Obituary of Eston H. Batchelder

Vernon-Eston H. Batchelder, age 81, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 19, 2023, in the Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility where he has resided for the past eight days. He passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 11, 1942, in Burke Hollow, VT, a son of the late Harold E. and Beatrice (Hackett) Batchelder and attended the Groton, VT Schools. On October 11, 1962, Eston enlisted with the United States Army and was honorably discharged on September 30, 1965, after serving in Germany as a truck driver. After returning home, Eston and Joan Ricker were united in marriage on September 24, 1966, in South Ryegate, VT and have shared these vows for over fifty-seven years. Prior to his retirement, Eston worked as a dairy packaging machine operator and retired as a forklift operator with HP Hood of Vernon, retiring in 2002 with over thirty-seven years of service with the company. He was an active member of the William Russell American Legion Post 404 in Vernon. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing cards and watching the Red Sox. Surviving is his wife, Joan Batchelder of Vernon, three daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda (Jeff) Bitz of Vernon, Diane (Donald) Roberts of Yorkville, Sherry (John) Gowans of Verona, one son and daughter-in-law, Gary (Tera) Batchelder of Herkimer, eight grandchildren, Jessica (Travis) Yoxall, Zachary Bitz (Mariah Lenning), Ashley Bitz (Jacob Lukacz), Alyssa Bitz, Heather Roberts (Bryant Palmer), Julie Roberts, Derek Gowans and Jenna Gowans, two great-grandchildren, Payton and Lauren Yoxall, one brother Ernest Batchelder of Groton, VT, two sisters Lottie Winchester of South Ryegate, VT, Doreen White of Barnet, VT and several nieces and nephews. Eston was predeceased by his parents, two brothers Everett Batchelder and Earl Hackett and one sister, Laura Brown. In keeping with Eston's wishes there will be no services. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Vernon, NY. Arrangements are with the Malecki Funeral Home of Vernon. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com