Elseia L. Richards

WEST STEWARTSTOWN — Elseia L. Richards, 82, of West Stewartstown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at the Coös County Nursing Hospital. Elseia was born in Colebrook on Feb. 2, 1932, the daughter of Wesley and Ethel (Hall) Shallow. She attended schools in Colebrook and was a 1951 graduate of Colebrook Academy. For many years, while also working the family farm, Elseia worked at the Beecher Falls Division of Ethan Allen, and she was also a well-known local waitress at different restaurants. With her sisters, she was a founder of the local “Christmas Council.” She was a leader of the TOPS (“Take Off Pounds Sensibly”), and traveled to many national meetings over the years. Elseia was also an avid reader, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially the little ones. She is survived by her children, Wayne Chapple and wife Paula of Winterhaven, Fla., Gail Watson and husband Jim of Rexford, NY, and Peter Chapple of Stewartstown; her step-children, Paula Reynolds and husband Vern of Columbia, NH, Earl Richards of Sebago, Me., Craig Richards and wife Elizabeth of Colebrook, Dennis Richards and wife Lisa of Candia, NH, Colleen Richards of Derry, NH, Sher Callanan and husband Andy of Manchester, NH, and Josh Richards of Stewartstown; her sister, Thelma Daley of Colebrook; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. Elseia is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Roland “Dick” Richards in 2012; her first husband, John R. Chapple in 1976; a sister, Janet Klebe; a brother, Wesley Shallow; a step-son, Terry Richards; as well as two children in infancy. There are no public calling hours at her request. A memorial service will take place at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Colebrook on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Elseia may be made to the 45th Parallel EMS, c/o Chief R. Darling, 46 Ramsey Road, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Elseia L. Richards

February 2, 1932 - June 17, 2014