Rupert, VT-Verna L. Hoyt, 80, of Rupert, passed away peacefully Friday morning, March 10, 2017 in the comfort of her home with her family by her side.

Born September 5, 1936 in West Rupert, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Inez (Bentley) Saunders.

Verna was a 1954 graduate of Salem Washington Academy.  She worked for Mack Molding in Arlington, VT for 10 years and then at Ames Department Store in Granville for 15 years until she retired.

Verna was a member of the Rupert Congregational Church.  Her family was important to her and loved spending time with them.  She enjoyed sewing, dancing, crocheting, quilt making and tending to her vegetable garden.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a grandson, Derek Hoyt; her brothers, Lyndus Saunders, Theodore Saunders and Ronald Saunders.

Verna is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ralph Hoyt whom she married June 18, 1960; her children, Michael (Heidi) Hoyt of Saratoga Springs, Elaine (George) Eno of Hinesburg, VT, Jeffrey (Mary) Hoyt of Newfields, NH, Richard Hoyt of Danby, VT and Cheryl (Jim) French of Jericho, VT.  She is also survived by her siblings, Douglas (Suzanne) Saunders of Bennington, VT, James (Jeannette) Saunders of Troy, Veronica (Floyd) Saville of Hudson Falls, Vona Wood of East Hebron, Kenneth Saunders of Rupert, VT, Timothy Saunders of Rupert, VT, Vicky (Howard) Fifield of Salem and Kevin Saunders of Hyde Park; her grandchildren, Angela Hoyt, Gabrielle Hoyt, Joshua Miller, Rebecca Miller, Kimberly Eno, Ashley Hoyt, Nathaniel Hoyt, Jacqueline French, Oliver French and many nieces and nephews.

The family will have a service privately.

Memorial contributions in memory of Verna may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org