Ruth Shillington

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A photo of Ruth Shillington

Service:

Blenheim Community Funeral Home
Saturday April 29, 2023
11:00 a.m.

Ruth Evangeline (Gordier) Shillington passed away at the age of 93 years at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on March 29, 2023.

Born in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia in 1929 to the late Ella (Stull) and George Arnold Gordier, she grew up in several small towns in Ontario, graduating from High School in Thornbury.  She graduated from the University of Western Ontario and the Ontario College of Education.  Due to her having one year of teaching experience in a rural public school in Maple Island, she was accepted in 1952 to teach Business at Blenheim District High School, where she met Peter Shillington.  They were married in 1957, this “wouldn’t last” union, which lasted over 60 years until Peter’s death in 2018. Surviving is an adopted son, Harold (Dawn); grandchildren April (Adam), Benjamin (Robyn) and great grandson Noah.  Also survived by Jim (Mary) Shillington, Jean (Neil) Armstrong, Sharon Gordier and many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by Paul Shillington (2016), Carol Shillington (2013) and Lyle Gordier (2020).  Very close friend to Mike Burke (Shelley).

Ruth taught Business in Blenheim District High School for 13 years, then transferred to Chatham-Kent Secondary School, where she remained until retirement in December 1985.

Ruth was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron, District Deputy Grand Matron, and two years as Grand Representative of the State of Texas in Ontario.  She served the Blenheim United Church Women as pianist and Treasurer and sang in the choir.

Ruth and Peter loved travelling, especially cruising, and visited all seven Continents.  In her spare time, she would knit and crochet.

A special thank-you to Ruth’s caregiver, Mary Giroux and to her special friends Ron and Cathy White, Marion Warwick, Janet Kemp, Paul and Joyce Seagrave, and fellow teacher Dale McReynolds that have cared for her over the past number of years.

A Celebration of Life officiated by Pastor Tim Joyce will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday April 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends wishing to remember Ruth with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Word of Life Soup Kitchen.

Online condolences and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

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I always enjoyed our bridge games at the Senior Centre and Ruth’s ability to remember every card played. She was always gracious but remained competitive, never forgetting she taught almost everyone we played with including my husband. Janet Kempe

Janet Kempe // May 5, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed driving her.

David Huffman // April 16, 2023

Ruth,'s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I admired Ruth and considered her my friend.

Jack scoyne // April 2, 2023

Ruth,'s family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I admired Ruth and considered her my friend.

Jack scoyne // April 2, 2023

So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was certainly a presence in Blenheim. Always had time for a chat and always remembered my name. I will always remember her as a lady of "grace." Please accept my sincerest condolences. Barb Holden

Barb Holden // March 31, 2023

A long association as a neighbour, teacher and friend during my Blenheim years. You will be remembered with kindness.

Paul Turner // March 31, 2023

Thinking of the family, May God give you all peace and comfort at this time.

Brenda Rumble // March 31, 2023

Ruth's family and friends are in our prayers and thoughts.

Rick & Linda Tarcea // March 31, 2023

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Ruth Rest in Peace, Ruth

Shawn & Heather Henderson // March 31, 2023

My sincere condolences to the family and her dear friends.She will be missed but never forgotten. 🙏😇

Mary Giroux // March 31, 2023

Our deepest sympathy for your loss, our prayers and thoughts are with the Shillington family.

Ron and Pat Carnahan // March 31, 2023

My condolences to an old friend Harold and the Shillington family.

Bob Hebblethwaite // March 30, 2023

My sincere sympathy to the families of Ruth. I remember fond memories as a young child and teen of Ruth and Peter. Peter was a cousin to my mom(Lois Boyle/Huson ) We would visit the cottage of my Great Aunt Edith and Great Uncle Clare and the cousins. Then again in high school at CKSS I was connected to Ruth again. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. Carol Huson/ VanDeWynckel

Carol VanDeWynckel // March 30, 2023