FARMINGTON -- A benefit supper will be held Saturday for the family of the late Steven Yeaton of Farmington, a man who worked side by side with his family on their dairy farm, devoted time to youth through 4-H and sports and who was a father and husband.

Yeaton, 44, was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia in August during a routine physical and died Oct. 19, said Teresa Hardy, who has a dairy farm in Farmington with her husband, Henry.

The spaghetti and casserole supper will be held at Mt. Blue High School from 4 to 8 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Donations of casseroles and desserts or items for a silent auction and raffle can be dropped off at 3 p.m. or at Hardys' house at 360 Weeks Mills Road.

She can be reached at 778-6446 or call Heather Corson at 778-2546.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Mt. Blue Jazz Band and any other musical group is invited to perform, Hardy said.

The close-knit farming community in Maine has come together to help the family and Teresa Hardy said there has been a tremendous outpouring of support. But treatments were not all covered by insurance. That and funeral expenses left the family struggling, she said.

"We felt a benefit would be helpful. Steven spent eight weeks in the hospital and the blood transfusions he needed were not covered by insurance," she said.

Yeaton worked with his parents, Lawrence and Gaynelle Yeaton, on their dairy farm on Whittier Road where they raise Jerseys and Holsteins. He also coached girl's softball and was a 4-H leader.

"He was quiet, easygoing and friendly," Hardy said. "And he was a good friend."

Yeaton and his wife, Delana, a second grade teacher at Cape Cod Hill School in New Sharon, have two daughters, Michaela, 14, and Shula, 11.

To send a donation, checks can be made out to Delana Yeaton and sent c/o Teresa Hardy, 360 Weeks Mills Road, Farmington, ME., 04938.

Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991

bjespersen@centralmaine.com