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Fenton and Hennessey funeral home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT (2026)

03/20/2026

Doreen Eno

Doreen was born on December 4, 1927, to George Thumwood and Ethel Mayne in London England. She left this world on March 15, 2026, at the age of 98.

Doreen was a young girl at the beginning of World War II. She was part of Operation Pied Piper, where over 1.5 million people, mostly school children were moved from their homes and families to a country side to escape the German bombing raids. Eventually, she was able to move back to her family. She loved going to the movies and dancing.

Doreen met her husband to be, an American Soldier on a blind date at the changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace in London in 1945. Many things were hard to come by at the time, but Charles made sure his (Shorty) had plenty of chocolate and oranges. Two of her most favorite things.

They married on April 29, 1946, in London and had a life together for 70 years until Charles passed away in 2016.

Doreen came to America in the Queen Mary I with other English war brides as they were called. She went to her husband’s hometown of Bellows Falls, Vermont. She always loved the town and especially the Connecticut River. It reminded her of home by the River Thames.

Doreen loved her tea and cookies and felt that they were the cure all for everything. When served she would happily say “yum yum!”

Doreen worked for several stores in Bellows Falls, but her favorite of all was the Rockingham Library. She was an avid reader. She would have several books going at once. We think she read every book there. She worked until 80 years of age.

Doreen had a good and kind soul. She has a smile for everyone she met. She loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Doreen (Dennis) Rochester, Marie Laplante (Terrence Ryan), her beloved grandchildren, Joshua (Amanda) Jordan and David (Beth)and Brenna. She was blessed to have three great-grandchildren, Adam, Matthew and Hudson, and many fondly thought of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles and her brother, Edward and her parents.

We would like to send a special thank you to the Springfield Center for Living and Rehab for the loving care they gave her. Special thanks to Holly, Dan and Chelsea and all the other aids and nurses, Tony and Trevor for always bringing a smile to her face.

There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Charles Church on April 18 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rockingham Library or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Doreen would like to leave you with this:
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey, you’ll never know dear, how much I love you.”

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

03/20/2026

Eileen Brennan Morrison, affectionately known to friends as “Punky,” passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, with her family by her side. She was born January 20, 1953, in Bellows Falls, Vermont, to Michael Francis Brennan and Ellen Jane (Robbins) Brennan.

Eileen was raised in Bellows Falls and was a proud member of the Bellows Falls High School Class of 1971. She carried her adventurous spirit throughout her life, building a career as a surgical technician that took her across the country—from Alaska to New Mexico—before eventually settling in California’s Upper Bay Area. She retired in 2024 after many years in a profession she truly loved.

Known for her warmth and vibrant spirit, Eileen loved to travel, enjoy a great meal, and share a glass of wine with family and friends. In retirement, she continued exploring the world, including a cherished trip to Portugal with her family—Josh and Melissa, and their children, Franklin and Terin.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth “Ellen” Brennan and husband, Paul Draths, as well as her niece, Kate and husband, Eric Orr. She was predeceased by her sisters, Elizabeth and Erin Brennan.

A celebration of Eileen’s life, led by her dear friends, Susan Colby and Pauline Blake O'Brien, will be held at a later date when the spring weather allows.

Eileen will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her dedication to her work, and the joy she found in gathering with those she loved.

Charitable donations may be made to Windham County Humane Society, in loving memory of her beloved dog, Sheena, PO Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302, attn Karen Hormel.

03/18/2026

Janice Aylward LaCoille

Our beloved Janice went home to her Savior on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with the Church bells ringing.

Janice was born on September 10, 1947, to John and Mary Kopacz Aylward. Janice lived at 12 Spruce Street, North Walpole all her life. She graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1966.

Growing up she made life long friends with Barbara Stack and Kathy Golec.

After graduation, she worked for “Ma Bell” as a telephone operator until her retirement at the age of 47!

On September 14, 1996, Janice married Norman LaCoille. The two of them embarked on many adventures together, traveling to Myrtle Beach, Maine and Memphis. They enjoyed playing cards, bingo and slots. They watched Price is Right everyday, as well as Wheel of Fortune. Janice loved feeding the birds and watching them.

Janice all her life gave to many charities and would help anyone! Janice loved everyone. And had many wonderful friends in her life, Al and Kathy, Alicia, Rosemary and all the Altar Rosary Society. The list could go on and on, in truth who didn’t Janice love?

