Sterling W. Kinney

West Berkshire VT/DeLand FL - Sterling Willard Kinney, a beloved and well-known West Berkshire dairy farmer, passed away April 12, 2014 @ 7:35pm at the West Volusia Memorial Hospital in Deland, Florida with his loving family by his side.

Sterling was born on the family farm in West Berkshire on August 23, 1936, the oldest son of Alton & Esther (Willard) Kinney.

Sterling married Betty (Bryce) in Highgate Center on November 5, 1966. Betty survives him. Following graduation from Richford High School in 1954, Sterling ran the family farm alongside his father, Alton. Sterling later bought the farm and ran a successful business for over 40 years. Following his retirement from farming, Sterling began driving school bus for Wrightholm Busline for several years. He enjoyed driving to many sporting events and quickly became one of their biggest fans. Later in life, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, watching them participate in there many events. He truly loved being a grandparent.

Sterling was a member of the Bahia DeLand Shrine Club in Florida and the Lincoln Lodge #78 F&AM in Enosburg Falls since 1982. He was a current member of the Mount Sinai Shriners Go Cart Group in St. Albans, Vt. He was an active participant and former member of the Enosburg Falls Lion Club and St. Albans Elks Club. Sterling was a respected Town Selectman for West Berkshire for many years.

In addition to his loving wife of 47 years, Sterling is survived by three daughters and their husbands: Jane and Monty Wiederhold of Lake Helen, FL; Julie and James Gleason of West Berkshire, VT; Jill and Robert Travis of Lake Mary, FL and one son, John and his wife, Emily (Aveta) Kinney of Debary, FL. He also leaves his two brothers, Stuart Kinney and his wife, Hazel of East Berkshire, VT and Walter Kinney and his wife, Martha of Deland, FL. Sterling also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Desiree & Dakota Daggett of Lake Helen, FL; Fallon Wolfe of Waco, GA; Caleb, Lucas and Hannah Gleason of West Berkshire, VT; Joshua and Ashely Travis of Lake Mary, FL; Sabrina (Kinney) Burnup of Debary, FL and Matthew Kocab of Montana. Sterling also leaves 3 Great Grandsons, Cayden & Jordin Bellantoni of Lake Helen, FL and Konnor Smith of Waco, GA, and was happily awaiting the arrival of his 4th Great Grandson, Beau Gleason of West Berkshire, VT. He also left behind his special brother-in- law, Emile Belanger of Berkshire; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service in Sterlings honor will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 11:00 AM in the East Franklin Union Church, 4610 Lake Road, East Franklin with Rev. Jason McConnell officiating. Following the church service will be his burial at the Berkshire Center Cemetery for family and close friends.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, May 30, 2014 from 4-7 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls

Sterling had requested any donations be made to Franklin County Home Health, 3 Home Health Circle, St. Albans, VT 05478.