Ralph Batchelder

ELLSWORTH ; Ralph Merrill Batchelder, 70, of Batchelder Road, died July 15, 2008, at his home.

He was born in Ellsworth on April 20, 1938, the son of Allie E. and Stella F. [Kenneson] Batchelder.

He was a lifelong resident of the Ellsworth and Campton area.

He worked as a foreman for the former Perry Lamp Co. and the Rochester Shoe Tree Co., both in Plymouth. He also worked for 10 years as a laborer for the state Department of Transportation. In his spare time, he was a blacksmith and loved to create anything he could in his shop.

He was a member and past president of the N.H. Humane Society Board of Directors.

Ralph was an Army Vietnam War veteran and was predeceased by his brother, Sterle Batchelder.

Ralph loved to travel to Wells, Maine, to visit his friend, Meinsje Lambert. He also loved the outdoors and his Chesapeake Bay retrievers, of which he had two, Mocha and Sabrina.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Theresa M. [Whitney] Batchelder of Ellsworth; his brothers, Stanley Batchelder of Rumney, Arnold Batchelder of Orleans, Mich.; a sister, Bertha Duncklee of Rumney, many nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Blair Cemetery, Campton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NH Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia NH 03247. The Mayhew Funeral Home, in Plymouth and Meredith, is in charge of the arrangements. [www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com]