PHOENIX and DOVER-FOXCROFT – Vesta E. (Smith) Harvey, 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sept. 21, 2011, after a dignified and courageous fight with failing health. Vesta was born Feb. 1, 1922, the only daughter of Norris E. Smith Sr. and Margaret (Libby) Smith.
Her early years were spent on a farm in South Dover before the Smith’s bought their permanent family farm at the foot of Doughty Hill, East Sangerville. Vesta graduated from Sangerville High School, Class of 1941, and later furthered her education at Eastern Maine Beauty and Culture School, Bangor. Upon graduation she returned to Sangerville and opened her first beauty shop. On Dec. 8, 1944, Vesta married Lawris M. “Bud” Harvey, who was home on leave from the U.S. Navy after a tour of North Africa. The wedding was at the Smith family farm and the couple honeymooned at their camp on Whetstone Pond. After the war, the Harvey’s moved to their new home at 3 Summer St., Dover-Foxcroft, where the family was very active in United Baptist Church. In October 1970, the Harvey’s transplanted to the Phoenix area, where they had a blessed life and full retirement.
Vesta leaves her husband of 67 years, Bud Harvey of Phoenix; a son, James W. Harvey and his wife, Elizabeth, of Greenville Junction; and a daughter, Margaret A. Reinhold and her husband, Fred, of Phoenix. Grandchildren include Dr. Jason T. Frye, D.O., and his wife, Angela, Jonathan D. Frye and his wife, Tiffany, all of Mesa, Ariz., and Sarah B. Harvey of Bradenton, Fla. Great-grandchildren include Leah Frye, Andrew Frye and Emily Frye, also of Mesa, Ariz. Vesta would wish to recognize two special sisters-in-law, Elizabeth H. Harvey and Miriam F. Smith; along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Myles O. Smith and Norris E. Smith Jr.
A private graveside service at the Harvey site at Rural Grove Cemetery, Dover-Foxcroft, will be announced at a later date.