Mrs. Velma T. Rushford, 81 of Pine Street, Newport died December 20, 2021 surrounded by her three children.

Velma was born on December 19, 1940 in North Hyde Park, Vt. the daughter of Ralph and Eula (Whitcomb) Thompson. She grew up on Ferry Street in North Hyde Park and graduated from Lamoille Central Academy class of 1958.  On July 9, 1960 she married Ellis Rushford who predeceased her June 5, 2008.  She and Ellis enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida especially when the grandchildren came to visit. Velma loved working in her flower gardens and was a member of the United Church of Newport.  Most of all, she thoroughly enjoyed following the sporting events and other activities of her grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

Velma is survived by three children: Sharon Pare and her husband Robert of Newport, Lisa Kincaid and her husband Kevin of Morgan, and Michael Rushford and his wife Patricia of Coventry, six grandchildren: Meghan Whitt and her husband Randy of Belgrade, MT, Kristen Crannell and her husband Patrick of Lansing, MI, Nicholas Kincaid of Ithaca, NY, Heather Kincaid of Derby Line, Ellis Rushford and his fiance Emily Machiele of Raleigh, NC, and Joseph Rushford of Derby. She was very excited for the birth of her two great grandchildren, Henry Crannell of Lansing, MI and Hayden Whitt of Belgrade, MT. She is also survived by step grandchildren Travis Blake, his wife Jessica and their children of North Troy and Nicholas Blake, his wife Iris and their children of Morgan.  She is survived by her brother-in-laws Gary Rushford and his wife Linda of Haines City, FL and Robert Spaulding of Hyde Park, VT and by several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Velma was predeceased by her brother Clifford Thompson of Reading, MA and her sister Norma Savage of Eden, VT.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, December 23rd from 2:00-3:00 at the Curtis-Britch-Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport.  A Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 with the Rev. David Lisner officiating.

Should friends desire, contributions can be made in her memory to the Newport Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 911, Newport, VT 05855 or to the Activities Fund at Maple Lane Nursing Home, 60 Maple Ln, Barton, VT 05822. On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, & Cremation Service locally family owned and operated.