Davis Memorial Chapel

Frances E. Busick, 91, of Springfield, VT, passed away on January 4, 2026. She was born on November 21, 1934 in New Haven, CT, daughter of George and Bina (Spencer) Bethke. She attended school in New Haven, CT.

On November 21, 1953, she married Nicholas Busick, and together they raised their daughter Virginia.

Frances worked in Woolworth’s coffee shop and later as an LNA at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow and at Springfield Health and Rehab.

She loved bingo, flea markets and spending time with family. She was devoted to her family. She loved barbecues and adventures with her husband and daughter. She was great at sewing and sewed many costumes for her grandchildren.

Frances is survived by her 3 grandchildren Tracy Johnson, Khristina Johnson and Scott Pailley; 3 great grandsons; 1 great granddaughter and beloved dog Chrissy.

She is predeceased by her husband Nick, daughter Virginia, five brothers, 2 sisters and the many beloved dogs that came into her life.

A graveside service will be held at the Cavendish Village Cemetery, October 26th at 1:00pm.

https://www.davismemorialchapel.net/guestbook/frances-e-busick

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Janet Marie Blanchard, on October 5th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Colchester, Vermont, on January 29, 1946, Janet and her seven siblings grew up in Underhill Center, Vermont, with their mother, Thelma Hutchins.

While working at IBM in Burlington, Vermont, Janet met the love of her life, Wayne Blanchard, who became her husband of forty-seven years when he preceded her in death (2013).

Janet worked in a variety of settings; however, her most cherished role was wife, mother, and caregiver to those she loved. She valued her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them.
Janet had a vivacious spirit and enjoyed spontaneous adventures with her friends and taking frequent trips to Maine. She had a loving, giving heart and became friends with almost everyone she met. Some of her favorite pastimes were reading, crafting, collecting antiques, and reading her Bible. She was a strong, independent woman who embraced life’s challenges with courage and faith.

Janet is survived by her sister, Cheryl Phillips, and her husband, John, of Reidsville, NC; her brother, Glen Machia, of Jeffersonville, Vermont; her son, Todd Blanchard, and his wife, Jodi, of Port Charlotte, Florida; her daughter, Millissa Machia, and her husband, Mark, of Reidsville, NC; and her daughter, Tiffany Riley, and her husband, David, of Shapleigh, Maine. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

There will be a formal memorial and graveside service, October 29th, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the historic Union Christian Church in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, followed by a graveside service at the Plymouth Notch Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

https://www.davismemorialchapel.net/guestbook/janet-blanchard

Kirk J. Handly 68, died Sunday morning at Springfield Hospital in Springfield, Vermont. He was born May 5, 1958 in Los Gatos, California the son of Robert and Blanche (Blodgett) Handly. He attended schools and graduated high school in California.

Kirk worked in construction in California for several years and after moving to Vermont he worked at Idlenot Dairy, Ben and Jerry’s and most recently as a Machinist at IVEK.

He enjoyed woodworking, racing video games, NASCAR racing, and football. He was a San Francisco 49ers fan. He also enjoyed cooking, and his breakfasts were legendary. He was a music lover and a big fan of Chris Isaak.

He is survived by one son Isaiah Handly, four siblings; Deborah, Kevin, Wendy and his twin Kathy. He is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister Portia and his ex-wife Jean (Watkins) Handly.

There will be no formal services at this time.

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

https://www.davismemorialchapel.net/guestbook/kirk-handly

A graveside service with military honors will be held for Leo Laflamme, who passed away February 2, 2026, at Pine Grove Cemetery in North Springfield, VT on October 24, 2026 at 1:00pm.

Obituary for Leo A. Laflamme at Davis Memorial Chapel On February 2 , 2026 Leo A Laflamme passed at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, VT. He was born January 10,1938 in Jefferson, NH to Franciella Laflamme and LucienLaflamme. In his younger years, he, his brothers and mother moved to various places in northern New Hampshire. His schooling

Marilyn A. Mahusky, age 67, passed away on September 27, 2026. She was born alongside her late twin brother, Thomas, on May 26, 1959, to William and Janet (Lang) Mahusky. She started her public service career interning for US Senator Howard Metzenbaum in Ohio and continued on to graduate from Franklin Pierce Law Center in 1991. She was a fierce legal advocate and committed her life to representing vulnerable individuals with disabilities at Legal Aid organizations for over 30 years.

Marilyn was civic-minded, a devoted democrat, passionate feminist, and political activist in her town of Chester, Vermont. She operated with the utmost respect for clients and marginalized people.

Marilyn loved time spent with her family, trips to Cape Cod, walks with her friends, and carefree dancing to Bruce Springsteen. She was an avid gardener and felt most at home in Vermont. Above all, she was dedicated to her family and friends, and is survived by her children Mary and Brian Anderson; siblings John Mahusky and Sarabeth Mahusky-Petras; and her esteemed gentleman poodle, Ollie.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to a charitable organization of your choice.

Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements.

https://www.davismemorialchapel.net/guestbook/marilyn-mahusky

Ellsworth “Butch” Butler 84, died at his home on Sunday morning September 27, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 15, 1941, in Proctorsville, Vermont the son of Roy A. and Luella (Place) Butler. He attended schools in the area, graduating from Chester High School. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era.

On June 22, 1963, he married Beatrice E. Butler at the United Methodist Church in Ludlow, Vermont.

Mr. Butler was employed as a Tool Maker with General Electric in Ludlow and later Rutland, Vermont from 1969 until his retirement in 1998.

Butch and Beatrice loved to dance, enjoyed bingo, and enjoyed traveling to New York to visit family, and enjoyed family vacations and gatherings.

He is survived by his wife Beatrice, two daughters Leah Lawrence (Charlie) and Lisa May Snide (Connie), five grandchildren; Michael Cavacas (Savannah), Jacob Cavacas (Breanna), Katie Phillips (Tim), Courtney Butler (Steven), and Zachary Snide (Bailey). 8 great grandchildren; Wilder, Arija, Scarlett, Elenora, Ridge, Maxwell, Tre, and Sawyer. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers; Gordon Butler, Ronald Butler and Richard Butler.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday October 11, 2026 at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Proctorsville, Vermont. Reverend Malcolm Fowler will officiate.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont is assisting with arrangements.

https://www.davismemorialchapel.net/guestbook/ellsworth-butch-butler

Kenneth Raymond Rock, of Springfield, Vermont, passed away peacefully on September 22 at 4:00 p.m., surrounded by his loving family.

Kenneth was a hardworking man and a true Vermonter. Throughout his life, he worked for Connecticut Valley Construction, Giddings in North Springfield, Northeast Riggers in Springfield, and Vermont Machine Tool. He believed in working hard, taking care of his family, and lending a helping hand whenever someone needed it.

Kenneth was the kind of man you could often find outdoors, helping someone or working in his garden. He enjoyed the simple things in life, especially watching NASCAR and spending time at his sister’s camp in Reading, Vermont. Many wonderful family memories were made at the camp over the years—memories filled with laughter, time together, and moments his family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Above all, Kenneth loved his family and loved the Lord. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he showed his love for God not only through his words, but through the way he lived his life and cared for others. He attended Renewed Life in Jesus Church in Rockingham, Vermont.

Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, Raymond Rock and Clara Woodard; step-dad Delmar Woodward, his sisters, Polly and Janice; his brothers-in-law, Bert and Faye; brother in-law David Clairmont and many other beloved family members who went before him.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Drucilla Rock; his four children, Heidi Laplante, Heather Rock, Holly Allen, and Harold Rock; his beloved grandchildren, Tabitha, Samantha, Austin, Cody, Raymond, Cindy, and Arabella; sister, Caroline Clairmont of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, as well as his beloved great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind extended family, friends, and many others whose lives were touched by his kindness and generous heart.

Kenneth will be remembered as a hardworking Vermonter, a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man who loved the Lord. His family will treasure the countless memories they shared with him and carry his love with them for the rest of their lives.

Although saying goodbye is never easy, Kenneth’s family finds comfort in knowing that his earthly journey is complete and that he has gone home to be with the Lord. They find peace in picturing him reunited in Heaven with his parents, Raymond and Clara; his sisters, Polly and Janice; his brothers-in-law, Bert and Faye; and the many other family members and loved ones who went home before him. What a beautiful reunion that must be.

The hands that worked so hard throughout his life can now rest. The man who spent so much of his life helping others has finished his work here on earth. His family will miss his presence, his familiar ways, and all the little things that made him who he was, but the love and memories he left behind will never fade.

This is not goodbye forever. For those who share Kenneth’s faith, there is the beautiful promise that they will see him again. Until that day, he will remain forever loved, forever missed, and forever in the hearts of his family.

A Message from his family

Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, and beloved husband, there will never be enough words to tell you how much you meant to all of us. You were such an important part of our family, and life will never be quite the same without you here.

We will miss your voice, your smile, your stories, and simply knowing you were there. We will miss watching you work in the garden, hearing about NASCAR, and all those ordinary moments that we never realized would someday become some of our most precious memories.

Thank you for working so hard for your family. Thank you for the sacrifices you made, for the people you helped, for the lessons you taught us, and most of all, for loving us.

We know how much you loved the Lord, and although our hearts are hurting, we find comfort knowing that you are now home with Him. We can picture you surrounded by the family who went before you, with no more pain, no more worries, and no more goodbyes.

We will take care of each other, share your stories, laugh about the good times, and make sure the generations that come after us know who you were. Your grandchildren—Tabitha, Samantha, Austin, Cody, Raymond, Cindy, and Arabella—and your great-grandchildren will carry your memory with them. They will always know how much their Grandpa loved his family.

