Muriel (Sybil) Dutton Snell

SO. PARIS -- Muriel (Sybil) Dutton Snell fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 92 at the Market Square Nursing Home in South Paris on April 7, 2011 after a long fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

She had lived in the home that she and her husband, Hial Snell had built in the early 70’s on Fore Street in Oxford until the last five weeks of her life.

Muriel was born in Springfield, VT to Herbert W. Dutton and Lillie Mae Felch Dutton on May 29, 1918. She was the youngest and only girl of five siblings. She married Hial P. Snell on June 12, 1936 in North Springfield, VT.

She and her husband ran a dairy farm in Springfield for many years. She was always very active in the church. She also was the pianist in the church in Weathersfield Bow, VT where her husband preached for many years.

During their time in Vermont they took in many boarders and several foster children. In 1973, they moved to Oxford where she continued to be busy with the church and many volunteer positions. She worked in the Christian Academy at the Oxford Advent Christian Church.

She also was a literary volunteer helping many adults learn to read. She was a deaconess in the church and an overseer of the Shepherding Program. Muriel, along with her husband, were spiritual mentors to many and gave a good meal and warm bed when it was needed.

She is survived by her children, David and Mary Snell, and Doris and David Witham; grandchildren, David, Jr and Jenn Snell, Barbara and Greg Gerber, Stephen and Hilary Snell, Deborah and James Spence, Daniel and Nancy Witham, Deborah Witham, Dennis and Michelle Witham; 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; and a special foster child, Carol.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Hial; and four brothers, Ernest, Earl, Millard and Derrick.

Muriel (Sybil) Dutton Snell Photo:

Muriel (Sybil) Dutton Snell