Ryegate, VT- Arlene (Barnes) Perkins Eastman, 87, died peacefully at her home on Witherspoon Road on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. Arlene was born in Topsham, VT, October 8, 1923, the daughter of Rolla and Myra (Jones) Barnes. She was a graduate of Groton High School and married Gordon Perkins on October 24, 1941. They purchased and operated the Hall Dairy farm in Ryegate Corner until his death on April 19, 1971. On July 8, 1976, Arlene married Carroll Tappy Eastman. They lived in Ryegate, and after retirement they enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. Arlene worked as a teacher aide at Blue Mountain School in Wells River for many years. She also worked for Gary and Jean Darling in Ryegate, as well as Chip and Carol Harris in North Haverhill taking care of their homes and children. She was an active member and trustee at the Ryegate Corner Presbyterian Church and was a past president of the Presbyterian Women. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer for the Caledonia Hospice. Arlene received the Blue Mountain Grange Community Service Award and was presented with a lifetime membership to the Ryegate Historical Society. She had been an active leader in 4-H and was a member of the Vermont 251 Club. She always had an open door and mothered many over the years. She was predeceased by her first husband, Gordon Perkins on April 19, 1971; two sons, Gordon D. Perkins, Jr. and Richard Ricky Perkins on December 27, 2005; her second husband, Carroll Tappy Eastman on April 5, 2009; a grandson, Jeffrey G. Leonard on March 24, 1999; and four siblings, Clifford Barnes, Alton Barnes, Shirley Welch, and Ivis Minshull. She is survived by two daughters, Laura Clark and husband John of Williamstown, VT and Linda Leonard and husband Daniel of Ryegate Corner, VT; two sons, Gene Perkins and wife Nancy and Darryl Perkins and wife Dottie, both of Ryegate Corner; three step daughters, Ruth Hatch of South Ryegate, VT, Codie Gay Rockwood and husband Tim of Hartland, VT, and Lois Farley of Nashville, TN; two step sons, Dean Eastman and wife Pamela of Sutton, VT and Robert Eastman and wife Victoria of Port Orchard, WA; a sister Marie Amell of Claremont, NH; a brother George Barnes and wife Laura of Weathersfield, VT; a daughter in law, Phyllis Perkins of West Burke, VT; 17 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, January 2, 2011from 2 to 4 PM at the Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH 03785. A memorial service will be Monday, January 3, at 1 PM at the Ryegate Corner Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Dwight White officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ryegate Corner Presbyterian Church, c/o Mrs. Jean White, PO Box 366, Ryegate, VT 05042. Burial will be in the spring at the Danville Green Cemetery, Danville, VT.