Hester Sanders

BETHEL—Hester Ann Sanders, 86, of Bethel, died Friday night, March 28, 2003, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.

She was born April 13, 1916, in Stockbridge, the daughter of Bert and Ida (Adams) Blanchard. She was educated at Ranney School in Stockbridge.

She married Clarence Albert Sanders March 23, 1934. They farmed on the Sanders’ homestead on Christian Hill, until his death in 1973.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, canning, and farming. She enjoyed nature and was skilled at procuring and preserving nature’s bounty such as dandelions, berries, mushrooms and game. Over the years she shared her home with many in need.

Survivors include her son, Clarence L. Sanders and his wife, Judith, of Bethel; a brother, Kenneth Blanchard of Stockbridge; a grandson, Todd Sanders; and a granddaughter, Shawn Dohrn and her husband Peter of Bethel.

She was predeceased by her brothers: Fred, Hector and George Blanchard; a sister, Clara Perkins; and brother-in-law, Homer Perkins.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Day Funeral Home in Randolph, with Pastor Richard Dumont, officiating. There are no calling hours. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Bethel Food Shelf, in care of Maryann Batcheller, PO Box 353, Bethel, Vt., 05032.

Arrangements are by the Day Funeral Home in Randolph.

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