Obituaries

Evelyn Steel

A photo of Evelyn Steel

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday September 15, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday September 14, 2012
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Evelyn Mildred Steel, formerly of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Wednesday September 12, 2012 at the age of 91 years. Evelyn was born in Regina, the daughter of the late John Thomas and Ellen Horsfield. She was predeceased by her husband Murray in 1975. She enjoyed bowling, reading and playing cards, but most of all she enjoyed her family. Evelyn will be missed dearly by her children Laura-Ellen & Joseph Anderson of Bothwell, Sharron Carroll (the late Jim) of London, Murray & Evedna Steel of Morpeth and Chris & Kathy Steel of Blenheim and by her ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Evelyn was one of three children and is survived by one sister Vivian Pitre of Windsor. She was predeceased by her infant grandson Raymond Charles Steel and by her sister and brothers in law Helen & George Chapman and Barney Pitre. Friends gathered at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home to show their support to Evelyn’s family on Friday. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday September 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook of the Blenheim United Church officiating. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers were Murray Steel, Michael Steel, Graham Carroll, Neil McQuarrie, Dan Steel and Jason VanderPryt. Friends wishing to remember Evelyn with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Debra Rumble

A photo of Debra Rumble

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday September 11, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Monday September 10, 2012
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Debra Lee (Kay) Rumble, daughter of the late Margaret (Legue) and Andrew Kay passed away peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family on Friday September 7, 2012. Deb married her best friend John Rumble on November 16, 1979 and they were blessed with three children; Jeff Rumble & Michelle Seller of Chatham, Amanda Rumble & Jason Scott of Charing Cross and their infant daughter Deb who was born sleeping. They are also proud of their grandchildren Ryan Seller, Mitchell Rumble, Morgan Scott and Ashton Scott as well as their great grandchildren Lane Seller who passed away on May 27, 2012 and Kadense Seller. Deb was predeceased by her brother Dennis and will be fondly remembered by her sister in law Gwen Kay of Chatham, Barb & Doug McTavish of Chatham and Bob & Deb Wardle of Blenheim, by her nieces Megan, Becky and Melissa, by her aunts and uncles and by her best friend Kim Nicholson of Chatham. Friends will remember Deb as a great friend, as a fellow employee of Home Depot in Chatham, for her keen sense of humor and for the many wedding cakes that she made in her lifetime. Mostly, Deb will be remembered as a great wife, mother and grandmother…family meant the most to her. Friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday September 10th from 7 – 9 p.m. to show their support to John, Jeff, Amanda and their families. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Tuesday September 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Eric Skillings officiating. Cremation to follow. Friends wishing to remember Deb with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House or the Cancer Society.

Rose (Richards) Swance

A photo of Rose (Richards) Swance

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Friday September 7, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Thursday September 6, 2012
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Rose Marie (Pepper) (Richards) Swance, much loved wife of Al Swance of Blenheim passed away at Riverview Gardens on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012. Rose was born in Raleigh Township 81 years ago to her late parents Walter & Florence Pepper and worked as a bookkeeper for Town & Country Lumber. She has one sister, Lorna Kay, of Chatham. Rose married her high school sweetheart, Harry Richards, who predeceased her in 1977 and together they had four children; Leroy (Karen) Richards of London, Ronald Richards of Delhi, Janet (Stephen) Ross of Dundas and Deborah (Mike) Degan of London. Their family grew to include grandchildren and great grandchildren Stephanie (Dan) Roberts and their daughter Savannah, Pamela (David) Pridmore, Andrew Ross, Christopher (Stephanie) Ross and their daughter Samantha, Nicholas Ross, Hannah and Olivia Richards. In 1982 Rose married Al Swance and her family grew again to include his children; Gary Swance (Kathy Kohajda) of Kearney, Gregory (Darlene) Swance of Blenheim, Gordon (Monica) Swance of Morpeth as well as Al’s grandchildren and great grandchildren Shalynn Ramsden, Desirée Swance, Brandon Swance, Colin [Nadja) Seney and their daughter Bianca, Jordan Swance and Kelsey Swance. Rose was a former member of Blenheim Kinnettes as well as a Past District Governor and National Convenor. She promoted youth bowling in Blenheim, was a former award winning ladies golfer at the Blenheim Community Golf Course, a member of the Blenheim United Church, and a member of the Blenheim Seniors Centre. She enjoyed playing cards, knitting and dancing, travelling to new places, but nothing surpassed time with her family, especially on Christmas morning. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to Rose’s family. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Friday, September 7th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Bruce Cook officiating. Cremation will follow with a private family interment in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Rose with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society or Cancer Society.

