Avis J. Stevens, 92

TILTON — Avis J. (Batchelder) Stevens, 92, a longtime resident of Tilton died Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at the Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen following a period of failing health. She was born in Warren, New Hampshire, January 1, 1919, daughter of the late Albert and Nettice Mable (Merrill) Batchelder. She spent her youth, schooled in Warren and lived there until moving to Tilton in 1951. For many years Avis worked at the former Achber Clothing Store and in the cafeteria at the Tilton-Northfield High School in Tilton. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Post # 49 in Northfield, Friendship Grange in Northfield, former member of the Warren Grange, Warren Pythian Sisters, Temple #40, Warren Historical Society, Sanbornton Harmony Grange # 99 and Merrimack County Pomona Grange #3. She was also a member of TOPS. Avis was a longtime active member of the Tilton-Northfield United Methodist Church in Tilton.

She was predeceased by her sister, Marcia Anderson of Warren in 1987 and her husband, Charles E. Stevens who died June 24, 1986. Her family includes, three daughters, Nancy C. Stevens of Bradford, VT, Emily J. Castle of Suncook, Bette L. Prescott of Meredith; three sons, Richard J. Stevens of Northfield, Donald W. Stevens of Northfield and Thomas C. Stevens of Franklin, thirteen grandchildren; twenty five great-grandchildren eight great, great-grandchildren; one niece.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a service following at 11:00 AM at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home, Franklin-Tilton Road in Tilton. Burial will be in Park Cemetery in Tilton. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Avis’ memory may be made to either the Franklin VNA and Hospice at 75 Chestnut St., Franklin, NH 03235 or to the Tilton-Northfield United Methodist Church Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 119, Tilton, NH 03276.For more information go to www.smartfuneralhome.com