Lorrie Lea Little (nee Lachine) of Ridgetown, passed away peacefully at CKHA on October 27, 2024 in her 67th year, shortly after celebrating her 47th wedding anniversary to Ronald on October 22nd.

Lorrie was born on August 27, 1958 to the late Leao and Earnestine Lachine in Chatham, Ontario. Predeceased by her brother James Lachine (and Linda), infant sister Cheryl, and brother-in-law Wilfred Harback. Survived by her husband Ronald, son Matthew (and Gaby), daughter Susan, sister Cathy Harback (Greg Bushey), grand-children (Victoria, Claire, Matthew, and Abbi) and many other extended family members (brothers and sisters-in-laws and cousins, predeceased by some).

She was a very active member in her church community, from her early days with the Charing Cross United Church, Glad Tidings Assembly and the last 2 decades with the Gathering Place in Ridgetown. She worked hard at every challenge given to her and provided Sunday school teachings, musical leadership, food preparation and office support whenever asked. She enjoyed laughing at Ron’s punny jokes and watching sentimental movies, even to tears. She could be found singing at long-term care homes, weddings and funerals, and Sunday morning church services. Many thanks to the health care teams at London University Hospital and at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.

Visitation will be held at Blenheim Community Funeral Home, 60 Stanley Street in Blenheim on Sunday November 3, 2024 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Charing Cross United Church at 10:30am Monday November 4, 2024 with internment at Pardoville Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the Charing Cross United Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Gathering Place Building Fund in Ridgetown would be aligned to her dream and vision within the community. Online condolences and memorial donations for the family may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com or on the Gathering Place website at  www.tgpcc.ca

Murray Russchen, much loved husband of Sonja (Hebblethwaite) for 64 years passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Wednesday October 23, 2024. He was born to the late Bill and Margaret (Hamlet) Russchen 85 years ago and was predeceased by his sister Francis Monk (Survived by Les) and Larry Russchen (survived by Ann).

Murray and Sonja are the proud parents of three children: Jeri Russchen, Janet VanDyk (Jim) and Julie Russchen. They were also blessed with six grandchildren: Michelle VanDyk (Rodney Shaw), Phillip Russchen (Kate), Jessica Russchen, Clinton VanDyk (Teresa), Sydira Russchen, and Kira Russchen as well as three great-grandchildren Kurtis Russchen, Claire Shaw and Avalee Russchen.

Murrays main passion in life was his friends and family. He enjoyed many vacations with his young family. Murray enjoyed being a dad and grandpa and made sure there were a lot of adventures and experiences. As a dad he enjoyed travelling with his family in an old school bus he and his son converted into a camper. He also loved hunting with his son and brother. As a grandpa his favourite pastime was being out on Rondeau Bay and on the pontoon boat fishing, swimming, and enjoying adventures with his grandkids. His favourite saying while giving a hug was “Love you all to pieces”.

A private family service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery.

Family and friends wishing to remember Murray with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Margo-Ann Hall of Chatham passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Wednesday October 23, 2024.  Born 77 years ago to the late Roy & Beverley (Burrows) Hall, Margo will be remembered fondly by her sister and brother-in-law Sue & Jim Riegling and by the people she loved spending time with; her roommate Darlene and special Volunteer Shelley Aarssen, her niece and nephews (and great nieces and nephews) James & Kaela Riegling, Sean & Karly Riegling (Sophie and Sadie) Jennifer & Paul Diemer (Marshall, Dillon and  Cole) and Michael Jr & Krystle Hall (Liam and Carson).  She will also be remembered by her aunt Elizabeth Burrows and many cousins.  Margo was predeceased by her brother Michael Roy Hall Sr. in 2022.

Margo lived at Southwestern Regional Centre from 1962 until leaving in 1981.  In 1996 she joined Christian Horizons/Karis Developmental Services.  She enjoyed everything that life gave her; music, laughter but most especially her friends and family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Karis for all the years of care and love.

Cremation will take place and Margo-Ann will be laid to rest with her mother in Victoria Memorial Gardens, Windsor.

Keith Sidney Turner

August 24, 1957 – October 23, 2024

“Life has to end, but love doesn’t.”

How lucky we are to have had someone in our lives who makes saying goodbye so hard.

Our family is heartbroken at the passing of a loving husband and father, Keith Turner, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 23, 2024 at his home in Charing Cross, at the age of 67.

