Farmington – Autice R. Buckminster, a resident of Farmington, passed away March 7, 2025. Autice was born April 26, 1935, in Norridgewock, the youngest daughter of Leland A. Moore and Inez L. (Stevens) Moore. At the age of two the family moved to Chesterville Hill, where her father was the superintendent of the Burnham and Morrill canning factory in Farmington Falls.
Autice graduated from Farmington High School in the class of 1954 where she was a majorette. Together with her former husband Raymond Buckminster they had five children. For 30 years they lived at several military duty stations around the world. Autice worked at the Farmington Hospital as a young woman, but mainly as a dental assistant in Asmara, Ethiopia, in Mannheim, Germany, and for Dr. Howard Strang, and Dr. Walter Hammerick in Farmington.
Autice volunteered for the Red Cross and for the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. She was Past Worthy Matron, Messalunskit Chapter #170, Order of the Eastern Star, New Sharon, Maine. Mother Advisor, Cherry Blossom Assembly #6, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and Mother Advisor, Hope Assembly #11, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and a Girl Scout Leader. Autice worshipped at the United Methodist Church in New Sharon, Maine.
Autice enjoyed camping with Alma and friends where they played late night card games. She also enjoyed line dancing, crocheting, needlework, sewing, playing cards, and in her younger years playing the accordion. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Autice was predeceased by her mother and father; 3 brothers, Mahlon, Bradford and Myron; and a sister, Genella Butterfield.
Autice is survived by a sister, Sylvia Barnwell; her children, Aleta Harrell, and her partner, Gene; Arleen McBee; Alesia Fortier, and husband, Steve; Andrea Butterfield, and husband, James; Raymond Buckminster, and wife, Michele; along with 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Special thanks to the staff at Pinewood Terrace, and Brandy at Beacon Hospice.
There will be a private service for the family and public graveside service in the spring.
Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, Maine, where photos, memories, and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.