Obituaries

Josh Klages

A photo of Josh Klages

It causes us great sadness to announce the passing of Joshua Edwin Klages on November 2, 2024.  Joshua was born in Chatham on October 15, 1986.  He will be greatly missed by his mother Brenda (Caron) Klages, his sister Stacey Klages, his stepsisters Becky and Deb and his grandfather Maurice Caron.  Josh was predeceased by his father Dave Klages on May 8, 2024, his best friend Lily Anne, his Aunt Deb Foster, grandparents Beth & Alvin Klages, grandmother Irene Caron and his Aunt Dianne Jenkins.  He is survived by many aunts, uncles, nephews, niece and cousins.

Josh had a heart of gold and would do anything to help his friends out.  He was generous to a fault and would give away his last two dollars; a good-hearted act that was often taken advantage of.  In his lifetime he struggled with addiction, but through it all he remained kind and humble.  We were never embarrassed by his struggle, and we were proud of his fight and determination to recover and make a better life for himself.  Unfortunately, relapse is recognized as part of recovery and on November 2, Josh died of an unintentional overdose.  Once again, the damn drugs won.

There will be no visitation or funeral for Josh because that’s not what he would have wanted.  Instead, we will remember him privately and celebrate the things that made him Josh.  If you would like to remember him, please consider donating to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Mental Health and Addictions program.

If you are struggling, reach out to someone and if you know someone who is struggling, walk beside them without judgement.  Do that for Josh.

Lily Anne

Debby Shewburg

A photo of Debby Shewburg

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday November 4, 2024
1:00 p.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday November 2, 2024
2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m
and
Monday November 4, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

With deep sadness we share that Debby Shewburg passed away on October 30, 2024.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  Debby showed us how to be brave in the face of adversity and how to live life to the fullest.

Debby was born in Owen Sound on August 4, 1955 to the late Robert and Alma Mandeno and was raised in Cedar Springs.  She was the youngest of ten siblings; Violet and Tim Rutherford, Margaret and Murray White, Ken and Bonnie Mandeno, Brian and Val Mandeno, Maurice and Hedy Mandeno, Ron and Vickie Mandeno, Cathy Rivest, Carol and Dennis Munn, Joan and Roy Pickering and many nieces and nephews.

On May 10, 1975 Debby married her best friend John Shewburg, son of Jack and Mary Shewburg and brother to Diane and Ron Sloman.  Together, they began a journey that would span over 49 years.  They raised three children who they have always been very proud of; Michael Shewburg and Ryan Shantz, Jill and Tim DeMaeyer, Heather and Ryan Broadbent.  Debby’s grandchildren brought her great joy.  Debby was a proud Grandmother to Olivia and Ella DeMaeyer, Marshall Shewburg Shantz, Jackson, Hudson and Emary Broadbent.  She will be missed by her dog, Holly.

Debby loved to watch her grandchildren play sports.  She could often be found cheering loudly from the stands.  Debby never missed an opportunity to spend time with her family.  We are grateful for the lessons she has taught us; to always be kind, caring and generous.  She was an avid baseball player herself and co-founded girl’s fastball in Blenheim.  She was a member of the Blenheim Golden Acres Curling Club for many years.

She touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.  She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday November 2, 2024 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  Cremation will follow.  A  Funeral Service conducted by Rev. Bruce Cook will take place at the Funeral Home on Monday November 4 at 1:00 p.m.  There will also be a time of visitation on Monday between 12 – 1 p.m.  A private family interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery following the service.  Family and friends are invited to gather at Willow Ridge Golf Course after the service for a reception.

Debby has requested that everyone be dressed comfortably at the visitation and funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham Kent would be greatly appreciated.

Ron Robinson

A photo of Ron Robinson

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday November 6, 2024
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday November 5, 2024
2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Ron Robinson of Blenheim passed away at home on Tuesday October 29, 2024 at the age of 66 years.  He was a great man who would do anything for anybody.  He took any opportunity that he could to brighten up anybody’s day by joking around with them and make them laugh.  He will be missed by many friends and family members.

