Elisha Richmond Watrous of Ledyard passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 after an extended illness.
He was born November 11, 1929, the son of Elisha Watrous and Jennie Chesbro. He was retired from the American Optical Company in Southbridge, Massachusetts.
He is survived by his wife Beatrix and his son from an earlier marriage, Richmond E. Watrous. He also is survived by his grandchildren Elisha, Alexander, Esther and Rebecca Julie Watrous. He was predeceased by his wives, Julie Purtle (mother of Richmond), Dorothy Beckwith, and Mabel Dickinson; and a brother, Rev. Harold A. Watrous.
Richie, as he was known for most of his life, loved working outside with plants. In the last 14 years of his life when he moved back to the country, he created several flower gardens and also a vegetable garden. He dreamed of owning his own farm, but plans never worked out for him to do so, and he actually lived most of his adult life in the city. Since he couldn't have the real thing, he collected ceramic chickens and cows.
He was known for his friendliness and positive attitude. Even in the midst of adversity, he gave praise to God and he prayed for other people all the time. In the nursing home confined to a wheelchair, he still smiled and waved to everyone.
The Funeral Service, which will include several of the hymns that he loved so much, will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, September 14, at the Friendship Church, 384 Colonel Ledyard Highway in Ledyard with burial following in the Ledyard Union Cemetery directly across from the church.
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