Shirley Arlene Rafter

Shirley A. (Patten) Rafter, 82, longtime resident of Wilton, NH, died on August 11, 2022 at Summerhill Memory Care, Peterborough, NH, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 23, 1940 in Milford, NH, a daughter of Orion L. Patten and Marjorie (Bills) Patten. Shirley attended Appleton Academy, New Ipswich, and was a standout basketball player there. Shirley was married to Bruce T. Rafter on June 29, 1957 and they made their home in Wilton, NH for over 54 years, until his passing on July 27, 2011. She was a devoted mother and wife, who always looked out for her family, friends and neighbors. When her children were grown, Shirley took great joy in working at the Wilton Town Library. She and Bruce were very active members of the Winter Wanderers Snowmobile Club, where they organized events and helped build trails. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling and watching their grandchildren’s sporting events. Family members include her daughter and son-in-law, Debra Rafter and Nico Tzouratzis of Greenfield, NH; son and daughter-in-law, Steven Rafter and Patricia (Jowders) Rafter of Milford, NH; three grandchildren, Brendan Face of Greenfield, NH, Jaclyn and Timothy Herlihy of Wilton, NH, Joshua and Jillian Rafter of Milford, NH; five great-grandchildren; Cora Herlihy, Avery Herlihy, Emelaine Louise Herlihy, Easton Rafter and Theo Rafter; two siblings, Roland and Marcia Patten of Peterborough, NH; Eva and Kenny deSouza of East Bridgewater, MA; many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20th at 11:00am in the Milford United Methodist Church, 327 North River Road, Milford, NH. She will be interred at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH with her husband Bruce. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Compassus Living Foundation or the Alzheimers Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Road Waltham, MA 02452. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com