Ron was the best father to Janelle Pepper (Brett), Melissa Robinson (Tim), Matthew Robinson (Kelley) and Michael Shaw (Ashley).  He loved his grandchildren Jordyn, Simon, Tayler, Tatum, Logan, Kendall, Liam, Morgen, Brooklynn, Coraline and Kayla.   He will be remembered always by his sisters Lynn Coll and Diana Ytsma (Mike) as well as his nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents Marilyn & Richard DeClerck, by sister Cheryl Haskell  and his brother Doug Robinson (survived by Evelyn).

Ron was an avid Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan and a lover of wrestling.  He could often be seen driving around town in his Mustang convertible with the top down, just enjoying the moment.  He worked for many years as a janitor for the school board.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Ron will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  Cremation will follow.

Those wishing to remember Ron with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Youth Centre.

Bonnie Dysarz

A photo of Bonnie Dysarz

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday November 3, 2024
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

A reception will take place after the
visitation at the home of Paul Bolohan
19490 Kent Bridge Road, Blenheim

Bonnie Dysarz of Blenheim passed away peacefully and knowing she was loved on Monday October 28, 2024.  Born 68 years ago to the late Lorna & Angus McIntyre, Bonnie is survived by her brothers Robin, Lorne, Donny, Archie and Morgan MacIntyre.

She and her husband Richard Romphf who predeceased her in 1999 were the proud parents of Aron (Paula) Romphf and Mathew (Angie) Romphf.  Bonnie was loved beyond measure by her grandchildren Courtney, Richard, Hannah, Dominic and Madison.  She will be missed greatly by her good friends Paul Bolohan and Sandy Purdy.

Bonnie was a kind and caring soul who saw the good in everybody.  She was a rock to her friends, always helping them along life’s path.  She loved gardening, crafts, horses and children.  She drove school bus in Blenheim for many years and made a difference in children’s lives.  She left this world a better place.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 10:30 – 12:30.  After that, everyone is invited to the home of Paul Bolohan, 19490 Kent Bridge Road, Blenheim for a reception.

Those wishing to remember Bonnie with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice, a charity that was near and dear to her.

Lorrie Little

A photo of Lorrie Little

Service:

Charing Cross United Church
Monday November 4, 2024
10:30 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Sunday November 3, 2024
2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Lorrie Lea Little (nee Lachine) of Ridgetown, passed away peacefully at CKHA on October 27, 2024 in her 67th year, shortly after celebrating her 47th wedding anniversary to Ronald on October 22nd.

Lorrie was born on August 27, 1958 to the late Leao and Earnestine Lachine in Chatham, Ontario. Predeceased by her brother James Lachine (and Linda), infant sister Cheryl, and brother-in-law Wilfred Harback. Survived by her husband Ronald, son Matthew (and Gaby), daughter Susan, sister Cathy Harback (Greg Bushey), grand-children (Victoria, Claire, Matthew, and Abbi) and many other extended family members (brothers and sisters-in-laws and cousins, predeceased by some).

She was a very active member in her church community, from her early days with the Charing Cross United Church, Glad Tidings Assembly and the last 2 decades with the Gathering Place in Ridgetown. She worked hard at every challenge given to her and provided Sunday school teachings, musical leadership, food preparation and office support whenever asked. She enjoyed laughing at Ron’s punny jokes and watching sentimental movies, even to tears. She could be found singing at long-term care homes, weddings and funerals, and Sunday morning church services. Many thanks to the health care teams at London University Hospital and at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Charing Cross United Church at 10:30am Monday November 4, 2024 with internment at Pardoville Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Charing Cross United Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Gathering Place Building Fund in Ridgetown would be aligned to her dream and vision within the community. Online condolences and memorial donations for the family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com or on the Gathering Place website at  www.tgpcc.ca

Murray Russchen

A photo of Murray Russchen

Murray Russchen, much loved husband of Sonja (Hebblethwaite) for 64 years passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday October 23, 2024. He was born to the late Bill and Margaret (Hamlet) Russchen 85 years ago and was predeceased by his sister Francis Monk (Survived by Les) and Larry Russchen (survived by Ann).

