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Obituaries 4-25-06

Audrey Merle Dike

Bristol— Audrey Merle Dike, 89, beloved mother of Nancy, passed quietly away at the home of Myrtle Pierce in Lincoln on Monday, April 17, 2006.

Audrey was born Audrey Merle Cubitt on July 29, 1916 in Hinesburg, Vermont, the daughter of William and Sarah (Manning) Cubitt. Her family came to live in South Lincoln when she was a small child. She attended South Lincoln Elementary School and was graduated from Bristol High School in 1935. In 1947 she was graduated from Sheldon Academy of Beauty Culture.

Audrey married Ezra S. Dike, a local attorney, on April 24, 1941 in Ticonderoga, New York. Ezra predeceased her on October 11, 1991. They had one daughter, Nancy.

During her working career, she worked in the Personnel Office at Fellows Gear Shaper during World War II. Returning to Bristol, she worked as a bookkeeper for Chester Way in Way's Hardware Store and Oddity Shop, Drake and Smith, and Van Raalte. She owned and operated Audrey's Beauty Salon for several years in the early 1950's. In 1963 she opened a general store in the Dike Block, retiring from store work in 1975. Audrey worked at the Shelburne Museum as a guide from 1976 to 1995, retiring from there after 20 years. She made many close friends while at the Museum and her job there was the highlight of her later years. Audrey was an avid antique connoisseur and enjoyed refinishing furniture, redecorating her home, knitting , painting and stenciling porcelain and furniture and quilting. But, most of all, she enjoyed people.

Audrey was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Libanus Chapter # 47 for over 65 years; the American Legion Auxiliary for over 60 years; the Order of Rainbow for Girls (starting the Bristol Chapter with her daughter in 1963); the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color; the Bristol Historical Society and the Green Mountain Senior Citizens Group.

Audrey leaves her daughter, Nancy, her nephew, William T. Cray, her grandniece Linda McCarthy and her husband Gene, and one grand-nephew, Neil Cuhitt. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Ezra S. Dike; a sister, Alice Cubitt Sherman, two brothers, Neil Cubitt and S. Lynn Cubitt; her niece Geraldine Sherman Gray and her nephew William Cuhitt. Audrey was also predeceased by Robert S. Dragon, who was like a son to her.

Audrey will be remembered by her family, particularly her daughter, as a selfless supporter of her family and a wonderful mother who always had time to take her daughter and her friends to dance recitals, basketball games, dances and summer activities. She was a mother to many. She also leaves special friends Robert Booher of Charlotte, Lawrence Soutiere of Hinesburg and his son, Zachary, the Elder family, Walter Richard Calhoun, good friends Lloyd Tatro, Brenda Sargent, Virginia Vermette, and Cindy Blaise, as well as the many friends and neighbors whose lives she touched over the years. She was well cared for by Addison County Home Health and Dr. Lee Weisman of Charlotte, Suzelle Smith, Roberta Thompson and Renee DiPietro for their special loving care. Her daughter also wishes to thank Myrtle Pierce for the wonderful care she gave to Audrey and the many extra things she did for her.

Eastern Star service was held Thursday at the Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol. Funeral services were held at the Funeral Home on Friday, April 21. Donations may be made in Audrey's name to the Bristol Rescue Squad or the Addison County Humane Society in Middlebury.

Lewis Richard Smith Jr.

Bristol — Lewis Richard Smith Jr. 88, died Thursday, April 13, 2006 at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury.

He was born on April 26, 1917 in Moriah, NY the son of Lewis R and Florence (Graham) Smith Jr.

Lewis was employed at A. Johnson Lumber Mill in Bristol for 53 years. He was a member of the Vermont State Guard during WW II. Lewis was an avid out-doorsman.

He was predeceased by his wife Greta (Bedell) Smith.

Lewis is survived by five children, Glenna Soavi of Milton, Jean Ratta-Roberts of Colchester, Harlene Cheseman of PA. Ardith Tanner of MA, Lewis Smith III of NY companion Marjorie Lucia of Bristol, 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, two sisters Teresa Hunt of NC, Olive Orvis of FL. special nephew Richard (Dick) Bedell of Bristol, several nieces and nephews. Lewis was predeceased by brother Clarence Smith, sister Geraldine Cook, grandson George Soavi, two sons in law Michael Tanner, Albert Soavi.

Funeral services were held April 18  at the Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Bristol. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Bristol. Contributions may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, Bristol 05443.

Donald G. VanDeWeert

Panton— Donald G. VanDeWeert, 49, died Thursday, April 13, 2006 in Vergennes. He was born March 22, 1957, in Goshen, NY the son of Albert and Ada (Elzinga) VanDeWeert.

Donald was a member of Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church in Vergennes. He loved farming, working in his garden, watching crops grow, collecting antiques, NASCAR, and spending time with his family.

Donald is survived by his wife Emily (Dykstra) VanDeWeert of Panton, four children, Joseph VanDeWeert and his wife Ashley of Crown Point, NY., Donald (Peter) VanDeWeert of Bridport, Pamela VanDeWeert of North Ferrisburgh, Amanda VanDeWeert of North Ferrisburgh, two stepchildren Dean Heffernan of Charlotte, Danielle Heffernan of Panton, by his parents Albert and Ada (Elzinga) VanDeWeert, two brothers Tim VanDeWeert of Ferrisburgh, Richard VanDeWeert of Ferrisburgh, three sisters Shari Verburg and husband Adriaan of New Mexico, Lisa Evarts and husband John of Addison, Jean Entingh and husband  Eric of Michigan, several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Kenneth VanDeWeert in 2003.

Funeral services were held on April 18, at Champlain Valley Christian Reformed Church in Vergennes. Interment will be in Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. Brown-McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes will be in charge of arrangements.

Clifford M Harris

Ferrisburgh— Clifford M. Harris of Ferrisburgh passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at a New Haven Nursing Care Facility after batting the effects of several strokes. He was 93 years old.

The son of Corydon and Jessie (Miller) Harris, Clifford was born February 24, 1913, at the Harris Homestead in Ferrisburgh. After graduating from Vergennes High School in 1929, he took over the family dairy farm at 16.

Mr. Harris served as the Chairman of the Ferrisburgh School Board in the late 1950’s over which time the Vergennes Union High School was built. He was also very active with the local Forest and Field Club, a 50 years member of the Vergennes Masonic Friendship Lodge #1 F&AM, and a member of the regional Good Sam Club. In fact, he and his wife Lillian spent 20 years post retirement traveling in their RV during the cold winter months.

He had several hobbies; Travel, Photography, Music and Chess. He played the Baritone in The Bristol Band into his 80’s, and competed and placed in state chess tournaments during the 50’s.

Clifford leaves his wife of 65 years Lillian Frost Harris, a son Clifford and daughter Sandra. He is also survived by a nephew, Sidney Baker, and five grand children Keith and Christina Harris, Kyle Harris, Kristy and Brad O’Bryan, Kari and Kevin Donegan, and Kasha and Michael Massaro. There are also three great grandchildren, Trevor, and Rachel O’Bryan and Braydon Massaro.

A graveside memorial was held Saturday April 22 at the Gage Cemetery in Ferrisburgh.

The Harris family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for the care and love shown Mr. Harris by Alice Barnum and her family during the last years of his life.

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