Frances N. Hoyt, 86, a longtime resident of Walton passed away Thursday morning, March 17, 2011 at Countryside Care Center, following a long illness.

Frances was born on February 23, 1925 in Hamden, the daughter of the late Harold and Ruth (Chambers) Newkerk. On May 25, 1951 she married Richard Hoyt in Long Beach California. He predeceased her on December 11, 2006. She was a graduate of Delaware Academy Delhi class of 1942 and then graduated SUNY Cobleskill in 1944 in Nursery Education.

Frances was employed for several years by the Post Office in DeLancey as Postmistress. She was a member of the First Congregational Church, Walton where she was a Sunday School teacher for many years. She was a 4-H Leader teaching baking and sewing often giving home demonstrations. She also enjoyed working in her flower garden, and stenciling and re-caning chairs. Frances also enjoyed the crafts awards at the Delaware County Fair.

Frances is survived by her loving family, her children, Patricia (Jerald) VerNooy of Walton, Dan (Jane) Hoyt of Windham, New Hampshire, her grandchildren: Deana Stanard; Michael Schriber; Jackie DeVoe; Margo Caron; Nicolette Hoyt; her brother: James(Lois) Newkerk, her sister in law: Sylvia Newkerk, her great grandchildren: Aidan and Robert, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and very close and dear friends. She was predeceased by her brother John Newkerk.

Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday, March 20, from 1 to 2 PM at the First Congregational Church, 4 Mead Street, Walton. Funeral Services will be held following the calling hours at 2 PM with the Rev. Jennifer Kimball and the Rev. Bert More officiating. Burial will follow in Walton Cemetery. Arrangements are with Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton.

Memorial Contributions in Frances's name may be made to First Congregational Church, 4 Mead St., Walton, NY 13856, or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820.