Elizabeth Ruth Kirk passed peacefully with family at her side, on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Village on the Ridge, in Ridgetown, Ontario.  She was born in Windsor, Ontario 88 years ago to her late parents William (1992) and Karen Hansen (1982).   

Liz was the beloved wife of Gordon Kirk, celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary on October 12, 2025.  Cherished mother to Laurie and David Harrison of Windsor, Nancy Mifflin of Blenheim and Sandy and Mike Oliver of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. 

Loving sister to Robert and Margaret Hansen of LaSalle, and Danny and Theresa Hansen of Bowmanville.  Sister-in-law to Suzanne Hansen of Windsor.   

Predeceased by her sister Elsa Todd (1980) (late Frank), her brothers Paul (Sonny) (2019), Gunnar (2025) (late Joyce), Arthur (2012) (late Mary), Elmer (1997). 

Sister-in-law to Harold (2012) and Marion Kirk (2025). 

Beloved Grandmother to Jessica and Colin Bouwmeester of LaSalle, Kelly and Kyle O’Neil of Tecumseh, Christopher and Sabrina Harrison of Bright’s Grove, Erin Mifflin and Josh Derynck of Blenheim. 

Loving Great-Grandmother to Aidan and Brooklyn Bouwmeester, Jack and Sutton O’Neil, Max, Lawson and Nathan Harrison.  

Liz received her education in Windsor, at Prince of Wales P.S. and J.L. Forster S.S.  She was an assistant in a dental office for several years, and an executive secretary at the Chrysler Corporation.  She was a member of Sandwich (Bedford) United Church. 

When Liz and Gord moved to Blenheim in 1964, they became members of Blenheim United Church, where she served as church secretary.  She also served as secretary of Carruther’s Motors and Linton Motors.  

Liz was an ardent bowler and a member of the Tuesday afternoon ladies league for many years.  She loved to work in her beautiful gardens, dancing at Rondeau Park on Saturday nights, and supported her daughters in any of their endeavours.  Watching and being a part of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports and other events brought much joy to her.  Christmas was her favourite time of year.  

Gord and Liz spent 17 winters in Auburndale, Florida at Westside Ridge Resort.  She was a member of the I.O.D.E., Morpeth Heritage Club, enjoying playing cards, taking trips and attending delicious meals and desserts.  

We would like to thank all the caregivers for their exceptional care and love shown to Liz.  Cheryl Kelly, Bayshore, Paramed, and to the outstanding Assisted Living staff and Village on the Ridge, who made Liz’s final year and a half feel like home, loved and respected.  Thank you to Dr. Chandresena and staff for your care.  

The Kirk family will receive family and friends at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St. in Blenheim on Sunday, June 28, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. 

A funeral service for Liz will be held at Erie Street United Church, 7 Erie St. N. Ridgetown, N0P 2C0 on Monday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m.  

Cremation has taken place.  Interment in Blenheim Evergreen Cemetery following the service.  A luncheon will be held at the Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club, in Blenheim, 439 Chatham St. Blenheim, N0P 1A0. 

Friends wish to Honour Liz’s life, with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/  or Blenheim Health Hub Foundation  https://www.bmhf.ca/. 

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Glenn Arthur Rice, aged 71, who left us peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at Carpenter Hospice in Burlington, Ontario.

A longtime resident of Blenheim, Glenn was born to the late Donald Rice and Helen Smith. Known to many as “Papa Rice,” and to his adoring grandchildren as simply “Papa,” he was a man who lived life at his own pace. While he was famously late for almost every event, however he was somehow always exactly where he needed to be whenever someone needed a hand. He was a natural fixer, builder and a keeper of odds and ends, operating under the firm belief that nothing should ever be thrown out because it might just fix something down the road. 

Glenn’s life was defined by adaptability. When a back injury took away his career as a mechanic, he didn’t slow down; he went to night school, conquered computer science, and built a successful career in IT with MPAC. Later in life, he traded keyboards for sawdust, picking up the carpentry tools of his father, and finding peace in working with his hands.

Glenn’s greatest joy was found in the company of his family. Whether traveling together or simply gathering at home, he was the steady presence and heart of the family. He was also a devoted member of Charing Cross United Church, where he generously volunteered his time and found great fulfillment in serving others. Each spring, without fail, Glenn could be found on the water, enjoying his passion for fishing alongside the same close-knit group of lifelong friends. 