Until we meet again, know that we love you more than words can ever say. You will always be a part of us. We will carry you in our hearts everywhere we go.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Renewed Life in Jesus Church in Kenneth’s memory.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten. Until we meet again.

https://www.davismemorialchapel.net/guestbook/kenneth-rock

Springfield, VT-
Patricia M. LaVoie, 96, died Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Springfield Hospital.

Patricia was born January 3, 1930, in Williamstown, VT, the daughter of Edmund and Lucy (Decoteau) Bisson. She graduated from Spaulding High School in Barre, VT, in 1949 and went on to attend nursing school at Barre City Hospital. Following her certification, Patricia went to work for Cutler Nursing Home and later Springfield Health and Rehabilitation before beginning her career as a private duty nurse. She took great pride in the work she performed and retired in 2015.

Patricia married Alfred “Tex” LaVoie on June 16, 1962, and they made their home in Springfield.

Patricia was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Springfield. She was also a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose #679, where she served as Senior Regent in 1987. Patricia and Tex enjoyed camping and dancing together.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tex, in 2000, her siblings Donald Bisson, Robert Bisson, James Bisson, and Thelma Larochelle.

She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Bicknell of Surprise, AZ, and Lyn Marie LaVoie of Springfield, seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a brother, David Bisson (Joan) of South Barre, VT; one sister Barbara Fraser of South Barre; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday October 3, 2026 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Springfield. A potluck celebration of life will follow at the Horseshoe Acres Campground in Andover, Vermont.

Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vermont has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

A service of remembrance and celebration of life for Stephanie Nelson, who passed away August 15, 2026, will be held at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, VT on October 17, 2026 at 1:00pm. A reception will follow.

Obituary for Stephanie Nelson at Davis Memorial Chapel Stephanie Hoover Nelson, 83, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning August 15, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center of Dartmouth Health in Lebanon, NH. Stephanie was born on July 8, 1943 in Shaker Heights, Ohio, the daughter of Jane Little Hoover and Stephen W. Hoover. Stephanie graduated from the....

Elmer I. Kruse of Springfield, VT passed away at his daughter's house in Essex, VT on September 19, 2026 following a long period of declining health. He was born January 31, 1928 to Werner Kruse Senior and Agnes (Fish) Kruse in Woodstock, VT. Growing up in the Great Depression, he quickly learned to work hard and did many odd jobs including golf caddying and weeding gardens. The summer before his senior year in High School, he worked at Dewey's Woolen Mill in Quechee and met the love of his life, Lorraine Strong. That fall he played football for Woodstock High School, then took a part-time job at Mooney's Garage as a mechanic, learning skills that would save he and his family thousands of dollars over the years. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1946 and returned to Dewey's Mills. During the summer of 1950, he made his old car into a racecar and raced in Fair Haven, VT and Keene, NH. That fall he was drafted into the army 45th. Infantry Division, fought in Korea and received the Purple Heart. When he returned, he was stationed in Oklahoma until his discharge in 1952. During his last furlough, he married Lorraine and they resided in Woodstock, continuing to work together at Dewey's Mills.

In 1954, they moved to Springfield where he learned the printing trade under the GI Bill. In 1957 he became a John Hancock Insurance agent, and they had a house built in Springfield where they raised their three children and resided until their death. He was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Springfield, where he taught Sunday school for many years. He was also very active as a Cub Scout leader with his son Larry. In 1967 he built a camp on Lake Bomoseen where he and Lorraine spent vacations and weekends with their children during the warmer months, and later passed many happy hours there with their grandchildren.

In 1988, he retired from John Hancock and ran a friend's bicycle shop for the summer and became the Quartermaster at the Springfield VFW Club where he also helped with bingo, military funerals and other projects. In 1991, he and Lorraine started taking yearly road trips of one to two months and visited every state except Hawaii. He enjoyed snowmobiling with his son Steve and others as well as numerous boat trips with Steve including the Champlain Canal, part of the Erie Canal and the two largest Finger Lakes. His daughter Sherrie fondly remembers all times he helped her move and the quality time they spent in the car going back and forth to her college. He passed on his lifelong love of car upkeep to his two granddaughters, who would visit for "Car Camp" and learn how to work on their own vehicles.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Lorraine, a son Lawrence, a brother Werner Junior, an aunt and uncle and several cousins. He is survived by his brother Merrill, his son Steve, his daughter Sherrie Fuchs and her husband Steve, his granddaughter Emily Fuchs and her partner Jasmine Bruce, his granddaughter Stephanie Belfiglio and her husband Conrad, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and relatives may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield on Friday, November 6th. from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, followed by a service at the Springfield Congregational Church on Saturday, November 7th. at 1:00 pm. There will be a gathering at the church afterward, and a private burial at a later date in Woodstock. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the Bayada Hospice staff, especially to Jackie, Melissa, and Lucy. Donations may be made to the Springfield VFW Club or the Springfield Congregational Church.

https://www.davismemorialchapel.net/guestbook/elmer-i-kruse