Janice had numerous Godsons and Goddaughters and great-nieces and nephews, too many to list.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura and Chip Hewitt of Saxtons River, Elizabeth, her husband, Paul Mercier of Walpole, and her son, Neil LaCoille of Bellows Falls.

She is also survived by her Sister-in-law, Kathy Aylward of Maine and her Sister-in-law, Norma Collier of California. She is also survived by her cousins, Lorraine Smith and Bonnie Dyer of Maine and Bobby and Ronnie Kavey of Massachusetts.

Janice also leaves her nieces and nephews, Bill Houle and Maria, Jill Johnson and Rick, Beth Coehlo and Don, Pam Auger and Greg, Karen Mahoney and Skip, Donna Pierce and Kevin. This is just a few names that she was blessed with.

Janice was blessed with nine grandchildren: Jessica, Johannah, Kristen, Chad, Ryan, Noah, Joseph, Alyson and Benjamin.

Janice was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Everly, Annabelle, Quinton, Amelia, Casey and coming soon Colin.

Janice was predeceased by her husband, Norman LaCoille, parents, John and Mary, her siblings, Mary Jean, John “Sonny”, and Patricia and her much beloved dog, Lacey, as well as numerous brother and sister-in-laws.

The family would like to thank the following people who showed love, compassion and respect to our mother while home waiting for the Lord, without your support love and kindness I couldn’t have done it without you. Theresa Kellom, Halley Martin and Helaine Huges. From the bottom of our hearts the words thank you will never be enough.

There are no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will take place on March 28 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church with burial to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Drewsville. A reception will take place after at the American Legion in Bellows Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Peter’s Rosary Society, 1877 Spruce Street, North Walpole, NH 03609.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

03/18/2026

Paul Douglas Dexter Sr., 84, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at his home in Chester, VT.

Paul was born at Rockingham Hospital in Bellows Falls, VT on October 15, 1941, to Elaine Katherine Cray Dexter and George Leland Dexter. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1960. He attended Putney School and graduated fro Northampton Commercial College. Paul served in the US Army in Fort Dix, NJ.

Paul owned Dexter Roofing INC. in Bellows Falls, VT and the Townshend Corner Store in Townshend, VT. Later in life, he owned the Stuffed Bun in Townshend with his wife, Charmien and son, Jeff.

Paul was married on January 16, 1965, to Charmien Rousseau at St. Charles Church. He is survived by his wife, Charmien and his children, Paul Douglas Dexter Jr. (Carol), Melissa Ann Bills (Norman), and Jeffery Leland Dexter (Heather).

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Justin Dexter (Reyna) Jenna Sanzhez (Josh), Emilio Sanchez (Andrew), Nicholas Bills (Jessica), Madison Pratt (Tyler), Junius Dexter (Madison) and his great-grandchildren, Xander Dexter, Avery Bills and Levi Pratt.

Per Paul’s wishes there will be no services.

If you want to make a donation in Paul’s name, please consider, Neighborhood Connections, PO Box 207 5700 VT-100 Marketplace, Londonderry, VT 05148.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

03/12/2026

James Anthony Wasklewicz
May 15, 1941 – October 31, 2024
“Believe that a further shore is reachable from here.”
— Seamus Heaney

James Anthony Wasklewicz passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, at his retirement community home in North Carolina. He was 83.

Jim was born on May 15, 1941, in Bellows Falls, Vermont, and spent much of his childhood in Boston. One of his earliest memories was watching the skies over the city filled with Allied planes returning from Europe at the end of World War II—an image that remained vivid throughout his life.

He graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1960, where he proudly played football for four years. Shortly after graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1960 to 1964. During his service, he was stationed aboard the USS Caloosahatchee in the Mediterranean Sea and the USS Great Sitkin in Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His time in the Navy remained a lasting source of pride.

After completing his military service, Jim briefly attended Everett Community College in Washington state and later studied at Windham College in Putney, Vermont. He went on to build a long career in trucking and freight management, a profession to which he remained dedicated until retirement.

Jim had a lifelong love of food and cooking and once considered attending culinary school. He shared that love with his sons, teaching them to appreciate good meals and the joy of gathering around the table.

