Hampton, NH ----- Lois K. Butler, 85, longtime resident of Laconia and Belmont, NH, died Thursday, September 7, 2017, at Oceanside Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hampton, NH.
Lois was born Dec. 5, 1931, in Presque Isle, Maine, the daughter of the late Wallace and Joyce (Turner) Keirstead. Lois spent two years at Bates College in Lewiston, ME, before transferring to the University of Maine. At Orono, she met her beloved husband of 61 years, Bradford Fuller Butler, who predeceased her in 2014.
Lois finished her college education at Plymouth State University, earning her teaching degree while raising her three children. She was an English teacher in the Belmont, NH, School District for 10 years. In her retirement, Lois continued to use her teaching skills preparing Laconia Adult Education students for their GED exams.
Lois was an active member of the Laconia Congregational Church. One of her greatest pleasures was singing alto in the church choir for many years — and keeping everyone on key. She and her choir mate, Diane Wells, brought music to area nursing homes, Lois on piano and Diane on cello. She and Brad were members of the Tardif Park Association and spent many a Saturday evening dancing the night away.
An avid reader, Lois also enjoyed gardening and knitting beautiful sweaters for her daughter, Janet. She was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain friends and family. In the summers she packed delicious picnics for family boat trips to Long Island on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Lois is survived by a son, David Butler of Bedford, NH; two daughters, Janet Butler of Raymond, NH, and Diane Butler of Scarborough, ME; a sister, Janet Burns of Portland, ME; two grandchildren; a niece and three nephews.
A Calling Hour will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017, from 11:00am - 12:00noon at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH using the Carriage House entrance.
A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00noon also at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Peabody Home, 24 Peabody Place, Franklin, NH 03235 or to Compassus, 65 Lafayette Rd., Suite 302, North Hampton, NH 03862.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.