Vineadell Stiles

VineAdell “Dell” Williams Stiles, 94, of Norwich, formerly of Guilford, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Born on April 20, 1928, in Binghamton, NY, Dell was the daughter of Ralph and Vinette (Merchant) Barnhart. After graduating high school in Deposit, Dell earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland. She also completed some master’s degree courses at Cortland. After earning her degree, she taught physical education at New Berlin Central School. During the last ten years of her 35-year teaching career, Dell taught second grade school children in New Berlin.

In her spare time, Dell created many watercolor paintings, some of which she gave to family and friends. She was a voracious reader, loved gardening, and spending time outdoors. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma. During her retirement, she traveled extensively throughout Europe. On many trips, Dell would bicycle many miles. She went on biking trips in the US as well, and at the age of 65, Dell completed a week-long canoeing trip in the Adirondacks. Dell also loved her dogs throughout the years, many of which were rescued, and adored animals in general.

Dell was married to Roger Williams from 1950 until their divorce in 1976. In 1978, Dell married Charles Stiles, who predeceased her in 1988. She was also predeceased by her brother, Thomas Barnhart, and her sisters, Mary Richardson and Carolyn Lee. Surviving Dell are her daughters, Faye Williams, of Guilford, and June (Scott) Reese, of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Katherine “Katy” Madnick; and great-granddaughter, Kera Thompson, both of Norwich.

To honor Dell’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or calling hours. Contributions in Dell’s memory may be made to the Oxford Memorial Library, 8 Fort Hill Park, Oxford, NY 13830, or to All Animals Matter, P.O. Box 369, Oxford, NY 13830.