James Scott Allely, loved husband of Cathy (Henderson) Allely passed away on Thursday December 8, 2022 at the age of 70 years.  He was the proud Dad of Jennifer Goodison, Jaimie & Terry Amerlinck, Jason & Julie Allely and the late JoLynn Deprez who passed away on November 28, 2021 (survived by Chris).  He was the super proud Papa of Suprina (Brad) Bartlett, Krystal Goodison, Tyler (Samantha) Goodison, Chelsea (Brad) Goodison, Dallas Goodison, Brooke (Dash) Goodison, JJ Allely, Jaden Caron, Jase Caron and Winnie Deprez and great-papa of Charlotte, Gwendolynn, Miley, Tyrese, Kassia, Tyzon, Owen, Logan and Alyssa.  He was predeceased by his son-in-law Ken Goodison in 2017 and by his parents James & Jane (Krieger) Allely.

Jim started his working career at Southwestern Regional Centre followed by Motor Wheel in Chatham and finally the Chatham Retirement Resort for a number of years before his retirement.  He was a diehard fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and an avid wrestling fan but would give both of those things up to spend movie night with his grandchildren.  He and Cathy celebrated their 50^th anniversary this past October.

Jim’s family will remember him privately.  Those wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider supporting the JoLynn Deprez Athletic Fund (administered through the Chatham Kent Community Foundation) to help children become involved with sports.

Merv Rooke of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday December 6, 2022, at the age of 94 years. He was predeceased by his wife Helen (Griffith) in 2008. Merv is survived by his sons John Rooke (Susan), Bradley Rooke and David Rooke, his grandchildren David, Josh, Dakota and Dillon, his sister Elaine Holmes (late Glen) and his brother Al Rooke (Fay). He was predeceased by his parents Harry & Freda (Turner) Rooke and his granddaughter Kayla. His working years were spent between H.L. Turner in Blenheim and working alongside of Henry Fryer sanding hardwood floors and painting. He had a keen interest in cadets and obtained his pilot’s license when he was a young man. He was a volunteer fire-fighter in Blenheim, a long-time member of the Blenheim United Church and enjoyed meeting up with friends for social time at Tim Hortons when he was able.

Merv’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Randy Morton for being such a good friend to Dad over the years and to the staff of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, 4^th floor Medicine B for the kindness shown to Dad in his final days.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service for Merv will be held in Evergreen Cemetery on December 22 at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Those wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation since it was one of his favourite charities or a charity of your choice.

Mary Anne (Horak) Stonehouse passed away on Sunday December 4, 2022.  She is survived by her husband and best friend Hugh Stonehouse, her son Craig Horak, his wife Amanda and her grandchildren Connor and Casey who she loved beyond measure.  Mary Anne was one of four children born to the late Frank & Mary (O’Connor) Horak and is survived by her sister Carolyn & Russ Johnston (Cole and Kendra) and her brother Francis Horak.  She was predeceased by her sister Theresa and her husband Randy Dauphin.  After 30 years of being together, Hugh finally proposed to Mary Anne and they married in 2016.  Her family grew to include his children Hugh Jr, Karen, Jeff & Lisa, and grandchildren Olivia, Morgan, Isaac, Brady, Abby and Brett.  They all became a big hockey family and she was in the process of making her own hockey wall of fame in the living room with everybody’s pictures.

Mary Anne lived life to the fullest.  She was fun, full of energy and celebrated every holiday and birthday there was with family and friends.  She loved a good party, especially if it had a theme and she could have made millions being a spokesperson for flip-flop companies because in her world, that was the only footwear needed.   She was probably the most organized person in Blenheim, having meals prepared and in the freezer “just in case” and having the cottage and trailer rentals booked for the annual vacations a year in advance.

She retired after many years from the Southwestern Regional Centre and will be missed by her second family there.  Being frugal and with a zest for life, she often worked two jobs having been employed at the Beer Store, St. Francis Advocates in Charing Cross.  For the past six years she was a valued staff member of the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.

Visitation for Mary Anne will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday December 7, 2022 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.  If it’s a nice day, wear flip-flops!  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Friends wishing to remember her with a memorial donation are asked to consider
ALL for Kids, a local organization that helps kids with costs to play sports or the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Betty Ann Howe announces her peaceful passing on Saturday December 3, 2022 at the age of 78 years.

