Merta E. Wakefield

RANDOLPH—Merta Elizabeth Wakefield, 91, died Thursday morning, Dec. 4, 2003, at Southwest Medical Center in Bennington.

She was born in East Bethel, May 9, 1912, the daughter of Clayton and Lida (Buck) Wight. She was educated in East Bethel, at South Royalton High School and Castleton Normal School, where she received her teaching certificate.

She married Arthur M. Wakefield, Nov. 28, 1933, in Bethel. He died June 4, 1986. They lived in West Brookfield from 1933 until 1946, when they moved to Randolph.

She taught grade school for 30 years in South Randolph, South Royalton, East Braintree, Rochester Hollow, and Randolph.

She was a member of the United Church in Randolph, Beulah Chapter #15 of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Middle Branch Grange for 70 years, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was Vermont Mother of the year in 1984. She was a member of the Ed Larkin Contra Dancers and enjoyed her family, camping, reading and traveling.

Survivors include two daughters, Martha E. Brown of Shaftsbury and Maydene L. Mort of Bennington; five sons, David A. Wakefield of Randolph, Richard L. Wakefield of St. Albans, William M. Wakefield of Windsor, Duane W. Wakefield of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and LeRoy Wakefield of East Barre; two sisters, Merle Morse of Barre and Mildred Ford of Florida; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Martha Wight and Marian Button and by a brother, Howard Wight.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7 at the Day Funeral Home, with Rev. Roger Wotton of the United Church in Randolph officiating. Phyllis Hawley was the organist.

Pastor Wotton opened with a prayer, followed by a reading of the 23^rd Psalm. The congregation sang "In the Garden," and "Pass It On." Fiddler Harold Luce played "Patronella" and "French Four." Scriptures were shared from selections found written in the front of Merta’s Bible. Pastor Wotton gave the eulogy and closed with a committal prayer and benediction.

Calling hours were held Saturday, Dec. 6, where the Eastern Star gave their service.
Burial will be in the spring at the West Brookfield Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Day Funeral Home.

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