Ryegate, VT- Vera Nelson, 88, of Ryegate, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, following a short period of declining health. She was born in Groton, VT on November 19, 1919, the daughter of Elwin and Ethel Fifield. She graduated from Groton High School in 1936, from Lyndon Normal School in 1939, and received her B.S. in Education from Lyndon State College in 1971. She married Harold Nelson on September 2, 1944 in Groton, and they lived on the family farm in Ryegate all their married life. Vera was a member of Ryegate Presbyterian Church, Blue Mountain Grange, Home Dem, and VT Retired Teachers Association. She taught for 23 years in various area elementary schools, retiring from Newbury Elementary after 17 years there. For twenty years Vera and Harold spent winters in Palmetto, FL where Vera captured numerous trophies for her shuffleboard prowess. She was an excellent cook, loved music and sports, but her greatest love in life was her family. She is survived by Harold, her loving husband of 63 years, four children and their spouses: Nancy and Gene Perkins of Ryegate, Bruce and Gail Nelson of Ryegate, Bob and Jodi Nelson of Lincoln, NH, and Ken and Bobbie Nelson of Ryegate; 9 grandchildren, Joe Perkins, Gordon and Jennifer Perkins, Curt and Emily Nelson, Andrea and Ryan Dennis, Jim and Christy Nelson, Tracy and Ryan Seaman, Jeremy and Natal Nelson, Marcy and David Singleton, and Katie and Graham VerLee; and 11 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and her five brothers: Donald, Lee, Clifton, Stanley, and Dale. Calling hours will be Friday, May 23, from 6:30-8:00PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 24, at 1:00PM at the Ryegate Corner Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Catherine Cook officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Mountain Cemetery in Ryegate. Memorial contributions may be made in Vera s name to Ryegate Presbyterian Church, c/o Jean White, PO Box 366, Ryegate, VT 05042.