Ashland - On Monday, July 22, 2024 Eleanor Mabel Merrill Rollins passed away peacefully, just 2 days shy of her 83rd birthday with her family by her side.

Eleanor was born in Holderness on July 24, 1941. She was the oldest daughter, and one of seven children born to James B. Merrill and Gladys Whittemore Merrill.

One a stormy day in March 1962 she married Benjamin E. Rollins. They made their home in Ashland for over 25 years, where they raised their daughter. In 1988, they downsized moving to New Hampton where they retired. Most recently, after Ben’s passing Eleanor moved back to Ashland.

Eleanor was educated at the one-room schoolhouse on Mt. Prospect and Plymouth Schools. Her working career spanned many years at the L. W. Packard Woolen Mill in Ashland. She and Ben were property caretakers for over 40 years at several summer cottages around Squam Lake.

Eleanor enjoyed reading, fishing, walking, cooking, going on road trips, and viewing the wildlife. Most especially, she loved spending time with her family going to casinos, bingo, playing cards, and having big family yard sales. She was an excellent home cook. You knew you were special if you received a package of her famous Peanut Butter fudge. She was quick-witted and had a sharp tongue. Not much escaped her eagle-eye attention. You knew you were well-liked if she picked on you.

In addition to her husband Ben, she was predeceased by her parents, her only sister Betty Merrill Torsey Havlock, her brothers, James Merrill, Jr., and Robert Merrill.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Rollins (Ray Mason), granddaughter Lori Bluhm, great-granddaughter Emma Bluhm, brothers Ed Merrill (Victoria), Allen Merrill (Chicki), and John Merrill, two sisters-in-law, Priscilla Stockbridge and Gloria Merrill.  Eleanor also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children whom she all loved. She also will be greatly missed by her cat, Annie.

The family expresses their utmost gratitude to all the staff and volunteers at Pemi-Baker Home Health, Speare Memorial Hospital, Speare Primary Care, and Concord Hospital for all their compassionate care given to Eleanor. We are thankful for her friends and neighbors at White Mountain Court who brought her great joy.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making memorial contributions to the Ashland Firefighters Association, PO Box 856, Ashland, NH 03217;  Pemi-Baker Home Health and Hospice, 258 Highland St., Plymouth, NH 03264; or the NH Humane Society 1305 Meredith Center Rd, Laconia, NH 03246. 

A graveside service will be on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10:30 AM, in Blair Cemetery, Blair Road, Campton, NH.

Dupuis Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.  For more information go to:  Dupuisfuneralhome.com