Ardis L. Hatfield, 86, of Derry, NH, died Sunday, October 31, 2010, in the Exeter Hospital, Exeter, NH. She was born in Orange, MA on July 5, 1924, daughter of the late William P. and Ethel M. (Jones) Lewis. She grew up in Greenwood, MA and graduated from Wakefield High School, Class of 1941, as “the prettiest girl in her class.” Prior to her marriage, she worked for Wakefield Bank and Trust in Boston. Ardis was swept off her feet by Philip R. Hatfield, they were married in 1949 and shortly thereafter moved to New Hampshire. She had been a resident of Derry for over 50 years. In 2005, she was honored by the town as a “living treasure.” Ardis was an active volunteer for Parkland Medical Center, the Sonshine Soup Kitchen, the Senior Advisory Committee and for the Derry Police Department. She also sold Avon for 13 years. Ardis was a very active member of the Derry Garden Club, a member of 1st Parish Church, E. Derry, was an expert seamstress and a talented artist and crafter.
She is survived by three children; Christine B. Lelecas and her husband Charles V. of Portsmouth, NH, Paula J. Hamblett and her husband Mark R. of Sandown, NH; Mark P. Hatfield and his wife Dorothy A. Wendelken of Lee, NH; four grandchildren; Heidi Hamblett, Graham Hamblett, Sarah Flaherty and her husband Adam, and Katelyn Floyd. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years; Philip R. Hatfield in 1997, her sister Muriel Lewis and her brother Norman Lewis.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 10:00am in First Parish Church, 47 East Derry Rd., Derry, NH. A reception in the church hall will follow the service. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to the Sonshine Soup Kitchen, 4 Crystal Avenue #4, Derry, NH 03038.