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Wayne “Hoss” Gagnon, 68, a long-time resident of Keene, and formerly of Manchester and Bedford, died suddenly on Monday, January 29, 2018. He passed peacefully at his home.

Wayne was born on July 18, 1949 in Nashua, the son of the late Elsie (Elwell) and Paul Gagnon. He was graduated from Nashua High School class of 1967.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Pistol Sharp Shooter Award, Rifle Expert Award and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1972. In his role as a Transportation Specialist, he facilitated soldiers in their transport back home. Over the years, he met many Veterans who he had helped return to the states.

On July 17, 1976 he exchanged vows with Ann M. Boucher at the Immaculate Conception Church in Nashua. They have been married for almost forty-two years.

Education was very important to Wayne. He graduated from New Hampshire College with a Bachelors of Science. He later went on to earn a Masters Degree from Rivier University in 1983.

Wayne, or “Hoss” as he liked everyone to call him about town, was the Ambassador for Bulldog Design in Keene where he had worked for the many years. He enjoyed helping out in many day to day operations of the business, as well as going out into the community to deliver orders and meet with customers. Prior, he had worked at Keene Middle School. Additionally, he was employed by Osram Sylvania, Markem Corporation, and Kollsman Instruments as a Procurement Specialist.

Wayne was a avid train enthusiast. He loved the history of trains and the importance of their historical value, especially the Boston & Maine Railroad. Wayne’s family history with the Boston & Maine fueled his passion for trains and brought him to be a member on the Board of Directors for the Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society and the Flying Yankee Restoration Group, where he strived to keep the importance of the rail system alive.

He also enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved North Conway, Cape Cod, the seacoast of Maine and spending time on Martha’s Vineyard. He loved to spontaneously get in the car and explore new places all around New England with his family. He always thought of others first and would go out of his way to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Mr. Gagnon is survived by his wife, Ann M. Gagnon of Keene. His two children; Karleen S. Tolman and her husband, Joe of Keene and Justin K. Gagnon and his wife, Whitney of Dover, NH. Two grandchildren; Jordan and Nicholas Tolman both of Keene. In addition he leaves many cousins, extended family and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 5 to 8pm in the funeral chapel. Burial will take place at a later date with military honors at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. Donations in Wayne’s honor can be directed to: Flying Yankee Restoration Project, WWW.flyingyankee.org. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

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Cody M. Newton, 24, a life-time resident of Turners Falls died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Cody was born the son of Stacey (Winship) and Joseph Jones on April 27, 1993 in Greenfield, MA. He was educated locally and graduated from Turners Falls High School class of 2011.

He worked for Allied Barton as a security guard from 2012-2014. He then got hired by C&S Wholesale in Hatfield from 2014 to present were he move quickly up the ladder to a mechanic for the past four years.

Cody was a very hard working, kind, caring, respectful, intelligent young man who loved to make people laugh and smile. He would give you the shirt off his back. He had a way of lighting up the room when he walked in.

He enjoyed fishing, motorcycles, tattoos, music and being with his family and friends. He had a love for life like no other. He was adventures. Cody played high school football for the Turners Falls Indians.

Mr. Newton is survived by his parents, Joseph and Stacey Jones of Turners Falls. His siblings; Kimberly Jones of Brattleboro, VT. Joseph Jones Jr. of Orange, MA. Dakota Jones of Turners Falls, Tanner Jones of Turners Falls and Ashley Newton of Weaubleau, MO. His grandfather, Ronald Winship of Bernardston. His girlfriend of 5 years, Breanna Miller of Turners Falls. In addition, he is survived by aunts uncles and cousins, extended family and friends. Cody is pre-deceased by his grandmother, Donna Robinson who passed on October 19, 2017.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 from 5 to 8pm. A celebration of life service will occur on Tuesday at 10am. all at Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls, MA. 01376. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

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Ruth A. (Bardwell) Rilling, 72, a long-time resident of Surry and formerly of Keene died on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene.

Ruth was born the daughter of the late Lina (Eastman) and Deane Bardwell on June 15, 1944 in Shelburne Falls, MA. She graduated from Arms Acadamy in Shelburne Falls class of 1962. She went on in her studies and graduated from the Thompson School of Nursing program in Brattleboro, VT. class of 1964.

