Gail E. Crockett

1955-2015

Gail E. Crockett, 60, of Wilton (formerly of Kingfield), died unexpectedly Monday, May 4, 2015 at her home in Wilton.

Gail was born May 3, 1955, a daughter of George and Marilyn (Labelle) Lane. She grew up in Kingfield and graduated from Mt. Abram High School. Upon her graduation, Gail went on to receive her nursing certificate and worked at Franklin Memorial Hospital as a nurse and later in the registration department of the emergency room. She worked at the hospital for over 35 years.

She was a bargain hunter and enjoyed shopping and going to yard sales. She had a generous spirit, often gifting her purchases to others and enjoyed cooking for her friends and family. Gail loved children, particularly babies and knitted blankets, clothing and other items for youngsters all over Franklin County.

Gail is survived by her daughter, Darlene Fling of Industry; her mother, Marilyn Labelle of Strong; brothers, Dale and Michael Lane, both of Kingfield; a special dog, Abbey; nieces and nephews, Cassie Shink of Freedom, Morgan Lane of Albion, Christopher Lane of Kingfield, and Megan Hennessey of Newport.

She was predeceased by her father, a sister, Betty Jean, and two infant sons. Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting her memorial page at www.wilesrc.com.

CROCKETT—died, 5/3/15, at Wilton, Gail E. Crockett, 60 of Wilton (formerly of Kingfield). A public graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 16th at 10 a.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery, Rt. 27, Kingfield, ME 04947. Cremation services are in the care of Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

Arlene T. Melcher

1924-2015

Arlene T. Melcher, 90, of Bridge St., Westbrook, passed away Thursday, April 30, at Maine Medical Center with family by her side.

Born in Industry, the daughter of Theodore R. and Bernice Ethel (Sawtelle) Tracy, Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Guy W. Melcher, Jr, brother, Theodore, Jr., infant brother, Lloyd, little sister, Maxine Teressa, whom Arlene missed all her life, and grandson, Daniel Kelly.

She is survived by daughters and their spouses, Rev. Gloria (Paul) Coffin of Portland and Leslie (Dana) Kelly of Westbrook; grandchildren and their spouses, Guy Coffin, Tracy Coffin (Matt) Adams, Teddy (Vicki) Coffin, Afton Kelly (Nick) Morton, Stuart (Lizzy) Kelly, Kaila Kelly (Scott) Rowan, Deanna, Jessalynn and Sam Kelly, ten great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins, she also leaves behind her much loved pet, Mitti.

A 1942 graduate of Farmington High School, Arlene worked in ticket sales at the State Theatre where she met Guy when he returned from serving in World War II. She loved being a stay-at-home wife and mother, but also worked as a switchboard operator for New England Telephone Co. and Mercy Hospital, claims examiner for Blue Cross & Blue Shield and aide on the Portland Public School mini-bus for children with cerebral palsy.

For over sixty years Arlene was a member of First Baptist Church in Portland, volunteering as a Pioneer Girls’ guide, Sunday School teacher and Junior Choir pianist. She was a member of the Mayflower Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Eighth Maine Regimental Association and the Windham Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club. Her interests included swimming, sailing, snowmobiling, sewing and genealogy. She had a special love for cats and dogs.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.

A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30th at Riverside Cemetery in Farmington. On-line condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to The Summit Project at www.TheSummitProject.org or PO Box 815 Unity, ME 04988.

Leroy (Lee) George Estey

1932-2015

Leroy (Lee) George Estey, 82, died at home in Bar Harbor on March 2 of longstanding heart disease.

He was born in Somerville, Mass. to Roy and Wilma Estey. Lee had been separated from his wife, Carol, for about 20 years. He leaves two daughters, Robin and Heather, both of Bangor, and two grandchildren, Hannah and Steven Hooke. His only sibling, a younger brother, Joel, predeceased him by 17 days.

Lee taught 7th and 8th grades and was principal of the school in Stratton for 16 years. He was an active outdoorsman, swimming, hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and running all his life. He and his wife were instrumental in the creation of the Bigelow Preserve in 1976. Together, they managed August Camp for the Appalachian Mountain Club, hiring many Stratton students to go out west during the summers.

In later years, he volunteered with a medical mission in Ecuador, assisting in the operating room. He also worked for a census bureau in Alaska counting people living remotely by flying in.

A memorial/visitation will be held on Friday, May 29 from 10 to noon at Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington.

Douglas D. Geis

1936-2015

Douglas D. Geis, 78, of Carthage, died early Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born Oct. 11, 1936, an only child of Alleyne D. and Ruth (Folkner) Geis. He was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in Buttsville, New Jersey graduating from Belvidere High School. In 1954 he enrolled in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He married Vicki Hayden on Jan. 27, 1979.

Douglas created his home in Carthage where he and Vicki raised their children and pursued many business interests. Doug was a hard-working entrepreneur; he owned and operated a paving company, Huff & Geis; enjoyed working in the woods as a logger, and at one time renovated and sold houses.

He was a true Mainer who enjoyed hunting and held the title of a Registered Maine Master Guide. He was an active member in his community, serving many years on the Carthage budget committee. Doug was also a Kora Shiner, a mason of Masonic Lodge #156 in Wilton, and was a proud member of NRA. Although he had many interests, his number one passion was his family, who he loved unconditionally.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Vicki Geis of Carthage; children, Virginia Hicks and her husband, Richard of Pennsylvania, Ruth Stanley and her husband Arthur of Pennsylvania, Josie Porter and her husband, Derek of Bangor, Jessie Geis and her partner, Bruce of New Vineyard, Douglas Geis of Wilton, stepson, John Ranger III and his partner Katrina Simpson of New Sharon, a daughter in law, Alissa Geis of East Dixfield; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Auger and Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice (Julie Tracey) for their care and support. Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

GEIS—died, May 12, 2015, Douglas D. Geis, 78, of Carthage. Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday, May 15, 2015 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High St., Wilton, ME 04294. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. at the Center. Interment with full military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton. Remembrance gifts in Doug’s name may be given to the Kora Shriners, 11 Sabattus St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

Graveside Services

Sandra B. Nelson, 70 of East Dixfield. A public memorial graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton. Following the service, all are welcome to attend a reception being held at the Lion’s Club, 350 Main St., Wilton, ME 04924. The family asks that those who desire to consider memorial gifts in Sandy’s memory to the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04243. Cremation and memorial services are being cared for and provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center of Wilton. Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Alton C. Miller, 86, of Wilton. A public memorial graveside service was held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Wilton with full military honors rendered by Camp Keyes in Augusta. Remembrance gifts in Alton’s memory may be given to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240. Cremation and memorial services are being cared for and provided by Wiles Remembrance Center of Wilton. Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

Ione B. Ray, 95, of Farmington. A public memorial graveside service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015 at noon at Strong Village Cemetery in Strong. Remembrance gifts in memory of Ione may be given to the Pinewood Terrace Recreation Committee, 136 Rosewood Dr., Farmington, ME 04938. Cremation and memorial services are being cared for and provided by Wiles Remembrance Center of Wilton. Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.