Frances I. (Gerow) Ordway, 77, of Claremont, and formerly of Bethlehem, NH, died at her home on June 6, 2010.

 Frances was born on August 11, 1932, daughter of Helen and Arvill Gerow, in Island Falls, Maine, one of ten children. She grew up in Brunswick, Maine where she attended Brunswick High School. She married David W. Ordway in September 1951. They spent many years touring the world while David was in the U.S. Army. They retired from the military to Bethlehem in 1968 and raised their family there. They moved to Pejepscot, Maine in 1988 and lived there until David’s death. She had lived in Claremont, New Hampshire for the past three years with her daughter.

 She is survived by her eight children and their spouses: Wayne and Carolyn Ordway of Charlestown, RI; Wanda and Stuart Harris of Cadiz, KY; Wendy and Edward Laplume of Mapleville, RI; Wyatt and Carole Ordway of Fort Worth, TX; Wanita and David Hardy of Claremont, NH; Ward and Janette Ordway of Massena, NY; Willo and Sean Sullivan of Springfield, VT; Welma and James Robinson of Haverhill, NH; and her 19 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Her brother Bobby Gerow, sisters Theresa Kimball, Micky Hart, Lorraine Rivers, Joan Greenleaf, and Bonnie Thiboutot also survive her.  

Her husband David W. Ordway, her granddaughters Chelsea Ordway and Amanda Ordway, and her grandson, Adam Richards, predeceased Frances. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Loren and Billy and her sister Bina.

 Frances was a talented seamstress; she loved to garden and never missed a Red Sox game. She loved the White Mountains and always traveled the long way to visit friends and family so she could drive through the notch. She loved being with her friends, her children and their families. She was a huge part of their lives and will be deeply missed.  

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Frances to the charity of your choice.