MIDDLEBURY — Lois Ann Skillings, 90, of Middlebury, passed away peacefully at EastView at Middlebury on Feb. 6, 2020.
Lois Ann was born in Rutland on July 22, 1929 daughter of the late Isabelle (Noble) and William H. White.
She grew up in Middlebury, graduating from high school in 1947. She maintained connection with classmates for many years. Lois Ann was valedictorian of her graduating class and was awarded a scholarship to Middlebury College. She was a long-time employee of the State of Vermont, serving as Addison County Court Clerk for nearly twenty years. She was an advocate for county residents and the judicial system. Lois Ann was key in shaping a system of equitable pay for employees across the State.
Lois Ann strongly valued her family and connections to the Middlebury community. She was an avid reader, a light gardener, and a high scoring bowler. She especially enjoyed music, the arts, and Festival on the Green. Lois Ann was a loyal and enthusiastic Middlebury Panther and Middlebury Tiger fan. Following her retirement, Lois Ann volunteered at Porter Medical Center, helping at the information desk, with blood draws, immunization clinics and the Round Robin Thrift Shop. She was known for her gracious demeanor.
Lois Ann was a devoted mother and is survived by sons, Matthew Balch of Ripton, Vt., and David Balch of Bonifay, Fla.; and daughters Laurie (Arthur) Huse of South Hero, Vt., Jamie Balch of Essex Junction, Vt., and Martha Balch of Stow, Ohio. She leaves five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and her sister, Gerry Myrick of Middlebury, Vt. Among her treasured friends, she leaves Jan and Bob Whitman of St. Albans, Vt., and David Basque of Bridport, Vt.
She was predeceased by her husband, Everett Skillings, her loving partner, Bob Brooks, and siblings Francis Justine Couzzo, Shirley Mulligan, and William (Bill) White.
At her request, there will be no calling hours. A private scattering of ashes will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Porter Medical Center Volunteer Department, c/o the development office (portermedical.org) or to Addison County Home Health and Hospice (achhh.org.) She would most welcome your memory of her with a heartfelt song, and a life in which we all “do unto others…”
The family thanks all the staff at EastView at Middlebury, Middlebury Primary Care, Addison County Home Health and Hospice, and End of Life volunteers. Messages of condolence and remembrance can be made online at sandersonfuneralservice.com.◊