He also loved music, politics, and conversation. A devoted reader of the Boston Globe and a loyal listener to Boston radio, Jim followed politics closely throughout his life and proudly identified as a Kennedy Democrat. Music filled his home—from Isaac Hayes and Neil Diamond to Simon & Garfunkel and John Mellencamp—and whenever he heard a song he loved, he would say, “Listen to this beautiful piece of music.”

In his later years, Jim faced health challenges, but he remained grateful for the care he received and the support of his family. Those who knew him will remember his humor, his stories, his love of music and conversation, and the pride he took in his service and life experiences.

Jim is survived by his sons, Erik and David; and by his grandsons, Kole, Ryder, Atticus, and Silas.

May the road rise to meet him, and the wind be always at his back. May the sun shine warm upon his face until we meet again in the house of the Lord.

03/07/2026

Bellows Falls, Vermont

Diana Vogel Toomey passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2026, surrounded by her family. Diana was a woman of boundless curiosity, a scientific mind, and a generous heart. She was 79 years old.

Her life was lived with intention and joy: full of learning, playfulness, and appreciation of the small things. She cared deeply for her friends and family, never forgetting a birthday or an anniversary. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother she delighted in her three children and five grandchildren, following their interests and accomplishments with pride and enthusiasm.

Diana was born in Portland, ME, the daughter of Frederick W. Vogel and Maude Horner Vogel. Her father was her childhood hero, and some of her happiest memories were of summers spent exploring the coast of Maine on his boat and playing on the beach in Falmouth with her cousin, Carol. Her father passed away in 1978, but she and her mother were blessed to have many more years of close friendship before Maude’s death in 2004. Diana devotedly cared for her mother in her final years.

The memories and friendships from her childhood and high school years in Bellows Falls were a sustaining force throughout her life. Diana knew her future husband, Bill Toomey, from infancy: their parents, who played bridge together, would place them in the same crib. Years later, she found she was captivated by his quick wit, poet’s heart, and ability to spin a yarn. They shared interests not only in literature, but also in music; she was a talented flautist.

They fell in love, and Diana favored Bill with her hand in marriage in 1969, a union that would last 56 years. Early in their marriage, Bill and Diana traveled to the Netherlands and Switzerland, where their first two children, Sebastian and Anneke were born. After their return to the States, their third child, Theron, was born in the hospital just across the street from her parents’ house. Diana took on the challenges of motherhood with zeal. She and Bill often took direct responsibility for their children’s education, tutoring them in math, science, history, English, and foreign languages. Her gardening was another point of pride, and she cultivated beautiful flower beds and vegetable gardens where her children played, dreamed, and grazed on the fruits of her labor.

Diana earned her BA cm laude in English Literature from Wheaton in 1968, and she placed great value on academic achievement and the pursuit of knowledge throughout her life. For many years, she worked at Misty Valley Books in Chester, VT, a role that suited her perfectly. She loved bookselling and delighted in helping customers find just the right book. An avid book collector herself, she built a remarkable personal library spanning science, education, economics, architecture, and leadership. Her extensive vocabulary and competitive streak made her a formidable opponent at Bananagrams or any other word game.

She also gave generously of her time and talents to the community. A champion for literacy and education, she served on the elementary school and public library boards in Grafton. She had a fantastic head for numbers; she could do everything from chairing a meeting to writing a grant, and was a tiger at wrestling financial records into submission. In recent years, she served on the board of the nonprofit Julia’s Way, where she played an indispensable role in bringing its pioneering book Breastfeeding & Down Syndrome to publication.

Diana fought and beat breast cancer twice over the course of her life. She faced her final illness, stage IV lung cancer, with bravery and grace. Diana never smoked and was surprised to learn how common lung cancer is among non-smokers, particularly women. She would want others to be aware and seek screening. The family wishes to thank the compassionate hospice team and caregivers who supported Diana in her final days.

Diana is survived by her husband, Bill Toomey; her three children, Sebastian (Janna Cordeiro), Anneke (Edward Perry), and Theron; five grandchildren: Oscar, Diana, Ivan, and Isadora Perry, and Ava Toomey-Cordeiro; two step-grandchildren: Max Perry and Jacqueline Perry; sister-in-law, Deborah Toomey (David Whittall); nephew, Julian Rutledge and niece, Anna Rutledge; cousins, Carol Galloway, Monica Horner, and Glenn Horner (Diane); as well as dear friends who are considered family: Janet and David Curran, Gudrun Taubenberger, Desiree Herzfeld, Alysoun Johansson, Ailyn Hoey, Valerie Rooney, Ella Cullen, and the Brelsford family. Diana will always live in our hearts.

