Ira James Macumber of R.R.# 2 Merlin passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday February 9, 2011 at the age of 72 years. He is survived by his loving wife Carol Johnston and by his children Verna & Phillip Brown of Alberta, Susan & Tom McCormick of Alberta, Doreen & Randy Mueller of Alberta, Ira & Jan Macumber of Alberta, Robert & Kim Macumber of Alberta and Kathy & Charlie McCuley of Alberta as well as 23 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Ira who was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren in Ontario will also be missed by his extended family Callie, Dan, Hayley and Hannah Russell of St. Catherines, Krystle, Logan and Brayden Pinsonneault of London and. Ira was a truck driver by trade and in his lifetime he was able to see much of Canada and the United States. He held a special place in his heart for animals and would often bring strays home with him. Ira loved to race his stock car at the Buxton Raceway a number of years ago and later became a huge NASCAR fan…life was good when Jimmy Johnson was at the wheel. In keeping with Ira’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no Funeral Home visitation or Funeral Service. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

Sharon Marlene Faflak, nee Attewell passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance with family members by her side after a lengthy battle with Cancer. Sharon was 64 years old. Born in Blenheim, she was the daughter of Thomas Attewell and Helen Huffman who are predeceased. Sharon was predeceased by her husband and best friend George Faflak in 1997. Mona, as she was known to so many friends and acquaintances will be sadly missed by her only son Jeff, his wife Julie and their two sons Robbie and Adam who referred to their Grandma as Grammona. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters Bud & Janice Attewell, Nancy (Attewell) and the late Bruce McCorkell, Thomas Jr & Gail Attewell, Beverly (Attewell) & Ron O’Phee, Rosemary (Attewell) & Brock Robinson as well as Sandra (Attewell) & Robert Gardiner. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Sharon was a wonderful mom, sister, grandmother and friend to so many. She was employed at the Henderson Shoe Store in Blenheim many years ago. Once leaving there she became involved in the Blenheim Golf Club as a cook and kitchen manager and then relaxed to the janitorial department over the last couple of years. Between the Blenheim Golf Club and the Branch 185 Royal Canadian Legion Sharon enjoyed a multitude of wonderful friends. Out of respect for Sharon’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. Sharon’s families would like to invite you to a celebration of her life at the Blenheim Community Golf Club on Saturday February 5^th beginning at 1:00 p.m. to share with them the wonderful and fond memories that she blessed upon us all. Donations in Sharon’s honour can be made to the Chatham OSPCA or the Blenheim Junior Golf Club.

It is with heavy hearts that we say good-bye to our dear mom, Alida Vercouteren (Pijpers). Born in Haarlemmermeer, Netherland on July 24, 1922 to the late Cornelis and Catharina (Mesman) Pijpers. She was predeceased by her husband Theodore Vercouteren in 1983 and her son Alfred in 1968. Survived by her four children; Frank & Theresa Vercouteren, Marie Harrison, Theodore & Mary Ellen (Drury) Vercouteren and Alida & Ronald Jacobs, by seven grandchildren; Janet Fulkerson & Richard Doan, Michael & Tammy Vercouteren, Nelson Harrison, Peter & Hélène Vercouteren, Paul & Lori Vercouteren, Jeff & Kristy Jacobs and Jason & Lisa Jacobs and by sixteen great-grandchildren; Tanner, Meghan, Erica, Amanda, Kyle, Emile, Alec, Marie-Josée, Abbygale, Brent, Cassandra, Danielle, Gillian, Nathan, Parker and Cody. She is also survived by four sisters and one brother in the Netherlands and many nieces and nephews. Alida was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church and a lifelong member of the CWL. Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life and Holy Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday February 4, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. Private Family Burial of the Urn at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Palliative Care Program of VON or Bayshore Nursing, or to the St. Mary’s Hall Building Fund.

