Weare, NH – Elizabeth P. Straw (Betty),100, passed away at Concord Hospital on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Born on the family poultry farm on September 10, 1925 to Marion and Elsie (Prideaux) Purington, Betty was a lifelong resident of Weare. She graduated from Weare High School in 1943 and Keene Teachers College in 1949 with a degree in secondary education. Later, she earned her degree in Elementary Education from Keene State College. Her full-time career spanned 33 years. Teaching in Goffstown SAU#19 for the first 10 years, Betty retired in 1985 from the Kimball School in the Concord Union School District.
She was active in the Weare community throughout her lifetime: school board, district clerk, finance committee, supervisor of the checklist, ballot clerk, and the planning board and economic development committee. Betty was also the Director and Treasurer of the Deering Community Federal Credit Union, which served many people in Weare during the 50s and 60s.
An active member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), she served as clerk, treasurer, and recorder. She was a Friends member of the Weare Federated Church and the Union Church Circle for 15 years, serving as vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
Betty found great joy and purpose in sharing her knowledge of the town’s history. She was a valuable resource for families requesting genealogical information. A charter member of the Weare Historical Society, she served as vice president, then as president for many years. She compiled the History of the Clinton Grove Academy and the History of the Quakers in Weare, as well as the History of the Congregational Church in Weare for its 100 th anniversary. She gave many presentations to the local schools about the Hurricane and Flood of 1938.
Her busy hands loved farming, gardening, crossword puzzles, and a friendly game of Scrabble. A devoted wife and partner, Betty was married 58 years to Oscar A. Straw, who died in 2009. Mike Purington (brother), Marietta Cross (sister), and Alice C. Straw (sister-in-law) also predeceased her.
Betty is survived by her two children: William Straw (Liza) and Alice Thomson (Wayne); grandchildren: Tara, Teresa (James), Anita, Oscar (Marie); seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; George Cross (brother-in-law), June Purington (sister-in-law), along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
A private graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Weare for family and Society of Friends members. A public celebration of Betty’s life will be held at the Legion Hall in Weare Center from 2 to 4 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to Granite VNA-Concord 30 Pillsbury St. Concord, NH 03301
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