At the convenience of the family, a memorial gathering will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Cottage Foundation in Townshend, VT. https://gracecottage.org

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

03/06/2026

Ken Miller, 85, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Effingham Care and Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, Georgia.

He was born on May 22, 1940, in Rockingham, Vermont to his late parents, Melvin and Barbara Miller. He graduated from Bellows Falls High School in 1958.

Ken’s entire professional career was dedicated to the electrical field, but he was a jack-of-all-trades. He could do almost anything – plumbing, heating, carpentry. You name it, he could do it! He was very active as he enjoyed many different sports, including football, baseball, softball, and basketball. When he wasn’t working or taking care of his beloved animals, he was listening to music, driving (or fixing) his tractors, exploring the back roads, riding horses, piddling around or going to auctions, often returning home with unnecessary items. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His amusing stories and infectious laugh will live on forever in our memories.

Ken was married on April 12, 1974, to Janice Miller. Together, they served as foster parents for several years in Springfield, Vermont.

He is survived by his brother, “Dick” Miller, and his children, Kelly Miller Torrey, Tracy (David Mack) Miller, Ken (Rachel) Miller, Melanie (Greg) Mooney, Melissa Miller, Tim Miller, Lisa (Matt) Coyne, and David (Karla) Zielinski.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Trevyn Miller, Breige Reilly, Kathleen Fox, Colin Torrey, Bryanon Miller, Hunter Mack, Byron, Zachary, and Phoebe Miller, Megan, Matthew, and Molly Mooney, Brendan, Brittany, Francesca, Caelan, Arianna, Alana, and Kiernan Coyne, Coraline Lockhart and Anessa Prine.

He is also survived by many great-grandchildren. He will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Janice Miller, his grandson, Matthew Reilly, his ex-wife, Maureen Caskin, and his brother, Bobby Miller.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Bellows Falls, Vermont in the summer of 2026 a date will be announced. Burial will take place in the Westminster New Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local humane society.

Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, is assisting the family with arrangements.

02/26/2026

Frances Moreen Stevens

Frances Stevens, born on November 10, 1952, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on February 20, 2026, after a long battle fighting the effects of cancer. Throughout her
illness, she demonstrated the same strength and grace that defined her life.

She shared 53 years of marriage with her husband, Howard Stevens. She was a proud and loving mother to her son, Matthew Stevens and her daughter, Audrey Pratt. She was a cherished mother-in-law to Melissa Stevens and Jeffrey Pratt. Her greatest joy was being “Grammie” to her beloved grandchildren, Klara, Matthew, Christopher, Andrew and James, who were the light of her life.

Family meant everything to her. She never missed a sporting event or school activity. Whether cheering from the stands or volunteering at school functions, she was always present, offering encouragement, warmth and unconditional love.

She worked faithfully in her local school district where she was known for her dedication and care she offered everyone she worked with. She was well loved by everyone that had the
privilege of knowing her.

She found happiness in life's simple things: sitting at the beach, listening to the Rolling Stones, collecting and admiring images of angels and spending time working on puzzles. Above all, she believed that Jesus died for her sins and she took great comfort trusting in His promise of eternal life.

She will be remembered for her loving heart, her selflessness and the countless ways she put her family first.

There will be no public services. A private good-bye was held with her immediate family.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and devotion will live on in the hearts of all that knew her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

02/19/2026

Douglas Edward Lund, age 66, of Westminster, Vermont, passed away on February 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on March 27, 1959, Douglas was the son of Bela and Isabel Lund. He often joked, “I was born so big, I drove my mom home from the hospital,” a line that perfectly captured his humor and larger-than-life personality.

Douglas lived a life full of laughter, connection, and love for those closest to him. He truly cherished his family and friends. His presence was something you always felt—often before you even saw him. When Douglas was around, you were sure to hear him first, usually sharing a story or bringing a smile to everyone nearby. His booming voice, storytelling spirit, sense of humor, and warm heart made him unforgettable. He’ll also be remembered for being a talented carpenter and mason.

He worked as a mason with his good friend, Jim Saunders and their work can be seen in various locations around the Vermont area.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Sherri; his son, Israel; daughter-in-law, Olivia; and his one and only grandson, Renzo of New York City.

