PAGE 6A — Addison Independent, Thursday, December 8, 2016
ADDISON COUNTY
Wendy G. Mitchell, 53, Vergennes
Obituaries Christine Ann Russ, 71, Leicester
LEICESTER — Christine Ann Russ, age 71, passed on peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 in her home. Christine was born Oct. 25, 1945 in Proctor, daughter of Robert Breznick and Gloria (Taranovich) Lapointe. She was a 1963 graduate of Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon. She was employed at the former Brandon Training School. Afterward, she was employed as a shift supervisor and day program coordinator at Rutland Mental Health, retiring from there in 2003. Christine was a member of the Brandon-Forestdale Lions Club. She was also very involved in the local artist community. Surviving are a son, Jerry Russ and wife Lori and their children Brandon, Zachary and Erika of Rockfall, Conn.; a daughter, Laurie McFarren and her husband Jeffrey and their children Lindsay and Tanner of Saco, Maine; and a daughter, Suzanne Russ of Rutland. She is
CHRISTINE RUSS survived as well by two brothers, William Breznick of Shrewsbury and Joseph Breznik of Londonderry. She is survived by many close friends and family that includes her chosen sisters, Nancy and Gail; her friend and former husband Richard;
and her friend and companion, Amy Colby. Christine was predeceased by her daughter Sheri Delphia; her granddaughter Shelly Beth Delphia; and two brothers, Ralph Breznick and Robert Breznick, Jr. Chrissie will be best remembered for her zest for life. Her passions included creating works of art, cooking and entertaining. Her most renowned creation being her oneof-a kind gardens where much of her artwork is displayed. Her generosity extended to friends and strangers alike. A celebration of her life was held at The Brandon Inn, 20 Park Street, Brandon on Wednesday, Dec 7. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to Leukemia Research c/o American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495 or to Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763. Miller and Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon will be assisting
John E. Gebo Jr., 76, Middlebury MIDDLEBURY — John E. Gebo Jr. passed away unexpectedly at Porter Hospital Dec. 2, 2016 with his family by his side. He was born Nov. 21, 1940 in Norwich, Conn., the son of the late John E. Sr. and Mary (Scovel) Gebo. John served in the Navy from 1958-1962 as an aviation electrician. During his time in the service he was involved with the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Bay of Pigs Invasion. John worked for the State of Conn. as a civil engineer before moving to Bristol, Vt. in 1981. He worked for Cooperative Insurance Companies of Middlebury, Vt. until his retirement in 2000. On Feb. 19, 1966 he married the love of his life Barbara Gardner. Together they raised two daughters, Melissa and Christine. John was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. John and Barb were a team couple for Marriage Encounter when they lived in Conn. He loved being out in the woods enjoying nature, going to deer camp in Stockbridge, working on his property, and vacationing on Cape Cod every summer. He was also an
JOHN GEBO JR. avid archer. John loved working with the poor and handicap. He belonged to The Men At Work, which is a prayer group that meets every Monday morning with other men from the community.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara; two daughters, Moirakella Areli of Essex Junction, Vt., and Christine (Brady) Fuller of Bristol, Vt.; seven grandchildren, Brandon, Wesley, Aaron, Andy and Shea Lynn Mercy, Kai Areli and Brighton Fuller; and one great-grandson Liam Mercy. Two siblings, Carol (Seymour) Robbins and William (Maureen) Gebo, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Janet, Robert and Thomas. John was a member of St. Ambrose Caring Community where a mass of Christian Burial took place Dec. 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Have A Heart Food Shelf or St. Ambrose Caring Community for the Needy Fund at 11 School St. Bristol, VT 05443. The family would like to thank the Middlebury Rescue Squad, Porter Hospital Chaplin, Matthew Berens and Father Beaudin of St. Mary’s. As well as the doctors and nurses in the Emergency Room at Porter Hospital for the extraordinary care they gave to John.◊
VERGENNES — Wendy G. Mitchell, 53, passed away very peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 4, 2016, while at Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring, Fla. after a courageous battle with cancer. Wendy was born in Altus, Okla. on Oct. 28, 1963, and was from Vergennes, Vt. She is survived by her longtime companion, William (Bill) Ayotte; her son, Timothy Mitchell; and her daughter, Kate Ayotte. Also her father, Richard Mitchell; stepmother, Linda; sisters, Connie and Julie Mitchell; brother, Rick Mitchell; stepsisters, Belynda, Benita and Brenna Kitts; stepbrothers, Mark Kitts and wife Chrissy; and Tommy Valenti; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as Bill’s sisters, Arlene Smith, Lisa Akers, Debra Ayotte; and brothers, Joseph and Dwayne Ayotte. Wendy was predeceased by her mother, Nancy Mitchell (Mitchell); brother, Jeffrey Mitchell; Bill’s
