Beatrice “Deurine” Muckle passed away on July 9, 2026.  She was preceded in life by her husband Lloyd in 2012.

As per Deurine’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

Anyone wishing to remember Deurine is asked to make a donation to Pet And Wildlife Rescue https://pawr.org/funds/ where she found her loving cats Charlotte and Charlie.  They were great company for her.

Sylvia Mary Burk of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Friday July 10, 2026 at the age of 94 years.  She was the only child of the late Dorothy & William Knight, who emigrated from England to Canada.

Sylvia and her husband Ralph Burk, who predeceased her on January 14, 2005 became parents to six children; Sandra Burk, David Burk, Lorraine Burk, Michael Burk, Stephen Burk and the late Gordon Burk (2019).   She was also a proud Grandmother of Andrew, Johnathan, Richard and Sarah and Great-Grandmother of Sam, Trent and Jane.

Sylvia enjoyed her time working at a bank in Chatham before taking on the job of a full time Mom as well as being a member of the Trinity Anglican Church in Blenheim .

In keeping with Sylvia’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A time for family and friends to visit will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday July 18^th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service will take place at the Funeral Home on Sunday July 19^th at 1:00 p.m.

Terry Wheeler of Cedar Springs passed away in Windsor on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 66. Born to the late Glenn and Elizabeth (Legue) Wheeler, Terry grew up as one of six siblings in the Cedar Springs community.

He is survived by his sister Mary Kay (Brian) Major and his brother Mark Wheeler (Karen). He was predeceased by his sisters Glenda Wilson (survived by Fred), Susan O’Brien (survived by Craig Attewell), Tammy Crozier (survived by Barrie), and by his brother Clayt Wheeler (survived by Cathy). Terry will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

In 1981, Terry’s life changed dramatically following a serious car accident. Despite the challenges that followed—including a prediction that he would never walk again—Terry faced each day with determination and resilience. He defied expectations, regained mobility, and built a life defined not by limitations but by courage and perseverance. He lived independently for many years and continued to do so until just a few months ago, when he moved to the Blenheim Community Village.

Terry’s strength, quiet resolve, and the love he carried for his family will be remembered always.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday July 22, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:00 followed by a graveside service in Pardoville Cemetery.

Jim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family at the age of 75.

Jim worked at the Blenheim News Tribune for a number of years as a press operator. He was very proud to have printed two of Alvin Armstrong’s books; “The First 200 Years” is about the history of Blenheim and the second “A Lantern At The Gate”.

Jim loved building and fixing things. He worked for Murray Payne construction for a number of years, as well had his own renovation company. Jim finished out his career at Great Lakes Pigs where he enjoyed working with the pigs, as well as fixed things.

Jim was a long-time member of Br.185 Legion, Kinsman Club of Blenheim, Canadian Ornamental Pheasant and Game Bird Association. He was an avid horseman and belonged to horseback riding clubs where he participated in many horse shows. Jim’s love of horses led to getting into harness racing where he obtained his Horse Owner Groom License. Jim was a true outdoorsman and was happiest when outside snowmobiling, skating, hiking, ice fishing, smelting in Erieau, hunting, fishing, golfing and jumping on a horse and riding all night. He especially loved spending time at the farm. A favorite indoor pastime was playing darts and cards. Jim treasured his time spent at the “Beer Church” with his friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Alicia of 52 years, his children, Jeffrey, Desiree (Justin), Johnathon (Jen), Justin (Kaitlyn), as well as his grandchildren who he loved dearly; Alexie, Taylor, Abbigail, Austin, Gabriela, Theo, Lyna, Sicily, Nash, and Connor. Jim was delighted when he became a great-grandfather to his special little buddy, Owen.

Jim is also survived by his sister Heather (Bob) and brother Fred, sister-in-law’s, Rosemary, Janine (Clyde), Alison (John), Michele (Gary) and brother-in-law David.  Pre-deceased by mother and father Jim and Donna Burchiel, mother-in-law and father-in-law Alison and George Hill, brother Curtis and brother-in-law Alan Hill.

For now, Jim’s family will remember him privately, but in time, Jim will be interred at the Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim.

Larry Ross Ramsden (Sam) passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on June 30, 2026. 

Larry was born in Chatham and spent his entire life in Blenheim.  Larry was the son of the late Ronald and Clara Ramsden, and husband to Renate.  He was a loving father to Lori-Anne Atkins (Eric), Lisa Michelle Loveday (Dan) and Lynn Marie Walker (Dennis).

Larry will also be missed by his siblings Frances Allen (Tom), Nancy Moore (late Bill), Paul Ramsden (late Gail), Ken Ramsden, Barb Nelmes (Bill), Dennis Ramsden, Brenda Board, Marylou Jinkerson, Terry Ramsden (Cathy), Barry Ramsden (late Bonnie), Herbert Ramsden (Sue), Mark Ramsden (Marie) and Edward Ramsden (late Kelly).

He will also be missed by his 8 grandchildren: Matt, Joe, Mike, Taylor, Ryan and Erick as well as Steven and Aaron, who left us way to early, many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his siblings, Lucy, Albert, Harry, Betty Jean, Matthew and baby Claire.

Cremation and burial will be immediate family only.  

Donations in Larry’s name would be welcome at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Ann (O’Phee) Wright of Chatham passed away on June 25, 2026. She was born 79 years ago to the late Jack and Eileen (Kelly) O’Phee and grew up surrounded by her four siblings: Margaret O’Phee, Judy (Ryan) Myers and her husband Bernie, the late Kathy (Ryan) and Don Young, and the late Bill Ryan (survived by Ruth Ann). Her childhood gifted her many wonderful memories — becoming a great skater, spending time with her beloved German Shepherd Rex, visiting her uncle’s farm with its ponies and barn cats, and enjoying summer vacations at the cottage in Erie Beach.

In 1969, Ann married Gary Wright, who remained her lifelong friend. Together they became the proud parents of Kelly and Jennifer, and later grandparents to Keegan and Bryden — her boys, whom she loved to the moon and back.

Ann was the first person on the dance floor whenever a Bob Seger song came on. She was frugal and resourceful, always choosing the clunkiest vehicle she could find. Over the years she became a talented seamstress and upholsterer, taking joy in reupholstering furniture and vintage cars. She loved boating, fishing, and sharing beverages with her family, often heading out to “Grassy” near Mitchell’s Bay. Later in life, her travels expanded to Mexico and Florida, and she cherished her time in Largo and Fort Myers Beach.

Her early bond with Rex inspired her involvement with Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue, where she fostered dogs for many years. She loved each and every dog she welcomed into her home.

In her later years, glamping and campfires brought her great joy. She had recently moved back to Chatham to begin a new chapter in her life, but her cancer diagnosis prevented her from finishing that final page.

A private family interment will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2026 — a date that would have been Ann’s 80th birthday. Following the interment, at 1:00 p.m., family and friends are invited to gather at Dog Day BBQ, 400 Queen Street, Chatham, to celebrate a life well lived.

For those wishing to honour Ann’s memory, donations to Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue would be deeply appreciated, as the organization held a special place in her heart.

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.