He is also survived by his brother, Mark Lund and wife, Janice; his sister, Beverly DeCamp and husband, David, all of Westminster, Vermont; and his brother, Bradley Lund and wife, Lorrie of Hermiston, Oregon.

Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Bela and Isabel Lund, and his sisters, Anne Marie and Mary Beth.

Douglas will be remembered for his big heart, lively spirit, fantastic stories, joking nature, and the genuine way he connected with people. He leaves behind countless memories filled with laughter, love, and stories that will be shared for years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

02/19/2026

Katherine Ann Daniels, known affectionately as Katt to her friends and family, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones at her side on February 11, 2026, at the age of 80, in Keene, New Hampshire, after a sudden diagnosis and brief battle with small cell lung cancer. Katherine was born on April 2, 1945, to Doris Gilbert Canzoneri and Vincent Canzoneri, in the vibrant city of Manhattan, New York. Katt grew into a woman of strength, compassion, and joy. She was a nurturing soul whose life was a testament to the enduring power of love and kindness.

A devoted mother, sister, and friend, Katt leaves behind her daughters, Ericka Fortune and Kelly Revell; her sisters, Cathy Canzoneri and Vivien Canzoneri Kurtin; her grandchildren, Nicholas Revell Wardwell, Kaleb Fortune, Bella Fortune and Liam Revell, and a great-granddaughter; Kendall Wardwell, who will all miss her profoundly. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Hathaway, and daughter, Terisa Hathaway, and long time fiancé, Herman (Trigger) Bunnell, whose memories she held close to her heart. Other long time close family friends she thought of as extra daughters are Rita Ireland and Angela Tobin.

Katt's spirit lives on through the lives of her children and the many individuals she touched with her unwavering love and care. Even in her final days, Katt remained a source of comfort and inspiration to her family and friends, a testament to her resilient spirit.

Katt's early years were spent in the bustling streets of Manhattan, where she attended local schools, before moving to the serene town of Clinton, Connecticut, and later to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her educational journey laid a solid foundation for her commitment to caring for others, which she later manifested in her career as a Nursing Assistant.

Throughout her life, Katt's faith played a central role in guiding her actions and giving her strength. Her Catholic beliefs were woven into the fabric of her daily life, and she lived by the words of Mother Teresa, "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Katt embodied this sentiment, and her presence was a beacon of warmth and happiness to everyone she encountered.

Katt's passions extended beyond her professional and spiritual life into a variety of interests that brought joy to her and those around her. She had an artistic flair, often found immersed in her crafts, creating beauty from simple materials. Her love for carnivals and bingo was infectious, and she reveled in the laughter and excitement. Family events were the highlight of her life, where she would gather with loved ones, sharing stories and creating cherished memories.

Katt's love for her feline companions was well known, as her home was never without the purring of a beloved cat. These gentle creatures brought her comfort and companionship, reflecting her own nurturing nature.

Katherine Ann Daniels lived a life marked by service, faith, humor, and love. Her legacy is one of compassion, laughter, and the simple yet profound impact one person can have on the lives of many.

Katt's life was a testament to the power of resilience, strength, and the depth of a mother's love. In the words of American poet Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Kat made everyone around her feel loved, valued, and important. Her warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She will be deeply missed, but forever remembered as a woman who made the world a better place, one smile at a time.

A Celebration of Life will be held in late March, and a graveside funeral service will be held in early April.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

02/17/2026

Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of Miriam “Mim” Dustin Ward, age 91, who left us peacefully on Friday, February 13 at her home, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Mim was born on February 11, 1935, in Bellows Falls, Vermont, the daughter of Frank Carlton and Doris Buswell Dustin. A lifelong resident of Alstead, New Hampshire, Mim was the beloved matriarch of the Ward family, one of Alstead’s most well‑known and longstanding families.

Mim met the love of her life, Erwin Walter Ward, when she was a young girl and he was the slightly older boy who lived just a few houses down the road. Their romance blossomed quickly, and before leaving to serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, Erwin proposed. Their love story became legendary in their small community, and it endured for more than 70 years.

Upon Erwin’s return from the war, the two were married on June 20, 1953, and together welcomed their children: Brenda Anne (1956), Wendy Sue (1957), and Bruce Erwin (1958).

Mim enjoyed a successful 30‑plus‑year career with the Mortenson Insurance and Financial Agency in Walpole, NH. She was known for her warm personality, exceptional client service, and impeccable sense of style - often seen in heels, elegant outfits, matching jewelry, and bright lipstick.

