Barbara Sutton Arms passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children, on March 20th. She would’ve celebrated her 93^rd birthday in April.

Barbara Arms was born to Vera and Harry Sutton on April 19, 1932. She was raised on a small family farm known as Sunset Hill Farm in a then very rural Williston Vermont. 

She graduated from Burlington High School (BHS) in 1950.

Barbara attended the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington during the fall of 1950 after graduating from BHS.

Barbara worked as a secretary for the UVM Extension Service and Vermont Farm Bureau Office in Essex Junction Vermont after attending University of Vermont.

Barbara was a contestant and subsequently named Vermont State Poultry Queen in 1954. The highlight of her reign as poultry queen was serving barbeque chicken to then U.S President Dwight D. Eisenhower when he was a guest of honor at the 1955 Vermont State Dairy Festival.

Barbara met the love of her life, Chadwick (Chad) Arms, through activities associated with the Farm Bureau.

Barbara and Chad were married on July 19 1959, and their marriage lasted 59 years until Chad passed away in 2018.

Barbara and Chad lived in New York, Vermont and eventually Maine through Chad’s employment with the University of Maine Extension Service in 1964.

Most of Barbara and Chad’s life together centered on residence in Vassalboro Maine for 47 years.

Barbara worked as office manager for the Kennebec County Soil and Water Conservation Office for over 23 years.

Barbara and Chad were very involved with their children’s activities which entailed sports, scouts, 4-H, plays, concerts and other events. Barbara and Chad established the Riverside Allstars 4-H Club with more than 28 children. Barbara and Chad were also very involved with the South Parish Congregational Church.

Barbara loved to sing. She sang with church choirs and parlayed her interest in singing during the US Bicentennial celebrations in 1976. Barbara was a member of The Bank of Maine Bicentennial Singers. 

Both Barbara and Chad cherished their friends and adored their children and grandchildren. They took pride in seeing their children grow through further professional achievements, and more recently seeing their grandchildren develop into the accomplished young men that are today.

Barbara is predeceased by husband Chad Arms, her mother Vera Sutton, father Harry Sutton, sister Eleanor Sutton and brother Rodrick Sutton.

Barbara is survived by children John, and his wife Denise Arms, along with their son Trevor Arms, who live in Pennsylvania;

Daughter Nancy Arms whom resides in Massachusetts;

Son Todd Arms, and his wife Marcy Arms, along with their sons Jason and Benjamin Arms who live in Massachusetts.

A celebration of life memorial is planned for June 21^st in her beloved State of Vermont.Donations to honor Barbara’s memory can be made to The American Humane Society or charity of choice.