Werneth Wilson Noyes

Old Lyme – Werneth (Wilson) Noyes, 95, died peacefully on August 4, 2011, at her home. She was born on September 13, 1915, in Elizabeth, WV, the daughter of Ross Wilson and Cassie (Ferree) Wilson. She was married for 58 years to John H. Noyes, who passed away in 2006.

Werneth attended Glenville State College and received a B.S. degree with honors from West Virginia University in 1938. She then worked as a professional home demonstration agent in West Virginia, assisting families with home economics, and during World War II served as Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy (WAVES). Following the war, she studied at Iowa State and worked as NH State Girls’ 4-H Club leader. While raising her family in Amherst, MA, Werneth led 4-H clubs, taught junior high school, and served as an officer of the UMass Women’s Club and a volunteer guide at Historic Deerfield. After retiring to Old Lyme with her husband in 1980, Werneth became a volunteer guide at the Florence Griswold Museum, served on the Board of the Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association, and assisted at the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library. She was a member of the Old Lyme Congregational Church.

Werneth is survived by her son, John E. Noyes and wife, Barbara, of Poway, CA; her daughter, Susan Hollifield and husband, Rik, of Moore, SC; her grandchildren, Cassie Hollifield Knight, John W. Hollifield, Sarah Noyes Seene, and Ellen T. Noyes; and three great-grandchildren. Werneth is also survived by her brothers Ward Wilson of Parkersburg, WV, and Duane Wilson of Elizabeth, WV; two other brothers, Woodrow Wilson and Elwin Wilson, and a sister, Lela Wilson, predeceased her.

Werneth will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She was a friend to many of all ages and an active member of her community.

Donations in her name may be made to the WVU Jackson’s Mill Fund, the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, or the Florence Griswold Museum.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, Old Lyme is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com for photos, tributes, directions and updated service information.