Her faith was central in her life. Mim was an active member of the 3rd Congregational Church in Alstead, where she sang in the choir, and belonged to the women’s guild.

A devoted and loving mother, Mim opened her heart - and her home - to many children in the community. But her favorite role, by far, was that of grandmother and great‑grandmother, a chapter she embraced with joy and boundless energy.

In retirement, Mim and Erwin cherished afternoons at the Ward family camp on the Cold River, where they listened to the river, watched grandchildren swim and fish, visited with friends, and marveled at bald eagles overhead.

Mim was giving, generous, humble, and grounded. Her family was her legacy, and she reminded those around her, often and lovingly, what truly matters: love, family, acceptance, and grace. She was one of a kind, and one of Alstead’s last “grand ladies.”

Mim was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Doris, her beloved husband, Erwin, her daughter, Brenda, and her granddaughter, Krystee Lee.

She is survived by her brother, Dale Dustin, and his life partner, Pat; her children, Wendy, and her life partner, Paul; Bruce and his wife, Melony; and her son‑in‑law, Richard Hayman and his wife, Karen.

She leaves behind five grandchildren and their spouses: Melissa (Tim), Jeremy (Caitlin), Kyle (Beth), Angela, and Garrett (Katelyn); as well as eleven great‑grandchildren: William, Emily, Kamryn, Mason, Calihan, Faith, Clara, Macie, Scarlet, Aubrey, and Carter; and a twelfth great‑grandchild arriving later this year. Mim is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and several very dear family friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 PM at the Third Congregational Church, River Street, Alstead, NH.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The ALS Association Northern New England Chapter, 10 Ferry Street, Suite 438, Concord, NH 03301 or Live Free Outpatient Rehab, 17 Kit Street, Keene, NH 03431.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

02/17/2026

Ruth Hattie Kelly Balla, age 92, of South Acworth, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. Born on February 5, 1934, to William (Bill) Kelly Sr. and Marion Pickering, Ruth spent her childhood in Keene and the surrounding areas. She cherished her sister, Bunny, excelled in school, and developed a love for music and basketball—activities that would shape her life and lead her to meet her future husband, Ralph L. Balla. Ruth and Ralph married in November 1951, beginning their journey together as a devoted couple.

As they built their life in South Acworth, Ruth and Ralph welcomed four children: John, Lyle, Bob, and Heidi. Together, they managed a farm, logged with horses, and provided local excavation services. Their strong work ethic led them, in 1973, to establish R.L. Balla Inc., a sawmill fondly remembered on Beryl Mountain Road.

Beyond her entrepreneurial spirit, Ruth was a gifted musician. She played both piano and accordion with grace and joy, often singing with a women’s group called The Yankee Bells. Her interests stretched far and wide—snowmobiling, sewing, collecting antique dolls and trucks, and tracing her family roots through genealogy. Throughout her life, Ruth was an avid reader and a dedicated member of the Friends of the Library in Acworth, reflecting her passion for books and community involvement.

As her family grew, Ruth delighted in her role as “Gramma” to grandchildren, Matt, Jessi, Brooke, Brittany, and Emily. She cherished bringing them to camp, whether in Pittsburg, NH, or Moosehead Lake, ME, always embracing the joys of country living and sharing the fresh air and quiet beauty of the outdoors. Ruth’s pride in her family was clear in every tradition and adventure she created with them.

Throughout her life, Ruth displayed remarkable versatility, capably running an office, training dogs, and organizing multiple events. She had a soft spot for children and a knack for weaving magic into everyday moments. Her great-grandchildren, Eli, Charlie, Maebel, Lila, Zion, Beckett, and Thatcher, will remember secret gnomes under her kitchen sink that brought green jelly, her ability to make Mt. Monadnock “disappear,” and her endless supply of cookies and ice cream. Ruth’s sense of humor and warmth made every visit to Gramma’s a special occasion.

Family was at the heart of Ruth’s world. Alongside her immediate family, she cherished many cousins, nieces, and nephews, sharing a special bond with her niece, Beth. Her love extended through every branch of her family tree, nurturing relationships and creating lasting memories.

Following Ruth’s passing in February, funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Church on the Hill in Acworth, NH. Burial will follow at the Acworth Cemetery, allowing family and friends to honor Ruth’s legacy and celebrate her remarkable life.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.

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