Rev. Lester H. Ainsworth

[ Originally published on: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 ]

GREENFIELD -- The Rev. Lester H. Ainsworth, 80, of 10 Congress St., died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

Born in Greenfield on June 19, 1929, Lester was one of 13 children born to Charles and Rose Eva (Circe) Ainsworth. Lester grew up in Shelburne Falls and was a graduate of Arms Academy, Class of 1947.

Lester went back to school while in his 40's and received a bachelor's degree of theology from the Baptist Bible College in 1977.

He was the pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Goffstown, N.H.

Lester enjoyed the people he served and seeing them being saved by the Lord and accepting the Lord as their Savior. Church planning was part of his ministry and he started churches in North Adams, Agawam, Shelburne Falls and Goffstown. He truly loved the New England area and traveled throughout the Northeast evangelizing to those he was able to reach. He touched many people's lives.

He was a longtime member of the Baptist Bible Fellowship of Massachusetts, recently serving as president. He also taught at the Westgate Bible College in Tampa, Fla.

On May 17, 1952, Lester married the former Nellie Curtis, together celebrating over 57 years of marriage. Most recently, Lester has been the primary care giver for Nellie as she battles Alzheimer's disease. His love and tender care for her has been an inspiration to their family.

Survivors include his wife, Nellie; a son, Jeff of Greenfield; three daughters, Janet Ainsworth, of Seattle, Wash., Carole Guyse of Madison, Ala., and Barbara Charrette of Manchester, N.H.; five brothers, Calvin of Colrain, Donald of Lancaster, Pa., Ray of Florida, Roland of Russell, and Merle; two sisters, Marilyn Reimers, of Greenville, S.C., and Ruth Giard of Bernardston; six grandchildren, Rebecca Ainsworth-Reid, Katy Allbritton, Jason, Anna, Kyle and Wayne Charrette, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will take place today at 11:30 a.m. at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls. Burial will follow in Arms Cemetery.

Calling hours will be today from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc., 1600 E. Columbus Ave., Springfield, MA 01103-1614.

 

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