Gertrude Ellen (Haley) Sargent, 96, a longtime resident of Franklin, died on June 25, 2015, at Mountain Ridge Center in Franklin following a period of declining health.

She was born in Franklin on August 12, 1918, the daughter of Frank M. and Myrtie Caroline (Sleeper) Haley. She grew up on the Boston Hill family farm in East Andover, attended the East Andover School, and had resided most of her life in Franklin.

She was a Class of 1936 graduate of Franklin High School and a 1937 graduate of the former Concord Business College. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a payroll clerk at Webster Valve Division of Watts and was previously employed at the former Gile’s Dairy, both of Franklin. She also worked for many years with the school lunch program at the Franklin High School and the former Daniel Webster Orphans Home of West Franklin.

Following her retirement, she volunteered at the Paul Smith School cafeteria, and she was active in the community, assisting the American Red Cross, the New Hampshire Cancer Society, Bread and Roses, the Supervisor of the Checklist for Ward 1, and many other organizations.

She was a very active member of the Franklin Congregational-Christian Church since 1948 and served in many positions in various boards and committees. She was also a member of the Women’s Club, the former Timely Club, and as chairperson of many, many suppers.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank O. Sargent, who passed in 1950; a son, Robert F. Sargent; her parents; a grandson, Ronald F. Cate; and three sisters: Viola A. Wilson, M. Clarice Martin, and Emma C. Rayno.

Her family includes her daughter, Beverly Ann (Sargent) Cate, Decatur, Alabama; her son, the Reverend Father Roger Elton Sargent, Vero Beach, Florida; a granddaughter, Linda (Greg) Hutchins of Northfield; five grandsons: Robert Cate, Nashua, Brian (Vickie) Cate, Decatur, Alabama, Robert Sargent and Peter Sargent, both of Franklin, LT Bradford (Sherri) Sargent, North Haverhill; a granddaughter-in-law, Julie Cate of Epsom; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Irene M. Jewett, East Andover; a brother, Frank M. Haley (Anne) of Andover; and several nieces and nephews.

According to her wishes, there were no visitation hours. A Celebration of her Life will be held on Friday, July 3, at 11 AM at the Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 25 South Main Street in Franklin.

The burial and committal prayers will be private per her request. Her son, the Reverend Father Roger Elton Sargent, will officiate, assisted by the Reverend Michael Carrier.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center at: CHaD, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon NH 03756 (payable to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health/CHaD per their policy), or to the Congregational-Christian Church Memorial Fund, 25 South Main St, Franklin NH 03235.

The family wishes with heartfelt appreciation to thank the entire wonderful and caring staff at Mountain Ridge Center for the compassionate care they have provided to Mother in recent years.