April Diane Randall Frost, 80, rejoined her many animals at the rainbow bridge on January 29, 2025, after passing peacefully at the Woodlawn Care Center with family by her side.

She was born January 28, 1945, the only child of Walter J. and Bernice (LaValley) Randall in Lebanon, NH.

From a young age her passion was always animals. She operated a small dog grooming business while in high school. During high school she also participated in Beauty Pageants, she was crowned Miss Claremont 1963 and went on to compete for Miss New Hampshire in which she was picked to be the winner but did not accept the crown, as she no longer wanted to continue the pageant life. After graduating from Lebanon High School, she opened Hearthside Kennels in Norwich, VT where she trained, boarded and groomed dogs. April showed dogs professionally on the eastern seaboard, Canada, and Bermuda. Two of her Shetland Sheepdogs were featured on the cover of the American Kennel Club Gazette.

April toured with her Hearthside K-9 Drill Team, performing with her well trained shelties at nursing homes and opera houses around New England and in Canada. One of the favorite features was the wagon being pulled by six of the dogs while one "drove" by voice command.

She also owned Windstride Arabians when she lived in Cornish, NH where she bred and showed her horses. She even competed in a 100-mile endurance ride.

While living in Cornish, April renamed her kennel from Hearthside Kennels to Animal Visions and Holistic Center. In 1997 she moved her business to Walden, VT.

April was always active. She was an animal behaviorist and communicator, Reiki Master, taught energy classes, made her own herbal essences and tinchers and used all of these to help animals.

In 1998, April's book titled Beyond Obedience: Training with Awareness for You and Your Dog was published.

April was strong-willed and independent; these were traits that defined her.

Family who went before

April was predeceased by her father Walter J. Randall, mother Bernice LaValley Randall, uncle John H. LaValley, and aunts Patricia M. LaValley and Phyllis LaValley McKernan.

Family left behind

She is survived by her daughter Lara Randall Judd and her husband James, grandchildren Trevor Thomas Hall and his wife Rebekka, Matthew Judd, Nathanial Judd, Katherine Judd Tallman and her children Brennan Tallman and Holden Tallman. As well as several cousins.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Stringer Funeral Home located at 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. For those who would like to be notified about this please e-mail j.l.judd622@comcast.net and we will provide information when we have more details.

To honor April's compassion for animals, please make a donation in her name to your local No Kill Shelter.