Clara Edith Bickford

    Bickford, Clara E., 85, January 19, 2012.  Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.  Interment to be held in the Evergreen Cemetery, Houlton.
    HOULTON – Clara E. Ross Bickford, 85, died Jan. 19, 2012 at a local hospital. She was born July 22, 1926 at Monticello, the daughter of Miles and Mary (Porter) Ross.
    Clara was a member of the Houlton Wesleyan Church and in her earlier years, she ran a daycare and was loved by so many children and to her it was if they were her own. She was a mother to all who knew her and she cooked and crocheted for them all. Her greatest love in life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Clara is survived by two daughters, Wendy Vermette of Sabatis, Cheryl Grant and her friend, Mike Cummings, of Houlton; four sons, Mark Bickford and his wife, Joyce, of Windham, Brian Bickford and his wife, Sharon, of Caribou, Kirk Bickford and his friend, Kristie Taylor, and Kent Bickford and his wife, Angela, all of Houlton; thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Eugene Ross of Houlton and Gary Ross of VA; three sisters, Marcella “Dot” Beals of Houlton, Doreen Bailey of Littleton and Gloria Elkins of MO; several nieces and nephews and her very special Graymoor family. She was predeceased by her husband, Wendell R. Bickford; her parents; granddaughter, Sarah Johanne Vermette; two brothers, Garfield Ross and Paul Ross; two sisters, Audrey Gillette and Ruth Kuehnel.
    Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Saturday at the Dunn Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Gifts may be made in Clara’s memory to the Graymoor Activity Fund or the Houlton Humane Society, c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton, ME 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com.