Obituaries

STANFORDVILLE — Elizabeth M. (Schroeder) Ashton, 44, passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her husband on July 27, 2011, following a long struggle with cancer.

Beth brought joy and love to everything she did and everyone she met. Known for her beautiful voice and thoughtful songwriting, she loved singing and playing music in local folk and bluegrass venues with her husband, Steve.

She was born Sept. 21, 1966, in Sharon, the daughter of the late Betty (Smith) and Carl A. Schroeder.

SHEFFIELD — Gunnar K. Holmes, 88, of South Main Street and a former resident of Cornwall Bridge for 40 years, died peacefully at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington July 27, 2011.

He was the husband of Paula (Van Wagner) Holmes. The couple were married on June 22, 1947, and celebrated 64 years of marriage. Gunnar was born in Moss, Norway on Jan. 21, 1923, the son of the late Jenny (Hansen) and Gustav Holmes.

Gunnar was an antiques dealer for 55 years and enjoyed antiquing throughout New England.

SALISBURY — Helen (Mendelson) Rolo, 84, of New York City died peacefully on July 26, 2011, at Noble Horizons.

She was born in New York City on March 2, 1927, the daughter of Fannie and Abraham Mendelson.

Helen attended The High School of Music & Art and The Julliard School. She spent a year at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to New York University, from which she graduated in 1948.

WASSAIC — George Edwin Smith, 80, a six-year resident of Okeechobee, Fla., and former resident of Wassaic, died July 24, 2011, at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Md.

He was born Aug. 14, 1930, in Poughkeepsie, the son of the late Evelyn Pearl (Hymes) and Harry Smith.

From 1953 to 1955, Mr. Smith served in the United States Army. He was an insurance adjuster for 30 years and was employed by Toplis & Harding, Inc. in Newburgh, N.Y., before retiring in 1993.