Betty Ann will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Bob; her children Mark (Vicki), Donald (Betty-Anne), Michael and her four legged son Benji, by her grandchildren Dennis, Wendy (Jared), and Paulie (Al), great grandchildren Joan, Bryce, Braydon, Grace and Crystal and her great-great grandchildren Amaya and Nevaeh.  Loving sister to Larry (Brenda).  Predeceased by her brothers Charlie (Thelma), David (Mary-Ann) and Bobby.  Loving sister-in-law to Diane (Bill), Mary-Lou (Henry) and Larry.  She was an aunt to many nieces and nephews and a dear friend to Suzanne Howe.

Family always came first.  When everyone was together you would find Betty Ann in the kitchen cooking.  Regardless of where she went, she would always find her way to the kitchen and be in her element.  She loved her time as a Nursery Teacher and Primary Teacher at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The family will receive visitors on Friday December 9^th at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday December 10^th at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 23 Detroit Street, Chatham Ontario.

The family wishes to send a special thankyou to the staff at the Windsor Metropolitan Hospital for their care and compassion.

It is with great sadness that the family of Steven “Bobby” Barton share the news of his passing.  Lost to us on December 2, 2022, his life will touch our spirits for eternity.  

Steven is survived by the love of his life Anna Wallace who enlightened the final chapter of his life and for which we will be forever grateful.  Steven will be missed dearly by his loving parents, Scott and Kellie Barton, his siblings Adam Barton (Jessica) and Danielle (Shawn) Innes; and his nieces and nephews-Ella-Belle, Alex, Logan and Abbigale.

Bobby had a love of computers and airplanes, including flying them on his simulator.  He also loved photography, flying his drone and playing with his RC cars.  He loved of all kinds of music, especially Dave Matthews.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors that gave Steven the best chance throughout his life;  Dr Moc Dock Li, Dr Gary Tithecott and Dr Raphael Alonzo.  They would also like to thank anyone who donated to the gofundme during the last seven months.

Despite his health battles throughout his life, he has always remained positive and strong with a lust for life.  The family asks that you consider electing to donate your organs on your driver’s licence.

If you would like to make a donation in Steven’s memory he requested the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday December 6, 2022 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday December 7, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. which will be followed by a time of reflection and sharing of memories which will be live streamed by clicking the following link:https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=65e15c93-a7d9-4dbc-80be-72dd9bdfcb1c

It is with heavy hearts we share that Kevin Tye (Kev) has gone home to join his late sister, Deb Tye (2020) and his father Jim Tye (2022) at the horse barn in the sky at the age of 60.

Kev’s favourite passion in life was all things horses.  His father Jim taught him everything he knew, and Kev carried on his legacy and passion up until his passing.  Kev was a man of few words but enjoyed everything about his family and friends.  He grew up in Mull, Ontario just outside of Blenheim and later moved to Ridgetown where he lived most of his life.  He was the eldest son of Mary Lou Tye (nee Busteed) and the late Jim Tye, and grandson to the late Mildred and Bill Tye.

Kev is survived by and will be forever missed by his mother Mary Lou, his two brothers Dave and Tom (Crystal), many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.   He was a dear uncle and “Uncle Kev” to Karlee and Joel, and his great nephew Lincoln.  Kev will also be dearly missed by his best friend Darell who you would often find him with at the horse barn in Dresden.  He was also an avid hockey fan and always made sure he had tim to watch the Maple Leaf’s game.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Kev is now at peace and is resting eternally with his sister Deb, his father Jim and his infant sister who passed away at birth.

For those wishing to remember Kev with a memorial donation, the family asks that you consider the Ronald McDonald House – Southwestern Ontario or the Chatham Kent Health Alliance Mental Health Foundation.

William Angus “Bill” Johnson passed away peacefully on November 24, 2022, in his 86^th year.  Predeceased by his parents, William “Bill” and Myrtle Johnson; and, his first wife, Rebecca “Becky” Johnson (nee Coulter).  He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Jane Johnson (nee Willard); his children, Fraser (Joan) Johnson, Charles (Maureen) Johnson, James Johnson and Jackie (Denis) Lassaline; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild; as well as brothers-in-law John (Margo) Willard and Robert (Irene) Willard.  Born in Chatham, Bill ran the family insurance business, W.F. Johnson Limited, retiring to spend time travelling and pursuing his many interests, including boating, woodworking, gardening and model trains.  Bill we be remembered by his family and friends for his authentic personality, warm sense of humour, and outgoing nature.  The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Dixon and the staff at Riverview Gardens for their compassion and wonderful care given to Bill during his residency.