WENDY MITCHELL mother, Viola Ayotte; and brother, Llewellyn Ayotte. Wendy graduated from Alhambra High School in Phoenix, Ariz. and received her B.A. at Florida Atlantic
University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in communications. She worked for the FAU Bookstore in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for four years, the Boys and Girls Club in Vergennes for several years, and was a caretaker for her companion Bill after he had a stroke. A special thank you to Bill’s sisters, Arlene and Debra Smith, they had taken care of Bill, Wendy, Timothy and Kate this past year. I’m not sure what we would have done without their love and devotion to them all, we will always be very grateful for them. Thank you also for all the prayers from all over the country for Wendy, prayers do work, she was with us much longer than expected. A memorial service will be held for Wendy at North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church in North Ferrisburgh in the summer and a reception afterward TBD. Wendy was loved by everyone who met her, she had a huge heart, funky spirit and lived life to the fullest. ◊
R. Michael ‘Mike’ White, Bridport BRIDPORT — R. Michael White, more often known as “Mike,” passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016 at UVM Medical Center surrounded by the love of family. He was predeceased by his father, George Robert White, mother Flora (Hill), sister Patricia (White) Hendricks and son-in-law Paul Saenger. Mike spent his life wearing many hats, most commonly having to do with sales and manufacturing. After moving to Vermont in 1989, Mike and Fran owned and operated the Vites and Herbs Shoppe in the MarbleWorks, along with daughter Wendy and son John. Mike was proud to be a member of the Middlebury Lions Club, even serving as “King Lion” for a time. He
retired to care for his mother-in-law Mary Jennings until her death in 2010 and supported Fran’s career with the Vermont State Housing Authority. He was always there for his children, grandchildren and friends, and we will miss his support. Mike is survived by his wife of 60 years Frances H. (Jennings); daughter Rene Saenger with children Ben of Burlington, Andrew and Megan of Lafayette, Ind., Laura and Patrick O’Leary of Hyattsville, Md., and Amy of Waltham, Mass.; son Patrick, his sons Michael and Zachary of Texas; daughter Wendy Vorsteveld of Vergennes with sons Jonathan of Killington, Patrick of Ferrisburgh and Lolke of Vergennes; son John and
Lori with their children Jacob and Olivia of Pittsford, Vt. We would like to thank Bridport Town Line Response and UVM Medical Center for their care and compassion. A private burial was held for family at the Bridport Cemetery on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016. A gathering to celebrate Mike’s life will be held at the Bridport Town Hall at a later date. We will publish notice in this paper and hope that you will join the family and share your memories of Mike. In lieu of flowers you may donate in Mike’s name to the Bridport Town Line First Response. But more importantly, when you see one of us, share your memories.◊
Donald E. Kinney, Ripton RIPTON — Donald E. Kinney passed away on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Joan (Lott) Kinney, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage, he was born in Trinidad, Colo., to Oliver Earl Kinney and Opal (Sanger) Kinney. His father was an engineer on the Santa Fe Railroad. Donald’s life of service to the country began during his junior year of high school when he joined the navy during the last year of World War II. After graduating from the University of Colorado, he became an air force pilot and flew the Korean air lift. Then as a jet pilot, he continued serving as an electrical engineer in weapons delivery. After retiring from
the Air Force, he worked for the Environmental Protection Agency in Boston, and later represented the USAF in a combined program with the FAA to develop a new coastal radar system that still protects the airspace of the U.S. Don will be remembered for his generosity and devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife Joan and sons Crispin, Patrick, William and daughter Donna, as well as ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family will gather in LaJunta, Colo., in the summer of 2017, for a memorial service and burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT.◊
DONALD KINNEY
Henry R. Phillips, 90, Monkton MONKTON — Henry R. Phillips passed away Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 on the farm. He was born May 16, 1926 in Lincoln, the son of the late Charles and Mildred (Poland) Phillips. He leaves behind his wife of 68
years Martha (Roscoe) Phillips; three children, Terry (Starr), Jeff (Olive) and Jackie Fefee; six grandchildren; seven-great grandchildren; and a sister Elaine Roback of Leonardsville, N.Y. A graveside service will be
held Monday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. at Monkton Ridge Cemetery in Monkton. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Addison County Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.
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