Renee Huether

BAKERSFIELD - Renee R. Huether went to be with her son Lee on November 9th, 2007 due to a reoccurrence of cervical cancer.

Renee was born in Burlington on January 7th, 1966 to Charlotte M. (Bluto) Gratton and Joseph W. Gratton. She graduated from Milton High School in 1983 and married David Walker in the same year. Renee and David moved to the state of Georgia where her first two children were born. After David left the service, Renee and her family moved back to Vermont. Shortly thereafter their third child was born, and the family built their own home on a beautiful piece of land in Bakersfield.

Renee was completely dedicated to her children. She home schooled them for a time, and taught them much more than academics. She taught her kids to be individuals, to be independent, and to be the best person they could possibly be. Most of all, she taught them to laugh and to love. Renee adored being a mother to these three wonderful people, and her love for them guided her entire lifes path.

As a creative and imaginative person, Renee always knew that she would love being in business for herself. In the mid 90s, Ren owned a consignment shop in Jeffersonville. Then in the late 90s, Ren started her own candy business. Her raspberry truffles immediately became a local favorite, and keeping up with family orders was fun but exhausting. Ren continued to search for a fulfilling career, and this led her to the insurance business. She worked for several Vermont insurance agencies, thrived in the business, and gained the experience to happily start her own MetLife agency in the fall of 2006.

Music was Renees joy in life. From childhood forward, Renee wrote and performed her own music, and sang and played guitar at several churches in Franklin County, at local venues, and at home. She had a gorgeous voice, a soulful performing style, and simply glowed when she sang. Renee was famous for always trying to get other people to sing a song for her, and was thrilled when she could convince someone to do so.

During the Valentines Day Blizzard of 2007, Renee married her best friend Kenneth E.W. Huether in a private ceremony at home. Renee and Ken had planned to marry in July, but circumstances led them to choose this date instead. Later on, Ren & Ken hosted a memorable Hawaiian Wedding celebration for family and friends on the date they originally chose, July 7, 2007.

Through her insurance business, Renee truly loved to help families protect themselves against financial and personal loss. If only someone could have protected her from the painful loss of her 18 year old son Lee in May of 2007 from a drowning accident at Paul Smith College. Renee suffered a heartbreak that no mother should ever have to. However, during the hugely attended services for Lee, Renee characteristically put her own suffering aside to comfort those around her.

Renee leaves behind her beloved husband Ken, her children Ashley Ryan Walker of Bakersfield and her friend Ryan Blanchard of Willsboro, NY, and David Joseph Walker of and fianc Allison Clark of Enosburg Falls, and her stepson, Duncan Wade Huether of Bakersfield and Jericho. She also leaves her mother, Charlotte M. Gratton of Burlington, brothers and sisters, Gladys and David Douse of King, NC, David and Joanne Gratton of Milton, Brian and Valerie Gratton of Georgia, Kellie and Jon Frazier of Buchanan, MI, and James and Bernadette Gratton of Burlington; her husbands family, Kens mother Barbara Hill and her friend Jack Jensis, and brother and sisters Julie Huether, Steve and Denise Huether, and Bonnie and David Hempstead all of Bennington, and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Renee was pre-deceased by her son Lee Andrew Walker, and her father Joseph W. Gratton.

Funeral services were held Tuesday November 13, 2007 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Revs. Rich ODonnell & Andre Houle celebrating the Mass of Christian burial. Following the blessing of Renees casket upon entering church, Renees husband Ken and his family placed the Pall on her casket followed by the Crucifix being placed by Renees children, Ashley & David Walker. The first scripture reading was Jeremiah 29: 11-14 proclaimed by Renees friend Donna Flanders. The responsorial Psalm, To you Yahweh was sung by Renees Mother, Charlotte Gratton, and siblings, Gladys Douse, Brian Gratton, Kellie Frazier, and James Gratton. The second scripture reading was Psalms 16 1-11 proclaimed by Renees friend, Kathy Goodrich. The Offertory gifts were presented by Renees nieces and nephews, Chelsea, Christopher, Aubrey, Dillon, Jamie & Darek. Interment followed at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bakersfield next to Renees son Lee Walker with Fr. ODonnell offering prayers of committal. Following the committal prayers, Renees family led everyone in the singing of Amazing Grace concluded by Renees brother, David Gratton playing The Lullaby on the violin. Pall bearers were Renees son David Walker, step son, Duncan Huether, brothers, David, Brian & James Gratton, cousin, Raymond Gratton, and family friends, Ryan Blanchard and Jared & Jordan Goodrich. Following the committal service the Bakersfield community prepared a luncheon which was held at the Bakersfield Historical Building
\tVisiting hours were held Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave, Enosburg Falls
\t In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Lee Walker Memorial Fund, c/o of Enosburg High School Guidance Department, PO Box 417, Enosburg Falls VT 05450.