Keith courageously battled a relentless and aggressive cancer that caused irreparable damage before he even knew it existed.

He was the very best friend and loving husband of Linda Turner (Hudson/Hurren), a bond they shared for 35 years.  Together they blended a family of five children, all of whom he loved deeply and was so immensely proud.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his children, Jason (Ricky) Turner of Bracebridge, Adam Hurren (Randi) and Matthew Hurren (Bri), both of London, Michelle (Eric) Shular and Lyndsey Turner, both of Orillia.  As a dad, he gave them each the best gift anyone can give another person…he believed in them.  His guiding hand will remain on their shoulder forever.

He was also blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren who brought his heart so much joy.  “Papa” will be greatly missed by Ethan Hanna, Madelyne, Taya, Avery, Jacob and Sophie.  And Charlie who will greatly miss his “dad’s” morning backrubs.

He will also be missed by his siblings…Ray Turner, Judy Semple (Dean), Pam (Mark) Gray, Janet (Steve) Strength, all of Gravenhurst.

Keith was well known and highly respected in Muskoka for his work in the collision industry.  He operated Turner Auto Body in Bracebridge for more than 30 years before retiring in 2012.   Retirement did not sit well with him so after moving south to Blenheim, he opened Turner Detailing in Ridgetown, retiring again in 2021.  When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed golf, early morning power walks, playing his guitar and spending time with family.

Keith was a man of integrity, who enjoyed the simple life, worked much too hard, was fiercely loyal to his friends and deeply loved and protected his family.  If ever there was a problem that needed to be fixed, he fixed it.  But sadly no matter how hard he fought, he couldn’t fix the cancer.

To honour his wishes, cremation will take place.  His family will be holding a Celebration of Life at a later date and location yet to be determined.

If you wish to express your condolences by donation in his name, contributions to CK Animal Rescue would be greatly appreciated.  Please make cheques payable to:  Chatham Kent Animal Rescue, 270 Inshes Ave, Chatham ON N7M 2Z7 or online at https://ckanimalrescue.com/donate/

We love you…they say grief is the price you pay for love.  You gave us your everything, and now we will carry your wisdom and love in our hearts, forever grateful for the life you shared with us.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Kenneth “Ken” Michael Newton on October 22, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on July 18, 1962, in Hamilton, Ontario, Ken will be forever remembered for his deep love of family, his passion for music, and his compassion for animals.

Ken is survived by his beloved daughters: Mackenzie Hooper (Aaron Hooper), Mikaela Wolsey (Jordan Wolsey), Nicole Snobelen (Andy Simek), and Brittany Peck-Doman (Josh Peck-Doman). He was a proud grandfather to Leona, Reuben, Josiah, Lincoln, Hudson, Drew and Blake, who brought immense joy to his life. Ken will be dearly missed by his life partner, Liane Snobelen, and his father-in-law, Albert Collins.

He was the loving son of Rosalie Carson (Jim Barrett), and cherished brother to Michele Handsor (Blake), Marlene Grineage-Powell, Michael Grineage (Karen), Melinda Grineage Butcher, Virginia Desormeaux (John), and stepbrother Frank. Ken was also a dear uncle to many nieces and nephews, including Randi-Lyn Vandewynckel and Danielle Bellamy.

Predeceased by his brother-in-law Randy Bellamy (2019), mother-in-law Evelyn Bellamy (2024), father-in-law Lloyd Bellamy (2009), step sister Kari Barrett and Shaun Barrett as well as his treasured pets Chachi and Stoolie. Ken’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Ken was known for his empathy toward animals, frequently taking in strays to nurture. He had a passion for playing guitar, singing, and attending concerts. Whether fishing, spending time at the beach, or traveling the world with Liane, Ken lived life to the fullest. Above all, he cherished his four daughters and adored his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Ken was also recognized for his unique style, often sporting bold and unconventional button up shirts that were a topic of conversation within the family. Known as the life of the party, he loved visiting with friends and could talk for hours, sometimes a bit too much. His vibrant presence will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.

Ken will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and the love he shared with all who knew him.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Glad Tidings Community Church on Saturday November 9, 2024 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Barry Randal Charron

Sunrise:  June 30, 1952               Sunset:  October 16, 2024

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Randy Charron with his wife Tina and his family by his side at the age of 72 years.   Born in Chatham to the late Oscar & Esther Charron (2000), Randy lived in Morpeth for the last 47 years and was proud to raise his boys there.  He always appreciated the start in life that was given to him by Allan & Mary Ellen Smith when Allan gave him a job.

