Ernest W. Bigelow

RUTLAND – Ernest W. Bigelow, 99, died Thursday, July 12, 2007, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, after an illness.

His wife of 54 years, Mary C. (Chatfield) Bigelow, died in 1992. He leaves two daughters, Bonnie B. Besse and her husband Carl E. of Rutland and Margaret B. Ames and her husband William D. of Newbury, New Hampshire; a sister, Edna Bigelow of Rutland; four grandchildren, David and Brent Besse, Cheryl Dowling, and Amanda Abler; ten great-grandchildren; many nephews and nieces. He was born in Rutland, the son of Lewis R. and Elsie H. (Peabody) Bigelow, and lived in Rutland his entire life. He was one of eleven siblings, nine of which predeceased him.

Mr. Bigelow owned and operated the Red and White Grocery Store, the Bigelow Mobile Park and Rutland Real Estate all in Rutland. He was a 75-year member of the Rufus Putnam Lodge of Masons, a founding member of the Rutland Sportsmans Club, and a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Rutland. Mr. Bigelow would have celebrated his 100th birthday in August.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 15th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral service for Mr. Bigelow will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 16th, in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery, Main Street, Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114-2699.

Website & Guest Book: www.milesfuneralhome.com