Glenn leaves behind a beautiful legacy in his wife, Betsy Adair-Rice; his children, Laura (Darren) Murray and Grant (Karla) Rice; and his four grandchildren, Lincoln, Lillian, Elizabeth, and Matteo, who were the absolute lights of his life. He is also survived by his brothers Don, Doug, David, and Bruce and their families, his extended Adair and Chapple families, and countless friends. He goes to join his parents, Donald and Helen, and his brother-in-law Don Chapple, who went before him.

Family and friends are invited to honour Glenn at Charing Cross United Church on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions to the Charing Cross United Church https://charingcrosswesleyuc.ca/donate or Carpenter Hospice Burlington https://thecarpenterhospice.com/ would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Glenn taught us how to fix what was broken, how to show up for the people we love, and how to hold onto what matters. We will miss him terribly, but we take comfort in his favorite parting words, knowing this isn’t a final goodbye, but simply: “Bye for now.”

Bonnie Lee Swartz passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 13, 1948, in Kingsville, Ontario, Bonnie later moved to Chatham, Ontario with her parents, the late Robert Moore and Dorothy Moore (née Hall), and her brothers.

On June 15, 1968, she married Robert “Bob” Swartz, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than fifty years until Bob’s passing on October 29, 2018.

Bonnie is lovingly remembered by her brothers, Tom Moore (Kathy) and Rick Moore (Kathy); her son, Michael Swartz (Kelly), and their son, Tristan, and daughters Piper, and Kennedy; and her daughter, Stephanie, and her sons, Travis and Colton.

Bonnie worked at SRC and formed many lasting friendships throughout her life. She loved spending time with family and friends and was happiest when visiting, sharing stories, keeping up with the latest news, and staying connected with those she cared about.

A gifted artist, Bonnie expressed her creativity through drawing, painting, tole painting, calligraphy, knitting, crocheting, and countless other crafts. There seemed to be no artistic medium she could not master. Many in the Chatham area may remember Bonnie’s Little Craft Shack, the small business she and Bob built together as a hobby. Bob crafted the wooden pieces while Bonnie brought them to life with her artistic talent, selling their creations at craft shows and community events.

Nothing brought Bonnie greater joy than her grandchildren. She delighted in spending time with Tristan, Piper, Kennedy, Travis, and Colton and took special pride in sharing her creativity with them. Through countless hours of crafting, painting, knitting, and crocheting together, she passed along not only artistic skills but also patience, encouragement, and a love of creating something with one’s own hands.

Bonnie will be remembered for her warm sense of humour, her artistic gifts, her devotion to family and friends, and her ability to make people feel welcome. Her creativity lives on in the many works she created and in the family members she inspired to create alongside her.

In keeping with Bonnie’s wishes, cremation will take place. Visitation details will be announced by the family. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Peacefully, surrounded by her family, Wanda, in her 77^th year, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus.  Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort from knowing she is no longer suffering and in pain.

Mother to Lisa (Scott) Campbell.  Loving and proud Nana to Cole (her angel as she called him).  Their bond was so very special.

Born in Blenheim, Ontario, to Earl and Ora Wardle (nee Helterbridle), Wanda was one of 13 children. Predeceased by her sisters Carris Wickwire, Hildred Hillman, Marjorie Formosa, Betty Deleeuw, Nancy Crow, and Becky Brideau; her brothers Bob Wardle, Arthur Wardle, and John Wardle.  Survived by her brothers Gary Wardle (Carolyn), Harold Wardle, and her sister Brenda Ritchie; her sister in law Debbie Wardle, and brother in law Romeo Brideau.

Wanda worked at the Chatham Hospital for 28 ½ years, a job she always took pride in.  In her younger years, Wanda loved to hunt and fish.  She never caught anything but she was outdoors.  She didn’t eat the fish either, but her fishing buddy and brother in law Ernie was grateful.  She loved to bake, even if it was to share with others.   She made the best shortbread cookies, date squares, cheesecake, rice krispy squares and banana bread.   She didn’t have much but she would give her last dollar to someone in need.

The family wishes to thank her neighbors for keeping an eye on her and helping whenever it was needed; to the family and friends who came to visit, call, and text; the pastors who came to visit and pray with Mom from Bethel Pentecostal Church despite not being Mom’s home church; and Pastor Ken who she always spoke so highly of.