In accordance with Bill’s wishes, a private family service will be held with interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating the Alzheimers Society of Chatham-Kent https://alzheimer.ca/chathamkent/en/take-action/donate

Ed Randall, much loved father, brother, nephew, uncle and cousin suddenly passed away at home on Monday November 21, 2022.  Eddie was born 47 years ago to the late Linda Breese and the late George Randall.  He is survived by his wife Amanda and their children Kaitlynn, Dylan, Ella and Alexa.  Ed was also a very proud grandfather thanks to Kaitlynn blessing him with James.

Ed will be deeply missed by his brothers George (Chantel) and Tim (Missy) Randall.  He will always be remembered by aunts, uncles nieces, nephews and many cousins.

If you knew Eddie like we did, you would know that he always loved to have a great time!!!  Eddie had a heart of gold and would have done anything for anyone.  If you ever had the pleasure to be with Ed, you would never have walked away empty handed, be it a small trinket that he found at a yard sale or a whole box of nick-nacks.  Eddie was always finding some sort of treasure that he wanted to share.

Most importantly, Ed loved his family and always stayed in touch.  He loved backyard bbq’s, cooking for any family function, had a passion for wrestling and music and he looked forward to his drive to work every morning with Tim.

He worked at NuCo Plastics for five years and shared many, many stories to anyone who would listen.  He absolutely loved his job, even with the rollercoaster of emotions he got from it.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday December 11, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 with words of remembrance being shared at 3:45.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Ed are asked to consider the CKHA Mental Health and Addictions.

Rhonda Anne Deming, loving Mom of Giavonni, Nicholas and Jordan, and grandmother of Octavia passed away at home on Friday November 18, 2022.  She was the daughter of Elsie & Robert Hunter and the late Tom Green, the sister of April Deming, Dan Green and Kim Olson (Ryan Szucs), and aunt of Cooper and Charlie.  She was born in Alberta 43 years ago but made Blenheim her home for the last ten years.

To lose a child, to lose a mother and to lose a sister at such a young age is never the way life is supposed to be.  Rhonda had so many dreams and aspirations of the places she wanted to see and the things she wanted do.  She was a determined person whose family supported her and loved her unconditionally.  She will be missed.

At this time, Rhonda’s family will remember her quietly but will celebrate her life and her love in the springtime.  If you were a friend, remember Rhonda by doing a good deed.  Be a true friend, a good listener and source of strength to someone who is struggling.  Never look down at someone unless you are offering your hand to help them up.  Be kind, and live life to the fullest.

Ruth McDougall of Blenheim passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday November 1, 2022.  She leaves to mourn her husband of 62 years Hugh, her children Chris McDougall (Dorothy Verkaik), Catherine Van Hyfte (Brian) also dearly missed by daughter-in-law Colleen McDougall; and her grandchildren Kristen Van Hyfte, Clayton Van Hyfte, Hannah McDougall and Jillian McDougall as well as her sisters Dorothy Arner (Douglas), Muriel Armstrong (late Howard) and her nieces and nephews.

Ruth was born 83 years ago to the late Nelson & Mavis (Hope) Armstrong and was raised in the Merlin area.  As a child, she shared a special bond with her grandmother who she credited as having a strong spiritual guidance.  Maybe it was her grandmother’s influence that created such a kind and caring heart, or maybe it was there right from the start, but it wouldn’t have surprised anyone when Ruth set her sights on becoming a Registered Nurse, a career that would allow her to help people.  Following her graduation from the Public General Hospital School of Nursing in 1961, she worked for a time at the Golden Acres Nursing Home in Guilds.  From 1981 – 2003 she held the position of Administrator at the Blenheim Community Village.  For two years of that time, she also oversaw the operations at the Village on the Ridge in Ridgetown.  When she retired, she volunteered at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for another seventeen years, because she wanted to continue making a difference in the world.  One of her favourite quotes came from the bible: 1 Peter 4:10 which she paraphrased “Use your God given talents to serve one another”.  She was a true example of that.

Ruth appreciated the beauty of the world and the miracle of life.  She loved her family and her friends, especially her long-time childhood friend Joy King.  She was proud of the life that she shared with Hugh and she was proud of her children and grandchildren, wishing them only the best.

A Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday November 19, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00 at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home.  Words of remembrance will be shared at 3:00 p.m.  Family and friends wishing to remember Ruth with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Baptist Church where she was a member for many years.

In the words of her favourite Johnny Reid song…”May the sun shine on your shoulders, may luck and love be your friends, for now, always, forever, ‘til we meet again”.

To view a video tribute of Ruth’s life, click on this link:  https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/9C94D6PPHLHMPZZZ