Ruth McDowell

Mrs. Ruth Jane Christina McDowell of Blenheim passed away on Tuesday October 23, 2012 at the age of 89 years. Predeceased by her husband Sam McDowell in 1996, Ruth is remembered with great fondness by her children Rev. Wanda & Don Burse of Blenheim, Lawna & Marcel Trepanier of Windsor and Garth & Sue McDowell of Blenheim, by her grandchildren Shannon & Jim Rose, Shane & Wendy McDowell, Darby & Aimee Burse and Colin & Laurie Burse as well as her great grand-children Emma, Sophia, Jackson and Emily. Ruth was anxiously awaiting the birth of her fifth great-grandchild in December. Ruth is also survived by her sister Andria Dennis of Chatham and her sister-in-law Marion Holmes of Chatham and was predeceased by her brother Ross Holmes in 1997. Ruth chose to live her life as a role model to those around her. Her deep faith and love of children guided her through her life and in her roles as a parent, a school teacher and a foster parent. Over the years she was actively involved in St. Luke’s United Church and the Blenheim United Church. She made many quilts, all to be given away to those in need. She taught the value of preparedness through her own actions, whether it was planning for life events, calling family meetings or simply keeping an extra Kleenex in her pocket. She will be missed. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m. to show their respect to Ruth’s family and again at the Blenheim United Church on Friday at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A Funeral Service for Ruth, conducted by Rev. Bruce Cook will take place in the Blenheim United Church on Friday October 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow with a private family interment in Pardoville Union Cemetery at a later date. It was Ruth’s wish that those wishing to remember her would, instead of sending flowers, consider the Blenheim United Church Memorial Fund, the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice.