ANDOVER — Ruth E. Batchelder, a lifelong resident of Andover, MA, passed away peacefully of natural causes, Friday, January 13th, 2012, at the age of 88, surrounded by her two daughters and other family members, at the Wingate Nursing Home in Andover.
Born December 26, 1923 in Ballardvale, MA, Ruth was a daughter of the late Ernest and Dorice Anderson. Ruth grew up with three other sisters and one brother at their family run farm in Andover. Upon finishing Punchard High School, she married her high school sweetheart, William C. "Billy" Batchelder, prior to his deployment to WWII. They were married 55 years before William preceded her in death on July 26, 1998.
Ruth was a member of the Ballardvale United Church in Andover, since early childhood. She especially loved being a member of the church choir, and would often serve on the Women's Guild as well as other various committees. She enjoyed being in the home that she and Billy built together for over 60 years. Ruth took great pride in her yard and will especially be remembered for her baking, as well as her love of animals. Her greatest joy was time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ruth is survived by her two children, Gale A. Catanzaro; Gwen L. (Kearn) Kimball and her husband Walter M. Kimball II, both of Andover; sister Edith Anderson-Batcheller of Andover; brother Charles Anderson, husband of Diane of Bartlet, NH; four grandchildren, Leigh Ann and husband Jeffrey Marks of Dracut; Andrea L. and husband David Bailey of Andover; Christopher S. Kearn of Portsmouth, NH; two great-grandchildren, Jake J. Catanzaro and his brother Caden P. Bailey of Andover; as well as several nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members. She is preceded in death by her sisters Helen Webb of Andover; Evelyn Bailey of Bakersfield, CA; two son-in-laws, Joseph L. Catanzaro and Stephen W. Kearn, of Andover; and her beloved granddaughter Erin E. Kearn, formerly of Boston.
ARRANGEMENTS: In honoring the family's wishes, there will be a private family memorial service held at the Ballardvale United Church. Internment will be at the convenience of the family at the West Parish Garden Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in her name at the Ballardvale United Church, 23 Clark Rd, Andover, MA 01810. The family would like to extend their gratitude and sincere thanks for the exceptional care and compassion extended to Ruth, as well as her family, by the entire staff while at Wingate at Andover.