Murray and Sonja are the proud parents of three children: Jeri Russchen, Janet VanDyk (Jim) and Julie Russchen. They were also blessed with six grandchildren: Michelle VanDyk (Rodney Shaw), Phillip Russchen (Kate), Jessica Russchen, Clinton VanDyk (Teresa), Sydira Russchen, and Kira Russchen as well as three great-grandchildren Kurtis Russchen, Claire Shaw and Avalee Russchen.

Murrays main passion in life was his friends and family. He enjoyed many vacations with his young family. Murray enjoyed being a dad and grandpa and made sure there were a lot of adventures and experiences. As a dad he enjoyed travelling with his family in an old school bus he and his son converted into a camper. He also loved hunting with his son and brother. As a grandpa his favourite pastime was being out on Rondeau Bay and on the pontoon boat fishing, swimming, and enjoying adventures with his grandkids. His favourite saying while giving a hug was “Love you all to pieces”.

A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Family and friends wishing to remember Murray with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Margo-Ann Hall

A photo of Margo-Ann Hall

Margo-Ann Hall of Chatham passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday October 23, 2024.  Born 77 years ago to the late Roy & Beverley (Burrows) Hall, Margo will be remembered fondly by her sister and brother-in-law Sue & Jim Riegling and by the people she loved spending time with; her roommate Darlene and special Volunteer Shelley Aarssen, her niece and nephews (and great nieces and nephews) James & Kaela Riegling, Sean & Karly Riegling (Sophie and Sadie) Jennifer & Paul Diemer (Marshall, Dillon and  Cole) and Michael Jr & Krystle Hall (Liam and Carson).  She will also be remembered by her aunt Elizabeth Burrows and many cousins.  Margo was predeceased by her brother Michael Roy Hall Sr. in 2022.

Margo lived at Southwestern Regional Centre from 1962 until leaving in 1981.  In 1996 she joined Christian Horizons/Karis Developmental Services.  She enjoyed everything that life gave her; music, laughter but most especially her friends and family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Karis for all the years of care and love.

Cremation will take place and Margo-Ann will be laid to rest with her mother in Victoria Memorial Gardens, Windsor.

Keith Turner

A photo of Keith Turner

Service:

To Be Announced

Keith Sidney Turner

August 24, 1957 – October 23, 2024

“Life has to end, but love doesn’t.”

 

How lucky we are to have had someone in our lives who makes saying goodbye so hard.

Our family is heartbroken at the passing of a loving husband and father, Keith Turner, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 23, 2024 at his home in Charing Cross, at the age of 67.

Keith courageously battled a relentless and aggressive cancer that caused irreparable damage before he even knew it existed.

He was the very best friend and loving husband of Linda Turner (Hudson/Hurren), a bond they shared for 35 years.  Together they blended a family of five children, all of whom he loved deeply and was so immensely proud.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his children, Jason (Ricky) Turner of Bracebridge, Adam Hurren (Randi) and Matthew Hurren (Bri), both of London, Michelle (Eric) Shular and Lyndsey Turner, both of Orillia.  As a dad, he gave them each the best gift anyone can give another person…he believed in them.  His guiding hand will remain on their shoulder forever.

He was also blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren who brought his heart so much joy.  “Papa” will be greatly missed by Ethan Hanna, Madelyne, Taya, Avery, Jacob and Sophie.  And Charlie who will greatly miss his “dad’s” morning backrubs.

He will also be missed by his siblings…Ray Turner, Judy Semple (Dean), Pam (Mark) Gray, Janet (Steve) Strength, all of Gravenhurst.

Keith was well known and highly respected in Muskoka for his work in the collision industry.  He operated Turner Auto Body in Bracebridge for more than 30 years before retiring in 2012.   Retirement did not sit well with him so after moving south to Blenheim, he opened Turner Detailing in Ridgetown, retiring again in 2021.  When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed golf, early morning power walks, playing his guitar and spending time with family.

Keith was a man of integrity, who enjoyed the simple life, worked much too hard, was fiercely loyal to his friends and deeply loved and protected his family.  If ever there was a problem that needed to be fixed, he fixed it.  But sadly no matter how hard he fought, he couldn’t fix the cancer.

To honour his wishes, cremation will take place.  His family will be holding a Celebration of Life at a later date and location yet to be determined.

