North Haverhill, NH – Virginia Ann Peterson Phelps, 92, of North Haverhill and formerly a longtime South Ryegate, VT resident, died Thursday, December 29, 2016, at the Grafton County Nursing Home in North Haverhill.

She was born in South Weymouth, MA September 13, 1924, a daughter of Francis A. and Mildred (French) Russell.  Prior to her retirement, she worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was the Postmaster at the South Ryegate Post Office.  Virginia had been a Selectboard member in Ryegate and served as acting town clerk for a period of time.  She was a member, former president, secretary, and treasurer of the Vermont Chapter of the NAPUS, and a member of the South Ryegate Presbyterian Church.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Richard L. Peterson, on June 13, 1962.  Virginia later married Donald C. Phelps on September 13, 1963, and he predeceased her on April 11, 2012.  She was also predeceased by a daughter in law Pamela (Smith) Peterson on March 28, 2008, and by her three sisters, Mary Goodwin, Beatrice Gagnon, and Ruth Schena.

Survivors include two sons, Gordon Peterson of Ryegate, VT, and Ronald Peterson of Groton, VT; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren; a great great granddaughter; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In keeping with Virginia's wishes there are no public services being planned.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Greater New England, 101 A First Street, Waltham, MA 02451.