She worked for nine years as the Administrator for the 180 Court St. Nursing Home in Keene. Prior, she had worked in a similar role as the Director of Social Services for the Convolecent Center in Springfield VT for fifteen years.
Ruth lived a quiet life. Her time revolved around family and a few close friends. She enjoyed going antiquing and was always looking for good buys on Ebay. As life went on she became a grandmother and loved to be part of her grandchildren’s lives.

Ms. Rilling is survived by her three children; Lisa R. White and her husband Monte of Snohomish, WA. Paul H. Wood and his wife Jill of Winchester and Patrick C. Rilling and his wife Holly of Surry. Her siblings; Jane Brady and Charles Bardwell. Nine grandchildren; Cailin White, Erin White, Tina Wood, Jarad Wood, Charles Wood, Sarah Ellis,Brandon Rilling, Ethan Rilling and Madisyn Rilling. Ruth is pre-deceased by her siblings; Nettie Shippee, Robert Bardwell, Richard Bardwell, Edward Bardwell and Rowland Bardwell all passed earlier.

In keeping with Ruth’s wishes a private memorial service was held on Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in memory of Ruth A. Rilling to: Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for nursing education, 580 Court St. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com

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Beth E. Weinert, 84, a long-time resident of Keene, died after a period of declining health on January 26, 2018.

She was born the daughter of the late Dora (Schaaf) and Charles Egbert on February 6, 1933, in Detroit, MI. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1955 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. On August 29, 1959, she married Peter L. Weinert at the Methodist Church in South Lyon, MI. They made Keene their home in 1961.

Beth was a schoolteacher, having taught at Valley Woods Elementary School in Birmingham, MI. Later, she devoted her full-time energy to raising her four children, taking pride in all their accomplishments. She later worked at the Keene office of David Lawlor, DDS. She was a member of the Edgewood Civic Association, and at one time served as Treasurer.

Aside from Beth’s family, her favorite things were the family dogs, and spending summers with family at their island cottage in Ontario, Canada, which she’d been doing every summer since she was a small child. She also enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, knitting, reading, and playing bridge with a group of friends.

Mrs. Weinert is survived by her husband of 58 years, Peter L. Weinert of Keene; her children Joseph S. Weinert and his wife, Kelly, of Galloway, NJ, Susan E. Weinert of Keene, John H. Weinert and his wife, Tanya, of Winooski, VT, and Erik C. Weinert and his wife, Wendy, of Westminster, MD; and her seven grandchildren; Katherine, Jeffrey, Sophie, Lillie, Maggie, Grace and Sam Weinert. In addition she leaves sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In keeping with Beth’s wishes all services are private. Donations may be sent in memory of Beth E. Weinert to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Rd. Swanzey, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories.

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Glenna J. (Howard) Watson, 88, a longtime resident of Keene and formerly of Bow died on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Applewood Care Center in Winchester. She passed peacefully after a period of declining health.

Glenna was born the daughter of the late Ella and Wesley Howard on December 22, 1929 in Bristol, NH. She was educated in concord and graduated from Concord High School class of 1948.

On February 5, 1969 she exchanged vows with Kenneth A. Watson at the Bow Baptist Church in Bow, N.H. They have been married for almost forty-nine years.

Glenna worked as an assembler for Timkin, MPB Company in Keene for ten years before retiring in 1984.

She was a former member of the Keene Baptist Church for many years. She enjoyed going to bingo, trips to the beach and ocean and country music. Glenna loved to feed the birds. She would sit and watch them for hours. Her favorite birds were the hummingbirds.

Mrs. Watson is survived b y her husband Kenneth A. Watson of Winchester. Her six children; Alphonse Cyr and his wife Arnie of Canterbury, Peter Cyr and his wife Barbara of Austinville, VA. Alan Cyr and his wife Rayleen of Hillsville, VA. Glenn Watson and his wife Jeanne of Hillsville, VA. Robert Watson of Marlborough and John Watson of Stoddard. Her siblings; Melva Fitzgerald and her husband John of Mystic, CT. and Nancy Welch of Winter Haven, FL. In addition, she leaves several grandchildren, a few great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In keeping with Glenna’s wishes there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2pm. in the funeral home. Burial will be later. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com