FARMINGTON — Elsie L. Presby, 88, of Avon, died Oct. 17, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient since Oct. 15, following a long illness.

She was born Nov. 14, 1921 in Dallas Plantation, the daughter of Lyle and Lena Clark Ross. She was educated in the schools of Dallas Plantation. She married Alfred (Bid) Presby in Strong in September 1941. He died in 1978.

She was employed in her early years at local mills and restaurants and later for Five K Pizza, Dr. Hoch and SAD 58, where she was head of the cafeteria, retiring in 1985. Elsie was also known for her home cooking abilities and making Italian sandwiches, which were sold in local stores.

She was a member of the Avon Mother’s Club in which she was a charter member, Kings Daughters, United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary Post 64 and the Phillips Senior Citizens.

She was also very civic minded and served as a ballot clerk for the town of Avon for 19 years. Her great joys were knitting, playing cribbage and going to family reunions. She spent many hours listening to music by Daniel O’Donnell and she had personally met him at one of his concerts, where they were photographed together.

She is survived by two sons, Mahlon and wife, Betty Presby, of New Vineyard and David Presby and companion, Elaine Hubbard, of Phillips; three daughters, Norma and husband, James Harold Beedy, of Freeman Township, Joan and husband, Kenny Brackett, of Rangeley and Jennie Presby of Avon; one sister, Hazel Pillsbury of Strong; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband; two brothers; one sister; two sons; and one great-granddaughter.