Clara Marie Sullivan

A photo of Clara Marie Sullivan

Service:

St. Anne of the Lakes Church, Erieau
Thursday August 30, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday August 29, 2012
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Parish Prayers will be offered at 7:00 p.m.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother Clara Marie Sullivan who died on August 27, 2012 at Blenheim Community Village after a long fruitful life. She was in her 100th year. Clara was born March 11, 1913 in Pain Court, daughter of the late Alphy King (Roy) and Olivia (Caron). She was the dear wife of Thomas W. Sullivan for nearly 60 years before his death in 1994. They started their life together in Tilbury East Township before moving to the Communication Road (RR 5, Blenheim) and later to RR 3, Blenheim where they farmed for many years. Clara and Thomas were blessed with three children: Betty Ann (Henry) Lister of Windsor, Ronald (JoAnne) and Robert (Beth) both of RR 3, Blenheim.

Clara was proud of, and will be fondly remembered by her 10 grandchildren: Tom (Lori) Lister, Mary Lynn (Mark) Santavy, Gerry (Martha) Sullivan, Karen Sullivan, Michael (Debbie) Sullivan, Ronald (Leanne) Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick (Beth) Sullivan, Christine (Christopher) Chapman and Brian Sullivan. Eighteen Great Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild. She was the oldest child in her family. She is survived by her sister Rita Burke of Chatham; sisters-in-law Irma King of Pain Court, Olive Bradley of Chatham and Irene Sullivan Vella-Zarb of Prairie Siding. She is predeceased by brother Roland (Cecile) King, Gerald King, and sister Pauline (Gerald) Gagner and infant sister, Laurentia, and brothers-in-law Donald Burke, Gerald and Leo Sullivan, Jim Bradley and sister-in-law Mae (Hilliard) Jubenville. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

In their later years Tom and Clara enjoyed many happy winters in Lake Worth, Florida where they made new friends over the years. The church played an important and major role in Clara’s life. She was active and a lifetime member of the Catholic Women’s League in Blenheim and Erieau, working tirelessly on numerous projects. A must part of Clara’s day was saying the Rosary through much of her life. For years Clara helped on the farm and tended to her gardens (she loved flowers) and her household chores.

The family would like to thank the staff at Blenheim Community Village for the tender care over the past 12 years. Mother would often say “this is my home”. The staff made her feel comfortable in “her home”. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Perkin.

Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home Wednesday August 29,2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Prayers will be offered at 7pm. Mass of Christian burial will be in St. Anne of the Lakes Church in Erieau on Thursday August 30, 2012 at 11 am. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be Tom Lister, Gerry Sullivan, Mike Sullivan, Ron Sullivan, Scott Sullivan, Patrick Sullivan and Brian Sullivan. Donations to the Blenheim Food Bank or the St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund would be appreciated.

Terry “Bingo” Fulkerson

A photo of Terry “Bingo” Fulkerson

Visitation:

A Private Family Memorial will take place at a later date.

Theresa Bertha “Terry” Fulkerson passed away at the Blenheim Community Village on Thursday August 23, 2012. Born in Pembroke, daughter of the late Hugh & Anne (Perry) Cameron. Dear Mother of Cam (Nancy), Lawrence (Wendy) and JoAnn Christensen. Lovingly missed by her grandchildren Brad Fulkerson, Michelle Naclerio (Fred), Sean Fulkerson (Diana), Melissa Avery (Gerry), Trisha Bougie (Shane), Parry Christensen (Renee) and Svend Christensen and 14 great grandchildren. Sister of Jimmy, Bobby, Teddy, Susan, Shirley, Joan & Gwen. Terry will be missed by her extended family Mary Ann, Robert, Terry and Jean and will be fondly remembered to many nieces and nephews as “Aunty Bingo”. Special thanks to Dr. Perkin and the staff of the Blenheim Community Village. Cremation has taken place and a Private Family Memorial will take place at a later date.

Wayne Stoehr

A photo of Wayne Stoehr

Wayne Lincoln Stoehr of Blenheim passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Tuesday August 21, 2012. Born in Chatham 61 years ago to his late parents Roland and Anne (Bell) Stoehr, Wayne will be remembered each and every day by his wife of 27 years, Debra (Feduk) Stoehr, by his children Tawnya & Scott Stephens of Charing Cross, Trina & Dave Hrdlicka of B.C. and by his grandchildren Melissa, Jessica and Jordan. He will also be fondly remembered by his family Liz & Murray, Pat & Jim, Byron & Sharron, Jeff & Kim and Greg & Liz as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Wayne worked for many years and was well known in his profession as a licensed mechanic. In his personal life, he appreciated quiet moments. It was his wish that cremation would take place and that a private family service be held at a later date. In keeping with Wayne’s quiet and unselfish ways, his family asks that you remember him by paying it forward…plant a flower, love your neighbour, do a favour and find peace. Should you wish to remember Wayne with a memorial donation, friends are encouraged to consider Bayshore Home Health in Chatham to assist staff with continuing educational opportunities or the O.S.P.C.A. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Marvin David Dowler

A photo of Marvin David Dowler

Service:

St. Michael's Church, Ridgetown
Saturday August 18, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

There will be no Funeral Home visitation.

Marvin David Dowler, much loved husband of Adriana Wilson-Dowler passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday August 7, 2012 at the age of 69 years. Marvin was born on June 5, 1943 to his late parents Bruce and Verna (Amlin) Dowler and worked for 36 years at 3M in London. Marvin loved the outdoors and loved his new life, living back in the country. He is survived by his children Tom & Diane Dowler, Cheryl Naylor, Shannon & Marshal Hemmings, Lianne Dowler & Mike Angeski, Jason & Christie Wilson, Duane & Veronica Wilson and Derek & Megan Wilson, by his grandchildren Lauren, Nathan, Holly, Adam, Charlotte, Julia, Amy, Lilly and Seth, by his siblings Gord & Muriel Dowler, Jim & Margaret Dowler and Sharon & Bill Brock. Marvin will be loved and missed by his family and friends, by many nieces and nephews and also by his new extended family and his neighbours. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley Wright in 2006. Cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, 26 George Street, Ridgetown on Saturday August 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Friends wishing to remember Marvin with a memorial donation are asked to consider a charity of your choice.

Brenda (Dick) Poile

A photo of Brenda (Dick) Poile

Service:

A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held on Wednesday August 8 at the Blenheim Masonic Community Hall from 4 – 8 p.m.

Brenda Lillian (Dick) Poile, much loved wife of Robin Poile passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Thursday August 2 at the age of 61 years. She was born in Chatham, daughter of Naomi Dick and Edsel Dick (Judy). Loving mother of Cory King (Terri) of Sarnia, Shauna Brown (John) of Chatham, Mike King of Woodstock and step mom of Christopher Poile (Yuki) of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Matthew Poile of Waterloo. Proud Grandma of Adrianna, Evan, Elijah, Payton, Bree, Julia, Natalie, Kaydence, Natalia and Mai. Dear sister of Ralph Dick of Blenheim, Darrell Dick (Kathy) of Strathroy, Kevin Dick (Lisa) of Merlin and Brian Dick (Eileen) of High Prairie Alberta. Fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by her older sister Diane as an infant. A celebration of Brenda’s life will be held on Wednesday August 8 at the Blenheim Masonic Community Hall from 4 – 8 p.m. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Terrance Reeks

A photo of Terrance Reeks

Service:

A Memorial Service will be held at Terry's home, 21046 Queen Street, Charing Cross, Ontario on Saturday August 11, 2012 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Terrence “Terry” Reeks Sr. passed away peacefully with his family at his side on August 1st, 2012 at CKHA at the age of 77. Born in Yorkshire, England and survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Doreen, devoted father of Lorraine Wildash, late son Terrence Jr., Tony Reed, Dawn Reeks and Gary Reeks. Sadly missed by his 7 grandchildren and his 3 great grandchildren, brother Paul Reeks and sister Sheila Barker, both of Chatham.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Avril MacDonald and to all of the nursing staff and support workers on Med “C” at CKHA for your compassion that you showed our family and father at this time of sorrow.

Also, a special thank you to Gary and Jean Schnekberger for their continued support and friendship to our family throughout the years.

Terry’s last wish was that he could make it home one last time. That wish will be honoured on Saturday August 11th 2012. The family will be holding a memorial service at 21046 Queen Street, Charing Cross, Ontario from 1 – 4 p.m. for anyone that would like to pay their respects to Terry and his family. Family and home meant everything to him and that’s where he will always be remembered at. The family has requested no flowers or plants, just precious memories.

Harland Drury

A photo of Harland Drury

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Wednesday July 18, 2012
11:00 a.m.

Visitation:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Tuesday July 17, 2012
2:00 - 4:00 & 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

The family of Harland Drury is sad to announce his passing. Harley passed away July 12, 2012 at the home he was born in on January 18, 1923 at RR5 Blenheim. Harley and his late wife Jean (Embury 2006) farmed there and raised four surviving children; Christine Ryckman of RR5 Blenheim, Sue & Bob Segeren of Windsor, Terri & Lorne Fryer of RR2 Blenheim and Ken of RR5 Blenheim. Harley is also survived by his only sister Evelyn Edmonds of Ridgetown and sister in law Joan Drury of Blenheim. Predeceasing Harley are his parents George and Florence Drury, brother Leonard Drury, brother in law Glenn Edmonds and grandson Dustin Drury. Harley was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation is at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street Blenheim from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday July 17, 2012. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday July 18, 2012 at 11 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be grandsons Tony Segeren, Jeremy Segeren, Eric Fryer, Nick Fryer, Tyler Drury and Rob Milne. Flower bearers will include granddaughters Daffny Milne, Ann Rotschenk, Emily Segeren, Amanda Fryer, Kelsey Fryer and Lizzi Fryer. Friends wishing to remember Harley with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Association or the Cancer Society.