Randy is survived by his wife of 50 years Tina, his sons Eli Charron (Michelle) and Lance Charron (Misty), grandchildren LeighAnn (Terrance), Darren (Zoe), David, L.J. and Lyla, and his great-grandchildren Ledgen, Thorin, Justice, Ezekiel and Mya.  He will be remembered by his siblings Conrad, Christie and Charlene Charron and Darlene Thiessen (Randy), all of Belle River and his in-laws Gertie Boone (Albert), Blanche Sutherland (Dan), Irene Peckford and Steve Curtis, all of Newfoundland and Bonnie Lalumiere and Frank Curtis (Kim) of Chatham.  He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.  He was predeceased by his father-in-law William Curtis in 2005 and by his brothers-in-law Joe, Bruce and Dave Peckford and Tony Curtis.

Randy retired from Crown Cork & Seal, Chatham in 2012 after working there for 32 years.  After that, he worked part time at Kettles and then NAPA in Ridgetown.  He will be remembered for all the love and kindness he shared.  He truly loved his family and friends.  He carried himself with dignity, strength and was full of love.  His favourite past-time was to feed the birds and then sit and watch them.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday November 2, 2024 from 2:00 – 6:00 at the Morpeth Hall.  Friends wishing to remember Randy with a memorial donation are asked to consider Chatham-Kent Animal Rescue.

Our mother, Ada Wright, passed away this morning on Tuesday October 15, 2024.  She was born in Chatham on May 11, 1933 and walked this earth for over 91 years…58 of them with our father Bill Wright who passed away ten years ago.

Mom was the eldest in a family of three girls who have stuck together through thick and thin.  She, Aunt Joyce Guerin (Bill) and Aunt Brenda Rumble (late Ted) were always a strong presence in each others lives and were role models for generations to come.  Mom was predeceased by her parents Harry & Velma (Walker) Payne, and her infant brother Earl Payne.

Mom and Dad were married on July 7, 1956 and started their family that would come to include Kelly Wright & Gary Oliver, Craig Wright & Lynne Sears and Philip Wright & Kerstin Essmann.  She was proud of all of us and when our families grew to include grandchildren (great-grandchildren):  Jared & Emma Oliver (Henry and George), Blayne Oliver & Mackenzie Aldridge, Kary & Edwin Phillip, Andrew Wright, Stacey & Brad Gulliver (William and Finnegan), Matthew Wright & Brittany Brassard, Tiffany & Jason Lafortune (Oliver and Levi), Tyler Oliver (Hannah) and Vincent & Veronica Oliver (Violet), she was over the top proud of each and every one of us.  She was “Auntie Ada” to many nieces and nephews.

Mom was a school teacher who had an uncanny ability to remember something special about each one of her students.  She saw the potential that each child had, and she drew on those things because she understood that positive expectations from a teacher would influence positive outcomes from a student.   She gave respect and she received it back tenfold.  It always made her day when a former student stopped her on the street to talk to her.  She was happy, when at the age of 70 she took a job at the funeral home and got to meet so many families whose lives she had been a part of.

Always a teacher, always a student, Mom was quick to share her words of wisdom and always kept an open mind to learning new things.  At the age of 90 she took up playing a ukulele.  She joined the Fit Club in Blenheim and worked out three times a week.  She would have said that beer doesn’t hurt anybody and if you go to Sons of Kent or the Red Barn, you’ll find a flavour that you like.  She did her best to leave this world a better place than she found it, to make everybody feel important and instil values in us that we will carry forward and make her proud.  She would have told us to be kind, be respectful and to look for the best in people.  She would have told us to live our lives so that at the end of the day we would be able to look in the mirror, shake hands with ourselves and say “I’ve done my best”.

Thank you to everyone who made a difference in her life and helped her out in the past few years.  She was blessed beyond words.

Visitation for Mom will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday October 19, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  A private family interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery with a Celebration of Life at a later date (to be determined).

Family and friends wishing to remember Mom with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim United Church or the Blenheim Youth Centre which were near and dear to her heart.