Agnes Irene (Gander) Hurrell passed away on Saturday January 22, 2011 at the age of 95 years. Born in Kent Centre, the daughter of James and Annie (Holden) Gander, Agnes and her husband Ernie were able to share over 50 years of marriage before Ernie passed away on February 14, 1993. Agnes was very proud of her daughters Janice & Warren “Bud” Attewell and Margaret & Harvey Jenner, her grandchildren Lee & Jenny Attewell, Terry & Brenda Attewell, Tanya & Al Meredith and Mike & Tracey Jenner and her great grandchildren Vanessa & Peter Cowan, Valerie Attewell, Veronica Attewell, Jordan Attewell, Joel Attewell, Ryan Jenner, Whitney Jenner and Chase Meredith. The last surviving member of her own family, Agnes was predeceased by her sisters Lily, Katie and Annie and by her brothers Jim, George, Bill, Jesse, Harry and Jack. Agnes’ second family was her church family and she will be missed by everyone at the Charing Cross United Church where she was affectionately known as the “Gravy Lady” as that was her responsibility for the countless church dinners she helped with. She also served on the Social Committee and baked for any function that she was able to. In her spare time when she wasn’t quilting, she would bake goodies to have on hand to send home with friends. Agnes was especially well known for her carrot cake and for the hundreds of banana muffins that she would send over the years with the group of hunters on their trek to Manitoulin Island. For those muffins, she became known as the “Muffin Lady”. Agnes worked for a time as a waitress in Charing Cross. She knew and loved everyone and the combination of her outgoing nature and her age earned her the title of “Unofficial Mayor of Charing Cross”. Finally when one of her grandson’s had difficulty pronouncing Grandma and it came out “Gump”, Agnes was given her most endearing name in life…she became “Gump” to everyone…the kind and caring soul who consistently put the needs of others before her own. Visitation for Agnes will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday January 28, 2011 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Charing Cross United Church on Saturday January 29, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Margaret Trapnell officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Acting as pallbearers will be Lee Attewell, Terry Attewell, Mike Jenner, Ryan Jenner, Jordan Attewell and Joel Attewell. Flower Bearers will include Tanya & Al Meredith, Tracey Jenner, Jenny Attewell and Brenda Attewell. Friends wishing to remember Agnes with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Charing Cross United Church General Fund.

Roger Allen Henry Stoner passed away in London on Friday December 31, 2010 at the age of 69 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years Fern (Straight) Stoner and by his children Brad Stoner & Mike Roy of London, Dennis Stoner of Edmonton, Bonni & Matthew Gaudette of Tecumseh, Jennifer & Anthony Huys of Florence and Jason & Ardelle Stoner of Blenheim. Roger was blessed in life with twelve grandchildren; Erin Gaudette, Alex Gaudette, Nathan Huys, Grayce Huys, Andrew Huys, Katherine Huys, Steven Huys, Austin Young, Sidney Stoner, Quinn Stoner, Tanya Stoner and D.J. Fields as well as four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Arlene (Stoner) Majek and Dianne (Stoner) & Jerry Roelofs. He was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth Frances (Miller) (1977) & Frederick W Stoner (1973), by his sister Doreen (Stoner) Newby (2003) and by his brother Ken Stoner (2000). Roger will long be remembered as the owner of the Mull Body Shop to which he and his family dedicated over 45 years of their lives. Roger was a kind and caring gentleman who treated people with fairness and respect. He loved watching horse races and eventually came to share that passion with his very good friend Vic Cross when they purchased a horse of their own. Roger enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino and he was an avid supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays. Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for visitation on Monday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service for Roger will be held in the Ridge Community Church on Tuesday January 4, 2011 at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery where Roger will be laid to rest beside his best friend and brother Ken. Following the interment, friends are invited back to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home for a time of fellowship and lunch. Friends wishing to remember Roger with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ridge Community Church, the Ridge UCW or the Cancer Society.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving wife and mother Mary Lou Verhart on December 26, 2010. Mom was born 63 years ago, just three months after her late parents Angela and Joseph deVrieze landed in Canada. She married her best friend and our dad Bill Verhart, a journey that would last over 43 years and together they raised their four girls; Deb Verhart of Blenheim, Sue Verhart of Chatham, Cheryl & Tom Hohbaum of Kitchener and Brenda & Warren Rumble of Blenheim. We were more than just daughters to our Mom; we were an extension of her. She was our biological and emotional road map. Wherever we were, she was too, either quietly with us in thought or in the passenger seat of our cars. She cared for our children. When we were in school, Mom got involved in the Parent Teacher Association and even became a Trustee for the Kent County Roman Catholic School Board. She supported us in Figure Skating, in bowling and in all of our endeavours. In return we faithfully stood by her during these past five weeks and we were with her when it was time to say goodbye. Mom and Dad were also blessed with four grandchildren Paul, Gabriella, Curtis and Zoë who they love dearly and who love them back. Mom was also a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Church CWL. She will be missed by her sisters Margie & Bert Derikx and Betty & Bruce Aitken as well as her brothers in law and sisters in law Adelaide & John Vercouteren, Pete & Doreen Verhart, Nelly & Clay Reedhead, Henny & Leonard Casier, Jane Verhart and Leo & Pat Verhart as well as several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Mary Lou was also predeceased by her sister in law Anna VanWissen and her mother in law, Anna and her father in law Peter. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. with CWL prayers being held at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Mary Lou will be held in St. Mary’s Church, on Thursday December 30, 2010 at 10 a.m. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Friends wishing to remember Mary Lou with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Foundation.

