Faces to remember: the lost loved ones among Derbyshire Times death notices this week
By Tom Hardwick
Published 16th Oct 2026, 15:33 BST
Every day, Derbyshire residents say their final farewells to family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours and many other characters who have played a unique part in local life.
Some may be more well known than others, but all had a place in someone’s heart and in our communities.
Here we make space to recognise those whose deaths have been announced in the pages of the Derbyshire Times this week.
For more details on how they will be remembered, including funeral arrangements, and how to leave your own tributes, go to legacy.com/uk/obituaries/derbyshiretimes-uk/browse.
Mr Raymond Betts of Tibshelf has passed away at home on September 29, with Carol by his side, just one day before his 83rd birthday. A lifelong resident of Tibshelf, Raymond was a local police officer, known as Bobby Betts, from 1971 to his retirement in 1998. His interests included horse racing, train spotting, bowls and he was the reigning champion of card games with friends and family. Raymond leaves his wife Carol, daughter Raychelle, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The funeral service takes place on October 26, Amber Valley Crematorium, at 11.00am. Refreshments will be served afterwards at The Shoulder of Mutton, Hardstoft.
Mrs Pamela Ann Knighton of Bottom Farm, Woolley Moor has passed away at home, aged 90 years. Born in Chesterfield, Pamela lived locally for 47 years. In her working life, Pamela was the office manager for the GP surgery in Clay Cross. Pamela enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and sailing but most of all she loved her family and friends. Predeceased by her husband Arthur in 2010, Pamela leaves her sons Simon and Andrew along with grandsons Alex and Daniel. Pamela is much loved and greatly missed by all her family and those who knew her. Funeral service at Holy Trinity Church, Brackenfield on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11.00am followed by interment in the churchyard. Donations in memory of Pamela will benefit Cancer Research UK and may be sent c/o Thomas Greatorex and Sons, 29 Knowleston Place, Matlock, DE4 3BU (01629 582470).
Mrs Thelma Skinner of Chesterfield has passed away on September 30, 2026, aged 89. A lifelong resident of Chesterfield, Thelma worked at Pages Gowns in her earlier years, then after her children had grown up she worked as a Pensions Administrator at Chetwynd House/Rowland Hill until her retirement. Her interests included sewing, gardening, crosswords, quiz shows and spending time with her family. Thelma was predeceased by her husband Brian Skinner, partner Gerald Taylor and son Simon. She leaves son Mark, daughter Diane, grandchildren Sharon, Anthony and Martin, great-grandchildren Phoebe, Millie and Marli, step grandchildren Lisa, Donna and Michael, step great-grandchildren Lily and Bobby, grand fur babies Minx, Misty, Coco and Pixie. The funeral service takes place on Thursday, October 29, Chesterfield Crematorium, at 9.45am.
Mrs Dorothy Ann Stuart of Clowne has passed away in Mansfield, aged 84. Born in Poolsbrook, Staveley and a lifelong local resident, Dorothy worked as a receptionist in her early life and later owned a fish and chip shop. Her interests included walking, reading, dancing and spending time with family and friends. Dorothy leaves her husband Robert, daughter Andrea, son Mark, son-in-law Dale, daughter-in-law Cassandra. A private funeral service takes place on Wednesday, October 21, at Staveley Church, followed by burial.
Mrs Janet Dowsett of Hasland has passed away at home on October 3, aged 89. Born in Hasland and a lifelong local resident, Janet was a community hairdresser, much loved by everyone, continuing until into her 80s. She was a member of St Paul's Church, Hasland from the age of 11, singing in the church choir. She enjoyed listening to music, knitting, baking, gardening and most of all family occasions. Janet adored her family. Janet was predeceased by her husband Roy. She leaves daughters Alison and Rachel, sons-in-law, Ian and Robert, grandchildren Martin, Kayleigh and Matthew, grandson-in-law Matt and good friend Joan. The funeral service takes place on Tuesday, October 27, St Paul's Church, at 11.00am.
Mr Paul Alan Ramsdale, known to everyone as Alan, of Hollingwood has passed away at home, aged 69. Born at Scarsdale Hospital, Chesterfield and a resident of Hollingwood for 47 years, Alan worked at Staveley Works, Glass Works and lastly as a self employed joiner, until giving up work to look after his two young boys Scott and Luke after the sad passing of their mum. His interests included most outdoor pursuits, especially fishing, spending time at caravan with Joanne and family holidays. Alan leaves his partner Joanne Guy, children Scott, Luke, Amy and Ben, and two granddaughters. The funeral service takes place on Thursday, October 22, Chesterfield Crematorium Chapel, at 10.30am. Afterwards the wake will be held at Staveley Welfare Sports Club.
Hazel Hand has passed away on October 2, 2026, aged 82. Born in Underwood, Hazel was a lifelong local resident. She was a personal assistant. Her interests included knitting, cooking, she loved dogs and was very creative. Hazel was predeceased by her husband Terence. She leaves son Adrian, daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Eloise. A private family service will take place for Hazel, any donations will benefit The Salvation Army, these may be sent to B. Hattersley & Sons, 211 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, S40 2BA. (01246 232820).
