American Legion Post #55, for a time of fellowship & remembrance. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in her memory to; Helen Porter Health & Rehabilitation Center, 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753.

Bette L. Moffett

BRANDON: Bette L. Moffett passed on September 11, 2013, at her home in Brandon. She loved Brandon and was eternally grateful for the love and support she received from her community. Born Bette Lou Little, on May 27th, 1924, in Kingsley, Iowa, she was the daughter of Jack & Lula (Miller) Little. Bette grew up on a farm and attended the University of Iowa. Out of college, she was a buyer for Marshal Fields, in Chicago. In 1951, she married Hugh O. Moffett, an editor for Life Magazine, and started a family in Port Washington, NY. Relocating to Paris, France, where her husband was assigned as the Bureau Chief for International Affairs, she spent five years abroad and traveled to Africa, India, the then Soviet Union, the near and far East, and throughout Europe. Settling in Vermont, upon the family’s return to America in 1968, she became an active participant in her community, an indefatigable advocate for culture, education and progressive governance. Among her many endeavors, she co-founded the Brandon Thrift Shop; served on the Boards of the Brandon Town School, the Neshobe Elementary School and the Brandon Free Public Library; performed in the Marble Valley Players and Night Fires; sang in innumerable choral performances; hosted a radio show on WFAD, organized open mike readings and wrote the memoir of her childhood, Roots, Shoots & Wings. As a volunteer extraordinaire she received the Vermont Alliance for Art Education Award, the Governor’s Outstanding Community Service Award, and the Vermont State Alpha Lambda State Outstanding Service Award. She moved through life with an uncommon grace, lived large and craved wisdom above all else. She is survived by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date and time to be announced. Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in her memory, to Brandon organizations that were touched by her. Miller & Ketcham of Brandon is assisting the family.

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