Eli R. Stearns

"Sonny" Eli Robert Stearns, of Fairlee, Vermont passed away at the Grafton County Nursing Home on Saturday evening, surrounded by the love of his family and caregivers. Sonny was born on October 28, 1935 in Hanover, NH to Fred Orin Stearns and Doris (Hazelton) Stearns. Sonny resided in Orford, NH and Fairlee, Vermont during his adult years. Sonny worked at several jobs in the Upper Valley but is most known for his craft as a bulldozer operator. Sonny enjoyed playing the spoons, country music,dancing, camping, coon hunting and people watching. He loved attending any dirt track event when his son was racing. In later years he enjoyed many memorable traveling events to Canada, New York, and Massachusetts with Wayne, Darcy, Paul and friends. Sonny's family, friends and the Grafton County staff will remember Sonny for his pranks, his quick sense of humor, his smile and his wave. Members of his family include his wife, Dorothy (Drew) Stearns of Fairlee, Vermont; his three children and their spouses, Christine and Paul Kingsbury of Bradford, Vermont, Rita and Edward Kent of Portsmouth, Rhode Island and Wayne and Darcy Stearns of Bradford, Vermont; three step-children and their spouses, Howard and Linda Southworth, Jr. of Lyme, NH, Gloria Melendy of Bradford, Vermont and Donna and Scott Hood of Fairlee, Vermont; his former wife, Ramona Stearns of West Fairlee, Vermont;12 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Wilma Stearns of Grantham, NH; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Madelyn MaGonis and Maxine Preston of Lebanon, NH and Beverly and Donnie Elliott of Marlow, NH; and several nieces and nephews. Sonny was predeceased by 11 siblings. A graveside service will be held on May 1, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. in the family lot in the Orford Street Cemetery in Orford, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grafton County Nursing Home, C/o Meadow Unit, 3855 Dartmouth College Highway, N. Haverhill, NH 03774. To view an online guestbook go to www.halefuneralhomes.com

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