NOTICES of resignation by two members of Okehampton Town Council were accepted by the authority at its meeting on Monday evening.
Ray Vallance, who was chairman of the town's parks committee, and Olive Hayward, a councillor for two years and wife of previous town mayor Len Hayward, have both resigned with immediate effect.
Mr Vallance said he wished to spend more time with his wife, who has been unwell recently.
Mrs Hayward said: 'When my husband died I promised him I would see what he started through. Next birthday I will be 80 and I'm just finding it too tiring now. I am very sad at going and I have enjoyed what I've done.'
Mrs Hayward had intended to serve as a councillor until the autumn, but decided to stand down at the same time as Mr Vallance — she wanted to avoid the possibility of the council having to hold two costly by-elections.
Mrs Hayward will continue to be the council's representative for Okehampton Ring and Ride and the Simmons Homes Charitable Trust.
Town clerk John Winchester has informed the returning officer at West Devon Borough Council of the vacancies on the council.
Mr Winchester said: 'Ten electors have to demand a by-election within 14 days. Provided they do and we have three candidates, there will be a by-election. Obviously if only one or two stand they will be returned unopposed — if ten electors don't demand a poll, it will be up to the council to search around the community and co-opt new councillors.'