If you wish to express your condolences by donation in his name, contributions to CK Animal Rescue would be greatly appreciated.  Please make cheques payable to:  Chatham Kent Animal Rescue, 270 Inshes Ave, Chatham ON N7M 2Z7 or online at https://ckanimalrescue.com/donate/

We love you…they say grief is the price you pay for love.  You gave us your everything, and now we will carry your wisdom and love in our hearts, forever grateful for the life you shared with us.

Ken Newton

A photo of Ken Newton

Service:

Celebration of Life
Glad Tidings Community Church
Saturday November 9, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Kenneth “Ken” Michael Newton on October 22, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on July 18, 1962, in Hamilton, Ontario, Ken will be forever remembered for his deep love of family, his passion for music, and his compassion for animals.

Ken is survived by his beloved daughters: Mackenzie Hooper (Aaron Hooper), Mikaela Wolsey (Jordan Wolsey), Nicole Snobelen (Andy Simek), and Brittany Peck-Doman (Josh Peck-Doman). He was a proud grandfather to Leona, Reuben, Josiah, Lincoln, Hudson, Drew and Blake, who brought immense joy to his life. Ken will be dearly missed by his life partner, Liane Snobelen, and his father-in-law, Albert Collins.

He was the loving son of Rosalie Carson (Jim Barrett), and cherished brother to Michele Handsor (Blake), Marlene Grineage-Powell, Michael Grineage (Karen), Melinda Grineage Butcher, Virginia Desormeaux (John), and stepbrother Frank. Ken was also a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Randi-Lyn Vandewynckel and Danielle Bellamy.

Predeceased by his brother-in-law Randy Bellamy (2019), mother-in-law Evelyn Bellamy (2024), father-in-law Lloyd Bellamy (2009), step sister Kari Barrett and Shaun Barrett as well as his treasured pets Chachi and Stoolie. Ken’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Ken was known for his empathy toward animals, frequently taking in strays to nurture. He had a passion for playing guitar, singing, and attending concerts. Whether fishing, spending time at the beach, or traveling the world with Liane, Ken lived life to the fullest. Above all, he cherished his four daughters and adored his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Ken was also recognized for his unique style, often sporting bold and unconventional button up shirts that were a topic of conversation within the family. Known as the life of the party, he loved visiting with friends and could talk for hours, sometimes a bit too much. His vibrant presence will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.

Ken will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and the love he shared with all who knew him.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church on Saturday November 9, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Randy Charron

A photo of Randy Charron

Service:

Celebration of Life
Morpeth Hall
Saturday November 2, 2024
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Barry Randal Charron

Sunrise:  June 30, 1952               Sunset:  October 16, 2024

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Randy Charron with his wife Tina and his family by his side at the age of 72 years.   Born in Chatham to the late Oscar & Esther Charron (2000), Randy lived in Morpeth for the last 47 years and was proud to raise his boys there.  He always appreciated the start in life that was given to him by Allan & Mary Ellen Smith when Allan gave him a job.

Randy is survived by his wife of 50 years Tina, his sons Eli Charron (Michelle) and Lance Charron (Misty), grandchildren LeighAnn (Terrance), Darren (Zoe), David, L.J. and Lyla, and his great-grandchildren Ledgen, Thorin, Justice, Ezekiel and Mya.  He will be remembered by his siblings Conrad, Christie and Charlene Charron and Darlene Thiessen (Randy), all of Belle River and his in-laws Gertie Boone (Albert), Blanche Sutherland (Dan), Irene Peckford and Steve Curtis, all of Newfoundland and Bonnie Lalumiere and Frank Curtis (Kim) of Chatham.  He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.  He was predeceased by his father-in-law William Curtis in 2005 and by his brothers-in-law Joe, Bruce and Dave Peckford and Tony Curtis.

Randy retired from Crown Cork & Seal, Chatham in 2012 after working there for 32 years.  After that, he worked part time at Kettles and then NAPA in Ridgetown.  He will be remembered for all the love and kindness he shared.  He truly loved his family and friends.  He carried himself with dignity, strength and was full of love.  His favourite past-time was to feed the birds and then sit and watch them.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday November 2, 2024 from 2:00 – 6:00 at the Morpeth Hall.  Friends wishing to remember Randy with a memorial donation are asked to consider Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue.