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

Betty Jean Falconer sadly passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on November 1, 2022 at the age of 76.  Betty was the daughter of the late Albert (Wally) And Esme (Gladys) Legue (nee Garlick).  She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd Falconer (2010).  Loving mother to Lisa Mallory and Chris Brown (Lacey Laprise).  Dearly missed by her grandchildren Dylan, Bailey, Nolan, Zac, Nic, Paige, Alyssa and Thomas as well as many nieces and nephews.  Sister-in-law to Horace Brown and predeceased by sisters Barb, Peggy, Maureen, Daisy and Shirley.

Betty will be remembered for her love of her family, being an avid bowler and playing cards at the Senior Centre.  She also enjoyed going to horse shows with her late husband Lloyd.

Betty always worked hard, but particularly enjoyed working as a cook at the Sunrise Café for many years with her sister.  The two of them enjoyed baking the Christmas pies and treats for their beloved customers.  She always had a story to tell about one of her favourite customers.  They all had a special place with her.

Visitation will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley St in Blenheim on Thursday November 3, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  An interment in Evergreen Cemetery will be held after a private family service.  Donations to The Jumpstart Program or the Chatham-Kent Hospice would be appreciated.

Penny McCullough of Blenheim passed away on Wednesday October 26, 2022 at the age of 79 years.  She was predeceased by her husband and best friend Ken McCullough in 2016.

Penny was a person of strength and determination who was dedicated to making the world a better place; a value that she also instilled in her children Bobbi-Jo Ferren (Stu), Jacques McCullough (Jennifer) and the late Daniel McCullough.  She was a kind and loving grandmother to Addison, Drew, Kyle, Gavin, Jacqueline,  Patrick and Tyler, and an honourary grandmother to Dan, Zackary and Anna who emigrated to Canada from the Ukraine.  Being a grandmother was the most rewarding part of Penny’s life.  She also enjoyed times spent with her grand-dogs.  She was an advocate and a friend, offering a hand up to those in need and a stable presence to anyone facing uncertain times in their lives.

Penny began her career in a predominately male workforce at Navistar in Chatham, paving the way for other women to join the force.  She was a pioneer in introducing Ringette to ice rinks in Chatham and she was the developer of the Best Learn to Skate Program; still holding many positions in the organizations to this day.  In the summertime, she spent her energy improving the quality of life for her friends and fellow campers at Wildwood Campground in Morpeth.  She will be forever missed by “the girls” there, who she enjoyed daily phone calls, visits and outings with.

Penny was one of four children born to the late Sarah Young and is survived by her sister Sandra Ferguson (Kinnon).  She was predeceased by her brothers Bob (survived by Ruth) and Kirk (survived by Yvonne).  She was a favourite aunt to many nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Dr. Kate Bailey for the never-ending love and support shown to our mom over the years.

Family and friends are invited to an Open House at the Golden Acres Curling Club on Saturday November 12, 2022 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. to remember a life well lived.  Those wishing to remember Penny with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Senior Centre.

Jack Pickering of McKays Corners passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Friday October 21, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy (Stewart) Pickering, as well as his children Donna (Wayne) Rumble, Jackie, Julie, Derek (Sara); Debbie Vandenhende (Brian Campbell), Alyssa (Dylan)Dietrich and Kendra (Brennon); John (Carmon) Pickering, Austin, Carter, and Everett; and Denise (Steve) Ladd, McKenna and Grayson and by two great-grandsons Warren and Nathan Rumble. He was born 82 years ago to the late Gordon & Lena (Osborne) Pickering and is survived by his sister Anne Duffy (Jim). He was predeceased by his brother Don (Beth).

Dad lived his life by enjoying the little things. He became a farmer at an early age and remained actively involved until the end. He graduated top of his class from the Agricultural College in 1957. Dad swept Mom off her feet at a ball game in Cedar Springs. They shared a pop that night in 1958 and shared their last one together on October 21, 2022.

Dad’s love of sports, especially baseball, was evident throughout his life. He started playing with the Junior Farmers and ended with the infamous Diehards team. “Lightning” was an exceptional infielder, catcher, hitter, and team mate.

Dad always made time for a nap and enjoyed dessert. He didn’t have to raise his voice -the silent stare spoke volumes to all of us (though we never saw it often). Dad always made time for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and all their extra-curricular activities. We are sure many of you can remember seeing Dad and Mom at many arenas, ballparks, gymnasiums, or soccer fields.

Dad always lived by the motto, “Hard work will always be rewarded.” We feel truly blessed. He will be missed.

It was Jack’s wish for his family to remember him privately. A funeral service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Jack and his family will always be grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to him by the third floor staff of the CKHA and the Chatham Kent Hospice. Friends wishing to remember Jack are welcome to make a memorial donation to one of these organizations.

To view the video tribute for Jack, click on this link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/X5JJLZ8B5F4RWSD3

It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Hewak announces his passing at the age of 88, on October 22, 2022.  He is survived by his children; Marianne and Bob Coatsworth, Honey Lea and Brad Flook, Paul Hewak, Charlotte and Dave Vynckier, Adam Hewak, Sarah Gordon, Shawn and Chris Hewak, and daughter in law Tammy Holdaway.  Predeceased by his son Tom (2018) and infant son Timothy (1962), his former wife Mary Whittington, and his partner Charmaine Gawne.  Also predeceased by his parents Andrew and Pauline Hewak and his brother Harry.

His legacy of grandchildren includes Jacob, Joe, Zach, Jordan, Laurel, Corbin, Daymin, Atlanta, Olivia, Nash, Amanda, Coral, Bailey, along with his step grandchildren Jessica, Lindsey, Alicia, Tyler, Courtney and Nicholas as well as 14 great grandchildren.

Remembered by his sisters and brothers Violet Hoffman, Mike Hewak (Donna), Linda Hawkins (Paul), Helen Chandler (Wayne), and Andy Hewak.

Dad grew up in Ridgetown on the family farm. His teen years showed his love of old, fast cars.  He settled in Blenheim and raised a family of nine children while working for Harwich Township and also Standard Tube, until his retirement.

Dad was a collector of sorts, always looking for that great find. He enjoyed the outdoors and trailer camping and had a passion for gardening-he could grow anything.  He loved old movies, Elvis, his tickets (chasing that windfall again), and a good homecooked meal of cabbage rolls and perogies.  He will be forever missed.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday for visitation from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday October 25, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

William Birse Scott, 77 of Blenheim passed away on October 9, 2022 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  Bill was born to the late Art & Nancy (Boyd) Scott.  He was married to Ruth (McMillan) for 54 years.  He is survived by his sister Heather (David) Gaze of British Columbia, his sister-in-law Jean Phillips and his niece Donna Phillips.  He was predeceased by his sister Janet Scott.

Bill retired from the Ontario Provincial Police force after 25 years.  He was stationed in the Petrolia, Blenheim and Chatham detachments.  He served on the R.I.D.E. team as well as being a Community Service Officer.  Bill had a life long passion for antique vehicles.  He spent time working on his own car collection and was happy to meet people at various car shows.  He had been on the committee for the Blenheim Car Show and was a long-time member of the Antique and Classic Car Club of Canada.  He had been active with the local Blenheim Bombers Air Cadets as well as the Chatham-Kent Council, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Association and the Chatham-Kent Museum Board.  He also served on the Board of Directors for the Legion Villa in Blenheim.

Friends are invited to a time of visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Friday October 14 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  and again, on Saturday October 15, 2022 from 10:00 – 11:00 when a funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Bill Terris.  Interment will take place at a later date in Gosnell Cemetery.

Those wishing to remember Bill with a charitable donation are asked to consider a charity that is meaningful to themselves.

Marsha Denise Shelp, daughter of the late Everett & Doris (Rumble) Shelp, passed away peacefully at the Village On The Ridge in Ridgetown, Ontario on Saturday October 8, 2022 at the age of 61.  Marsha has joined her twin sister Marie (May 2015).  She will be missed by her older sister Carrie (Ron) Ball, her niece Heather (Cass) Ball, her nephew Bryan (Abbie) Ball and her great nieces & nephew Keira Harder, Riley Harder and Zephyr Ball.  She will be remembered also by her Uncle Keith (Doris) Rumble.

Friends and family will remember Marsha for her quick humour and her love to tease.  A very special thank you to the Village On The Ridge for their loving care shown to Marsha over the past seven years.  A graveside service will be held in Morpeth Cemetery on Sunday October 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

Those wishing to remember Marsha with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association.

A resident of Blenheim, Johnny Kassiotis passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on October 1, 2022 at the age of 54. Born in Leamington Ontario, Johnny was the son of Demetrios and Lucia Kassiotis of Chatham. Loving father to Jimmy Kassiotis (Kendra Purdy) and Nick Kassiotis (Samantha Steel). Grandfather to Hazel and Beau Kassiotis. Brother to Chris Kassiotis (Kimberly Butzer) and Louise Kassiotis (Jim O’Connor). Johnny will be dearly missed by all his family, best friend Stine Toft and all his friends. Johnny had a great love of fishing, wood working, and held a special place in his heart for his grandkids which meant the world to him. Cremation has taken place and the family will be remembering him in private. Donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

A most generous and loving soul has gone too soon.  Deborah Shirley Marriott, born on March 31, 1957 to the late Earl and Irene (Fields) Coll passed away on Thursday September 29, 2022.  She was the dear mother of David (Carrie) Marriott and proud grandmother of Tyler and Owen.  She was predeceased by her daughter Patricia Jean Marriott in 1991 and her “partner in crime” Bert Clark in 2017.  Debbie is survived by her siblings Sandy, Riley, Raymond, Rick (Carol) Coll and Pattie (John) Spacil.  She had much love for her nieces and nephews.  She was also predeceased by her sister Diane Lynn Coll and sister-in-law Diane Margaret Coll.  As per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will take place next Saturday October 8^th.  Anyone wishing to remember Debbie is welcome to make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society https://mssociety.ca/ .

It is with fond memories that we, the family say our final farewell to our Mom.

Jean leaves behind three daughters Pat Getty (late Bob), Donna Clapp Turk (Jack) and Gerri Coates (Ken), her step family Jim Verstraete (Marilyn), Tom Verstraete (Val), Joanne Stoehr Brown and Ursula Verstraete (predeceased by Bill).

She is survived by her brother Bill Parker, sister-in-law Alice Parker and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husbands Earl Dibbley and George Verstraete, her sisters Dorothy Bond, Bessie Turner, Hazel Tanner, and her brothers Harold, Jack, Gordon, Don and Bob Parker.

As per Jeans request, cremation has taken place.  Her family will celebrate her life privately at a later date.

Jean’s family wishes to thank Becky and Jody, her home care nurses.  Special thanks to the staff at the Blenheim Community Village for the excellent care they gave to our Mom in her final days, all of the PSW’s, her Nurse Practitioner and Dr. Perkin.  Special thanks go out to Jenny, Jinny, Laura, Christie, Sarah and Curtis.  Thank you so much for all your support.

Jean Verstaete’s family.

Friends wishing to remember Jean with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Word of Life Church Food Bank.