Joseph Clark Longe, a resident of Ridgetown and formerly of Blenheim passed away with his family by his side at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on October 13, 2024.  He is survived by his wife of 68 years Frankie (Bell) Longe, his sons Frank and Fred (Wendy), his grandchildren Nadine & Ryan, Sara, Margaret, Curtis, Rachael & Jason and Chelsea, his great-grandchildren Jaden, Jude, Kaydence and Olivia, Jessie and his great-great grandchildren Frankie and Noah.  He was predeceased by his son Bill and wife Sandra Longe.

Joe was born on October 14, 1935 to the late Clark & Margaret (Sharpe) Longe.  He became a 2^nd Class Stationary Engineer, spending the first part of his career working on lake freighters and the second part of his career working at and retiring from the Southwestern Regional Centre.  He was the kind of man who was always ready with a smile and a story, a man who worked hard and never sat still, and a man who liked to solve problems and make sure that things were done right.  His hard working hands are now at rest.

It was Joe’s wish that his family remember him privately at this time.  Friends wishing to remember him with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/

With heavy hearts we say good-bye to a father, brother and friend Franciscus (Frank) Vercouteren, who passed away Friday, October 11, 2024.

Born June 12, 1938 to the late Theodore Vercouteren Sr. (1983), Wilhelmina Luke (1942) and Alida Pijpers (2011).

Husband to Theresa (Geelen) (2014).  Survived by two children, Janet Fulkerson and Michael Vercouteren.  Grandfather to 5 grandchildren; Tanner, Megan, Erica, Amanda and Kyle, and two great grandchildren Dexter and Lennon.   Brother to Maria (1938), Marie, Theodore Jr (Mary Ellen), Alida Jacobs (Ronald) and Alfred (1968).  Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Frank was a busy man, always on the go.  Upon leaving High School he was involved with Cadet training at the Chatham Armories.  He married Theresa, a Ridgetown girl, and was elected to the Ridgetown Council at age 25.  He became a licensed hairdresser and worked beside Theresa at their shop, then he started in Real Estate becoming a broker in Blenheim and operating Vercouteren Real Estate Ltd in 1970 for the next 35 years.  He was a member of the Chatham-Kent Real Estate Board and the Appraisal Institute of Canada.  He was a member of the Canadian Pheasant Association in 1980, operating a breeding hatchery, raising ornamental pheasants, peacocks and quail on his hobby farm.  He chaired the International Kent County Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show in 1979.

Frank was elected to the Blenheim Council in 1980, serving 15 years and was elected Reeve of the Kent County Council in 1988.  He was a councillor for Chatham-Kent, Ward 2 from 1999 – 2018, Commissioner on the Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission, President of the Blenheim District Chamber of Commerce, Past Chairman of the Blenheim Business Improvement Association, member of the Chatham-Kent Fires Advisory Board, member of the Blenheim Mosse Lodge, the Blenheim Royal Canadian Legion Branch 185, Chairman of the Blenheim Arena, Chairman of the Chatham-Kent Seniors Fair Committee, Chairman of the Agriculture Hall of Fame Committee and Vice Chair of the B.F.I. Advisory Committee.  He was a licensed Auctioneer and an Associate Broker with O’Brien South Kent Realty Inc.  Frank was a 3^rd Degree Knight and member of St. Raphael Council 8435, Ridgetown.  The Knights will do an honour guard at the funeral on Thursday.

Frank’s friends characterized him as a good guy.  If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have many things.  He was fair and honest in his dealings with people.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.

Frank was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.  A Celebration of life and Holy Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Thursday October 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Romeo presiding.  He will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery beside his wife Theresa.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of remembering Frank, please consider a donation to P.A.W.R., St. Mary’s Building Fund or a charity of your choice.

Special thanks to staff and caregivers of the 4^th and 6^th floor at Riverview Gardens for their special care.

In loving memory of Ethel Emily Jennings, a cherished soul who brought warmth and light to all who knew her.  Ethel was a devoted mother to her four children – Rick, Tony, Annette and Margaret, and a beloved wife to her late husband, Christopher, who passed in 2019.  Her faith,  kindness, strength and unwavering love made an impact on everyone around her.  Ethel’s legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.  She will be deeply missed but her spirit will forever shine in our memories.

There will be a celebration of life on Oct 26, 2024 at the Blenheim Baptist Church at 11am with a light lunch to follow.