Elsie Traxler

BENNINGTON -- Elsie "Betty" Traxler, 82, died Dec. 2, 2010, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Hancock Nov. 24, 1928, to Daniel McInnis and Elsie Holmes, and moved to Bennington at the age of 9 and lived there the rest of her life.

On Dec. 13, 1948, she married Phillip Traxler, to whom she was married 58 years until his death in 2006.

A devoted mother to her two sons, she stayed at home to care for them until they were grown. After her children were grown, she worked at Crotched Mountain Hospital for more than 22 years until her retirement.

She was a member of the Brown Knight VFW Post and a member of the Bennington Historical Society. When her children were in school, she was also active in the PTA. She was a wonderful cook and her meals were enjoyed by many. She also had a great love for the family pets, particularly their beagles.

Family members include two sons, Paul Traxler of Richmond and Ronald Traxler of West Monroe, La.; half-sister Marion Hounsell of Pembroke, Mass.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

IN HER LIFE: She was pre-deceased by her brother Donald McInnis, her half-brother James Cuddihee, and two half-sisters, Charlotte Taylor and Verna Page.

SERVICES: A visiting hour is Monday at 6 p.m. in Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord St., Peterborough.

A memorial service will immediately follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Ritchie, pastor of Bennington Congregational Church, presiding. Interment will take place in the spring at the Evergreen Cemetery, Bennington.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services, 312 Marlboro St., Keene 03431; Bennington Congregational Church, Francestown Road, Bennington 03442; or Bennington Fire Department, 8 School St., Bennington 03442.

Jellison Funeral Home, 25 Concord St., Peterborough, is assisting with the arrangements. (www.JellisonFuneralHome.com).