Obituary of Alma Lasher Eaton

As the co proprietor of Eaton's Farm with husband Harold Eaton predeceased in 1980, producing high quality organic vegetables including the best sweet corn and strawberries on a small farm in Vail's Mills, NY, and proud Teacher's Aide at Broadalbin Central School, Alma possessed the spirit of someone 20 years younger. Born in Gloversville, NY, she was a city gal at heart, but she and her beloved sister Maxine Lasher/Perry began living on a farm in Glen, NY at an early age. The last living Lasher in her family, Alma was predeceased by sisters, Maxine Perry and Flora Zayicek and brother, Gordon Lasher, and has several surviving nieces and nephews. Alma put aside any reservations she may have had about farm life and followed Harold into farming, becoming a fully equal partner in a demanding business. She was always delighted with the arrival of fall because she could resume her duties at BCS and renew her many wonderful school friendships. She was a devoted mother who supported her children in every way that she possibly could. After Harold's death, Alma took up golf at the age of 65 and it became one of her passions. She retired from BCS at 75 because sitting on top of a tractor and taking responsibility for a large home and 20 acres of land was just becoming too much. Alma retired to what she called paradise in Naples, FL - no fields to plow, grass to mow, snow to blow. There in Naples she found a new life and thrived as a "Florida gal" for the next 15 years. At age 90 Alma found it necessary to move to an assisted living facility where she became an active participant in shuffleboard, bingo, and happy hour. At 91 she was even named the Valentine's Day Queen. At 91 1/2 she was told she had only a few months to live. Hospice came to evaluate her and, unable to talk due to congestion, Alma wrote on a piece of paper "I AM NOT OLD!!!" She came back to good health in a few months and hospice care ended. At 92, her daughter encouraged her to get out of her wheel chair and use a walker, but she refused saying that walkers were things that "ONLY OLD PEOPLE USED". With reluctance but with her trademark determination, Alma was soon using the walker and all were concerned about the speed at which she ambulated, head down, racing to get to her destination. In late September of this year when her breathing became more labored, Alma told her daughter she felt like she had run too many races. Alma died two days later on 9/17/08 at the age of 93. Alma is survived by her beloved son Larry Eaton and wife Ruth of Naples FL and wonderful grandchildren who also spent time helping out on the farm in Vail's Mills, Debbie of AZ, and David and Dayna of MN, and 8 great grandchildren; daughter Jo Eaton and husband Richard Babin of Rochester NY and granddaughter Kathryn Babin of Groton MA who barely knew Eaton's farm but was fortunate to spend many wonderful years and visits with her beloved Grandma. Her family will never forget her energetic spirit and positive outlook on life, both of which no doubt contributed to her ability to live such a long and rewarding life. To the very end when asked:"Mom how are you doing?" the answer was always the same: "I'm great!" A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 11 AM at the Union Mills cemetery in Broadalbin followed by a lunch reception. For further details please contact Jeffords and Stewart Funeral Home in Broadalbin NY. The family asks that that in lieu of flowers please be thankful that you knew Alma and her wonderful spirit - may she be an inspiration to us all. To live in hearts that love is not to die.