BENTON – Evelyn Buzzell Mayo, 97, oldest citizen of Benton, died Tuesday, May 2, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Abbot on Aug. 20, 1910, daughter of James and Lillian (Bailey) Buzzell. She shared 78 devoted years of marriage with her husband, Oscar, who died in March 2006. They spend their many years together living in Wilton, Surry, Wells and Benton.

She and Oscar enjoyed spending their free time with family and friends in Eustis, hunting and fishing at the camp that they built, Shangri-La.

Surviving are her son, Averill ‘Ted’ Mayo and his wife, Mary Ann, of Washburn; daughter, Janet Mayo Sylvester of Winslow; grandchildren, Linda Thompson and husband, Bill, of Hampstead, N.H., Amber Meadows of New Hampshire, Brett Mayo and his fiancee, Diane, of Milton, N.H., Tammy Lavoie and husband, Mike, of Milan, N.H., Richard Sylvester and wife, Carol, of Kennebunk and Deborah Sylvester of Sarasota, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Shawn, Nicole, Jason, Ryan, Darren, Erica, Erin, Noah and Azure; nine great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Oscar; her son-in-law, Harrison Sylvester; her grandson, Michael Sylvester; and three brothers.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Natalie, Doreen and Kim as well as the Health Reach Hospice caregivers for the wonderful, loving care that Evelyn received the last few months.