A very special thank you to Marlene and Randy Gardner who were always there for her.   Words will never be enough to show our appreciation.  Thank you to Vision Nursing Home Transitional Care program for allowing Mom to go there for a short stay.   It allowed her to be closer to her family.  To the Bluewater Health Palliative care unit, Dr. Crombeen and her team, hospice nurses and staff and PSWs for the wonderful support and care they gave Mom and the support given to her family.

At Mom’s request, there will be no services.   Cremation has taken place.   There will be a private gathering to scatter her remains at a later date.   Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia.

Nancy Drewery of Blenheim passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on June 10, 2026, at the age of 74.

Nancy was the beloved wife of the late Bryan Keith (2021).

Born on June 25, 1951, Nancy was the daughter of the late Glenn and Beulah (Jacques) Drewery. She was one of seven children and is survived by her siblings Ruth-Anne Bennett (Eric), Ivan Drewery (Bonnie), Marie Sykes (Murry), John Drewery (Lorrie), and Neil Drewery. She was predeceased by her sister Betty Gardiner (2020).

Nancy leaves behind Bryan’s children, Belinda Keith, Jolene Keith (Bob Payne), Victoria Keith, and Master Corporal Bryan James Keith (Crystal), whom she loved as her own. She will be lovingly remembered as “Nanny” to Justis, Charlie, Ryerson, Sawyer, Hudson, Denver, Devon, Ava, Everly, and Sigourney, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Nancy held a special place in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Nancy was a dedicated and valued employee of Mallory’s in Blenheim for many years, where she built lasting friendships and took pride in her work. In her spare time, she could often be found helping Bryan with his painting business, tending to her gardens, or enjoying life’s simple pleasures with her favourite music playing and a cold drink in hand. A devoted fan of Rod Stewart, Nancy could often be found listening to his music and singing along to her favourite songs. She never missed an opportunity to share a story, and whether it was a cherished memory, a funny moment, or a tale from years gone by, she always had something to tell. Her stories, laughter, and presence will be dearly missed by those fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

To respect Nancy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to celebrate Nancy’s life by sharing one of her many stories, raising a glass in her memory, or making a donation to a charity of their choice.

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Burk, age 96, on June 6, 2026.  She was predeceased by her husband, veteran Leonard Burk in 1997.

Jean was born on April 3, 1930 just outside Ridgetown.  She was one of nine siblings born to the late Orlo “Pete” Jackson and Neva (Merritt) Jackson and is survived by her sister Doris Tengelis (late John) and brother Lloyd Jackson (Joanne).  She was predeceased by her sisters Velma Miklos (late John) and Gloria Ripley (Melvin), and by her brothers Glen Jackson (Nellie), Herbert Jackson (late Francis), Leo Jackson (late Freda) and Cliff Jackson (late Audrey).

Jean and Leonard were also parents to nine children: Gloria Bell (late Jim), Gary Burk (Elena Huseynova), Lenny (Leonard) Emmerson Burk who died in infancy, Laura Shoemaker (Brad), Sandra Burk, Donna Ogle, Connie Stothart, Kimberly Burk (Larry Osmon) and Jamie Burk (Kathy Kunzler).  She was loved by 23 grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren.  She was predeceased in life by her grandchildren Chawn, Dustien and Braedon.

Jean enjoyed going for walks, crocheting, knitting, sewing and growing plants.   She was a queen of crossword puzzles and a professional living room Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy contestant.  She loved all pets, especially her budgies and her memories of Bailey were always close to her heart.  Jean’s final days were filled with tenderness, surrounded by the grandchildren who stayed close and held her with the same love she had always given them.

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, a private family interment will take place in Burk Cemetery.  Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ontario SPCA or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Grace Wick, the much loved wife of the late Elmer Wick (1995) passed away with her daughter by her side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on May 26, 2026.  She will be forever loved and missed by her children Noel, Shannon and Jay (Joanne), by her grandson Quinn and her siblings David Robb (Janet) and Gordon Robb (Tracy).  She was predeceased by her brothers Jim Robb (survived by Cathy), Randy Robb and her parents Dolores & Bill Robb.

Grace was a kind and caring person who always thought of other people first.  She spent her working career with the Ministry of Community & Social Services, beginning at the Midwestern Regional Centre in Palmerston before moving to Blenheim, where she retired from the Southwestern Regional Centre.  She loved people, playing the piano and watching her orchids bloom.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  Grace will be interred with Elmer in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.  If you want to do something in memory of Grace, give your kids an extra hug, your grandchildren two extra hugs, and always let them know how much you love them.