As the dawn began to scatter our dreams away this morning and snowflakes gently fell around us, our daughter Sydney was released from her pain. Born on May 1, 2004 Sydney Beatrice Davis-Jones was a beautiful, inquisitive and determined little girl who loved life despite the challenges of her journey with a brain tumour. She attended Ridge KIDS daycare and Ridgeview Moravian Public School. Her favourite colour was purple. Her favourite Moms were Chantelle Davis and Gayle Jones and her favourite brother of course was Sawyer. She will be missed by her Aunts Corinne & Tim Ellis of Merlin, Cheryl Davis & Sean Colebrook of Merlin, Carol & Rob Weston of Courtwright, by her Uncles Dave & Bren Jones of Sarnia, Ed & Maria Jones of Melbrook and by her Grandparents Brent & Sandy Davis of Chatham, Bea & Bob Troy of Merlin and Edna & Ron Sim of Sarnia and cousins. Sydney was predeceased by her Aunt Crystal Davis and by her Grandpa Lorne Jones. Sydney’s family invite family and friends to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim for visitation on Monday, December 27 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 28 from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. Cremation will follow and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Rudy H. Brown Rural Development Centre at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus on Saturday, January 8, 2011 starting at 1:00 p.m. In celebration of Sydney, the family asks that Sydney’s colour of purple be worn. It is our wish to create a Memorial Garden for Sydney at the Ridgview Moravian School. Friends wishing to remember Sydney with a memorial donation may consider this wish or Childcan (The Childhood Cancer Research Association).

Larry Lucier of Chatham died suddenly on Wednesday December 15, 2010 at the age of 67. He will be sadly missed by his wife Christena. Father to Lori, Jeff, Mike and Nick. Grandfather to Tiffany, Maddi, Spencer, Benjamin, Alex and Maeve. Predeceased by his granddaughter Jorja. Larry is survived by his siblings Butch, Lenny, Rick, Lorraine and Jeannie. In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday December 18, 2010 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Friends wishing to remember Larry with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Cancer Society or the O.S.P.C.A.

Neeland Thomas Rumble passed away on Tuesday December 14, 2010 at the age of 41. Neeland is the much loved son of Fred and Sondra (Smith) Rumble of Blenheim. He is survived by his only brother Warren & Brenda Rumble and by his favourite nephew Curtis and favourite niece Zoe Rumble of Blenheim. Curtis and Zoe were the “apples of Neeland’s eye” and he spoiled them every chance he had. Neeland was one of the first members of the Beavers Scouts in Blenheim and he lived his life by the morals that he learned there. He was trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty and brave. Neeland graduated from B.D.H.S. and in keeping with his love of math and statistics, he pursued an education in Accounting and Business Administration. He was a strong supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Neeland was a faithful employee of Securitas and was on his way to work at the Solar Farm near Ridgetown when he passed away. Neeland’s family invite everyone for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday December 18, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Cremation will take place with a family interment at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Neeland with a charitable donation are asked to consider the Diabetes Association, Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Talbot Trail Place (through the Blenheim Rotary Club).

Berta (Lemken) Eskritt of Ridgetown passed away at the Village Retirement Residence on Saturday December 4, 2010. Berta was born in Germany 73 years ago to her late parents Maria (Blesken) and Karl Lemken. It was in Germany where she met and married a young Canadian soldier named Daniel Eskritt and they moved to Canada in 1963. Berta and Dan raised three children Michael Eskritt of Merlin, Erik & Tammy Eskritt of Blenheim and Jason Eskritt of Ridgetown. Berta and Dan are the proud grandparents of Dawn, Jennifer, Kristin, Kyle and Samantha and great grandparents of Jacob, Arron and Anna Rose. Family was very important to Berta and in her spare time she loved to tend to her flowers and visit friends at Pinnells Pastries when she was able. In keeping with Berta’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to remember Berta with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation.