Obituaries

 

Ruth Ann Watty (nee Garlough) passed to her eternal rest on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at K-W Grand River Hospital. She was 64 years old. Her death resulted from two major stroke events that had happened in recent weeks.

Ruth was the cherished wife of Frank Watty, loving mother of Adrian (Anne) of Vancouver  and Darryl (Jacqueline) of Kitchener. She was granny to Maxwell  (Vancouver) and Ashton (Kitchener).

Ruth Ann also leaves behind her brothers; Gordon (Gladys), Bruce (Mary-Ellen), and Hugh (Zonia), all of Williamsburg and Murray (Debbie) of Guelph, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Wilbur and Hilda (Merkley) Garlough of Williamsburg. In addition, she is remembered by a multitude of relatives-in-law who are scattered over three continents.

Ruth Ann attended primary and secondary school in her local community and graduated from University of Guelph (MacDonald Institute) in  Child and Family Studies  (1970). 

Most of her working life was spent in her chosen field working with new immigrants to Canada through English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and Head Start programs in Kitchener – Waterloo. She served as a teacher,  Advisory Board member, and Administrator. She had retired at age 60. 

Ruth was an avid gardener, quilter and orchidist. She was a regular canvasser for several medical related charities in her own community.

Ruth Ann had been ‘adopted’ by the West Indian community through her marriage to Frank. She was loved and admired by both cultures for her (seemingly) easy bridging of the perceived or imagined divide between them. 

She, Frank and all their family managed to visit their Caribbean community (Dominica)  together in  the 2011 Christmas season.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Erb & Good Funeral Home, Waterloo with valued assistance from Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg.

A celebration in gratitude for  Ruth’s life took place on Saturday June 1, 2013, at her family church – First United in Waterloo – with Rev. Dr. Bill Steadman officiating and over 400 friends and family participating. 

 Interment  was in Bouck’s Hill Cemetery (Williamsburg) on Sunday, June 2,  with  arrangements by Marsden McLaughlin and service conducted by Rev. Ralph Taylor (Williamsburg United).

Memorial donations may be directed to Heart & Stroke Foundation or First United Church, Waterloo, Ontario.

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A resident of the Iroquois area for the past 23 years, Jack Palmer passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.  He was 87.

Jack is survived by his son John of R.R.# 2 Iroquois.  He was predeceased by his wife Doreen Palmer (nee Humphries).   

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. 

A graveside funeral service was held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Scarborough on Monday, May 27th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Jeff Brown officiating. 

Pallbearers were John Palmer, Nicholas Squire, Lance Squire, Preston Squire, Scott Lepore and Randy Kalpin.  

Donations to Winchester  District Memorial Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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Douglas William Dulmage died suddenly while visiting the Toronto area on Wednesday, May 8. He was 62 years old.

 Doug was born and raised in Heckston, Ontario. 

He was proud and loving father of  Deena (Ryan Stevenson),  loving fiancé of Kathryn Mildebrath, loving brother of Roy, Ross and brother to Sheila Crowder and the late Nora Whaley, step brother of Linda Boyd and the late Robert McClintock. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews.  

Doug will be remembered for his witty sense of humour, strong faith and community involvement. 

He was an avid antique collector, local historian, volunteer, teacher and made a significant contribution to the dairy farming industry throughout his career. 

He will be missed by his family and many friends. 

Friends and family called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Monday May 13th. 

A funeral service was held at the Iroquois United Church, on Tuesday, May 14th at 11 a.m.   

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are appreciated. 

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A lifetime resident of the area, Eleanor Duff of Morrisburg passed away suddenly at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Ottawa, on Saturday, May 18, 2013. She was 87.  

Eleanor was born in Williamsburg Township on December 8, 1925 to her parents Wilburn and Minnie Hall (nee Robertson).  

Eleanor enjoyed cooking, gardening and working in her flower beds.  

Eleanor is survived by her son Kevin of Morrisburg and her siblings Viola (Jim) Fawcett of Iroquois, Lloyd (Jennie) Hall of Iroquois and Garry Hall of Morrisburg. Eleanor will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Mark, Amanda, Melissa and great-grandchildren Maleya, Kayt-Lynn, Parker, Jayden and Rylan.  She was predeceased by her husband Wally, her sisters Doris Storey and Gladys Shaver and her brothers Clifford and Clayton Hall.  

There was visitation at the Funeral Home.  

Interment of cremated remains was held at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg, on Thursday, May 23rd at 10 a.m.  

Arrangements were entrusted to the Marsden and Mclaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg.  

Donations to Winchester Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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Dorothy Merkley passed away at the Brockville General Hospital, on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the age of 83 years.  

Dorothy was the beloved wife of the late Harold Merkley, and loving mother of  Marlene Shearer of Morrisburg, Judy (Bill Barnhartd) of Iroquois and Linda Merkley (Clarence O’Neil) of Iroquois.

She will be sadly missed by six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

Dorothy was dear sister of Mabel Stevens of Carleton Place.

She was predeceased by four sisters Nellie Arseneault, Ada Paul, Catherine Woods, Lulu Campbell and by six brothers Raymond, Delbert, Charles, Army, Harold and John Billings.  

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Iroquois on Thursday, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  

Funeral service was held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Iroquois, on Friday, May 3, at 1 p.m.  

Donations to Knox Presbyterian Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

Interment was at Grantley Cemetery

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A resident of Woodland Villa in Long Sault for the past two years, Maurine Casselman passed away on April 17, 2013. She was 101.

Maurine was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and was the chosen daughter of Jack and Elizabeth Kennedy. She spent her early years in Seattle, Washington, then, after her father died, she and her mother moved to San Francisco. 

Her first job was with the Telephone Company, and it was here that she met her husband Ross. They were married on November 25th, 1927, when she was only 16. Their honeymoon was spent on a fruit ranch near San Jose which was owned by Ross’s niece Eva Stevens.

Ross decided to come to Canada after an absence of about 10 years, so they headed to Cleveland and stayed with Ross’s sister Maude. It was there that Viola was born. 

Their journey continued on to the Massena area, home of Ross’s brother and eventually they crossed to Canada landing in the Aultsville area. 

Their first home was in Prescott where Ross worked helping to build the elevators at Johnstown. It was here that their twin sons were born. Unfortunately, they did not survive. From Prescott Ross and Maurine first moved to a home on Glen Becker Road, where Louise was born, and subsequently to the home farm on the same road where Richard was born.

After the children were grown, Maurine started to work out. After some work painting and wallpapering, she was employed at McNeilly’s Drug Store. She then went to work as a quilter Upper Canada Village where she remained for 15 years. 

It was at the Village that Maurine became interested in spinning and weaving. She then took many courses and became an excellent weaver and spinner.

After retirement, Maurine decided to study for her Masters in weaving and completed six semesters in the Fibre Arts O.H.S. Master Weaving program. Her in-depth study was on Ecclesiastical Weaving in the Lutheran Tradition for which she wove paraments for her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Morrisburg. 

Maurine received her degree on her 75th birthday at an O.H.S. conference in St. Catherines.

During her 25 years of weaving, teaching and demonstrating, Maurine appeared in five educational films, on various radio and television shows and served for six years as chairman of the O.H.S. Spinning Sample Exchange program of Ontario.

Maurine was for many years an active member of St. Paul’s Church in Morrisburg, both as a Sunday school teacher and in the choir. 

She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, Carman Forward Weavers Guild, Women’s Institute and Seniors Club. She received the Badge of Chivalry from the Rebekah Lodge in Toronto.

After retirement, Maurine travelled extensively and spent many winters in Florida. When her health started to fail she moved to the Hartford Retirement Home where she lived for several years before moving to the Woodland Villa in Long Sault. 

It was at the Villa that she celebrated her 100th birthday and was surprised with a gift of having her book “The Brass Kettle” published by her granddaughter and great granddaughter.

Maurine is survived by her children, Viola Droppo, Louise Crites (Joe), Richard (Fanny) Casselman and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Maurine was predeceased by her husband Ross and twin boys.

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Morrisburg, on Saturday, April 20th at 1 p.m., with Pastor Norine Gullons officiating.

Pallbearers were grandchildren, Robert Casselman, William Casselman, Mark Dunning, Andrew Droppo, Brian Morrow and Terry Morrow.

Honorary Pallbearers were grandchildren, Ruth Lang, Susan Morrow, Linda Compeau, Bonnie Holdsworth, Debbie Mason and Judy Dunning.

Maurine has left behind a large family with 21 sets of five generations all living. She has had a very positive influence on all her family whom she loved and treasured.

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A lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, Audrey Pearl Casselman passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Sunday, April 28, 2013.  She was 85. 

Audrey was born at Strader Hill on June 29, 1927, to her parents Wilbert and Pearl Strader (nee Robinson). 

The youngest child of five, Audrey had two older brothers Mahlon and Lyell and two older sisters Ruth and Doris. They all took part working on the farm while attending the Strader Hill school.

Mahlon was the only sibling to leave home, and he did so to pursue a career in teaching. Audrey milked cows by hand with Bill Casselman’s sister Gertie. They sang while they milked and wore their high heel shoes at the same time to break them in. 

Bill and Audrey’s first encounter was when Audrey’s brother Lyell started courting and eventually married Bill’s sister Gertie. 

Bill and Audrey dated for a number of years before being married in Lancaster, on December 9, 1950. Following their marriage they went on a three-day honeymoon which was the longest holiday they took in their 62 years of marriage. 

Audrey and Bill’s time together became more exciting with the birth of twin girls Connie and Carole a year after they were married. One year later, they were blessed with the arrival of their third daughter Gail. Their family was complete when their son Alan was born five years later.  

Audrey inspired her family with her strength and will to live life to the fullest. She battled and survived cancer twice and the sudden loss of their daughter Gail at a young age due to a motor vehicle accident.

Audrey spent her life always taking care of everyone else which included caring for Bill`s aging mother. 

She and Bill were blessed with two sons-in-law, Larry and Mike and a daughter-in-law Lorie, four grandchildren Angela, Holly, Jessica and Jordan and two great- grandchildren Crimson and Logan. 

Audrey was always busy, baking, sewing, canning, preserving, cleaning all while trying to keep track of her busy children who were often off playing with their cousins. 

She was a member of the Williamsburg Woman’s Institute and was always ready and willing to help with any events or social gatherings at the Williamsburg United Church.  

Audrey loved to talk about the old days when she and Bill went to the dance hall in Morrisburg or to the old Piccadilly Theatre in Williamsburg.  

Audrey’s family has many fond memories that they will cherish forever. She was always so happy and kind to each of them, and she always put their needs ahead of her own.  She was a sweet gentle lady who will be sadly missed by her family and friends.  

Audrey is survived by her husband Bill, their children Connie (Mike Felker) of Iroquois, Carole (Larry Tuttle) of Ottawa and Alan (Lorie) of Williamsburg. 

Audrey was predeceased by her daughter Gail, her brothers Mahlon and Lyell and by her sisters Ruth Hogaboam and Doris Hill.

She was the cherished grandmother to Angela, Holly, Jessica and Jordan and great-grandmother to Crimson and Logan.  She is also survived by nieces and nephews.  

 Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of service.  

Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 1st at 11 a.m., with Rev. Paul Vavasour officiating.  Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.

Pallbearers were Jordan Casselman, Dale Casselman, Gary Whitteker, Burrill Harriman, Derek Cheng and Nathan Billings. 

Donations to Winchester District Memorial Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

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A resident of the Park Drive Villa in Williamsburg, for the past six years, Heather McIntosh passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday, April 12, 2013. She was 88.

Heather was born in Vancouver, B.C. on March 15, 1925, to her parents William and Gladys Hetherington (nee Horne).   Mary moved with her family to Deseronto, Ontario, when she was two years old, to live with her grandparents. 

At age 11, she moved to Malartic, Quebec, where her father had opened the mines, and remarried, Florence Platt of Boston. 

After finishing her elementary school education in a log cabin, Mary attended Ontario Ladies College in Whitby, Ontario for her secondary school years. There she made many close friends with her classmates who were there, from Britain, during the war. 

She was very active in her school and was elected Head Girl in her senior year. Upon graduation, she chose to attend Ottawa Civic Hospital for her nurse’s training. 

It was here that she was ‘nicknamed Heather’ and it stuck when her classmate Betty Hamilton introduced her to Glenn McIntosh.

Sixty-five years ago Heather married Glenn on June 12, 1948 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. They lived in Ottawa until moving to Williamsburg in 1951. 

Heather and Glenn had three children who were born into the very large extended McIntosh family. Glenn’s siblings and cousins were very close, and Heather was welcomed into the clan. 

In addition, Heather and Glenn had many close friends with whom they bowled, cross country skied, and played cards with, and enjoyed going to dances. 

Once settled in Williamsburg, Heather worked as a specialty nurse at Winchester Hospital, and then for Dr. Rosenquist in Williamsburg, before finishing her career at the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic in the early 1970s. 

Though Mary ‘Heather’ moved many times throughout her early years, she made many good friends along the way, and stayed in contact with her extended family and friends from coast to coast, and overseas to Britain, through her avid letter writing. Her desire to keep in touch with distant family and friends, often served as good reasons for travel on many vacations. 

Heather volunteered at the Villa Seniors Residence and loved to quilt at the church, work with her craft group and have lunch at the Basket Case followed by performances at the Upper Canada Playhouse 

Heather loved to watch her grandsons play with her cat Bob, build with Lego, and she even tried to play Garage Band on the iPad with them.  

Heather is survived by her children Tim of Coquitlam, B.C., John of Iroquois and Mary Ann McIntosh (Robert Scott) of Mount Albert.  Heather will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Joshua McIntosh, Spencer Scott, Quinn Scott and Gilly Scott. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

Heather was predeceased by her husband Glenn and her brothers Bill and Pat Hetherington.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, on Thursday, April 18th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating.  

Interment of cremated remains followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg. 

Pallbearers were Gordon Garlough, Bruce Garlough, Maynard Richmire and David McIntosh.  Honorary pallbearer was Brian McIntosh.  

Donations to Winchester Hospital or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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John Williams Merkley passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, on Friday, April 19, 2013. He was 89 years old.

John was born in Matilda Township on June 22, 1923, to Henry Merkley and the former Jesse Shaver.  

During his 89 years of life, John worked in the logging industry, helped in the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway,  and drove for Caldwell Linen Mill. He also did mechanical work in various garages, some of this while farming near Iroquois.  

Between all that he married his beloved wife Pearl Keeler, October 4, 1958, in Smith Falls. After retiring John and Pearl built a new home at Pages Corners near Williamsburg, where they lived for the past 36 years.

During their 48 years of marriage John and Pearl snowmobiled and travelled across Canada,  and vacationed in Jamaica which became his favorite pastimes. John also enjoyed reading, solving puzzles and playing solitaire. 

John is survived by his sister Allie McKee of Iroquois and his sister-in-law Ann and her husband John Hamiaux of RR1 Morrisburg. 

John will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many friends 

John was predeceased by his wife of 48 years Pearl, his parents Henry and Jesse and his sisters Mary Pritchard, Jean LaVallee and Lois Champagne.  

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  

Funeral service was conducted at the funeral home on Monday, April 22, 2013, by Rev Janet Evans. Spring interment will be at Spruce Haven Cemetery in Brinston.  

Pallbearers were John Hamiaux, Jeff Hammiaux, Francis Lapier, Mitchell Lapier, Dennis McKee, Devin Swank, Scott Keeler and Adam Hill.  

Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. Donations to the Winchester Hospital or the Ontario Heart & stroke Foundation were gratefully acknowledged by the family.

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Grietje Buter passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 15, 2013, at the age of 90. 

A former Williamsburg resudent, Grietje (nee Meems), was the beloved wife of the late Hemmo Buter.

She was loving mother of Jane (Hank) Luimes of Winchester, Ralph (Anna) of Morrisburg, Martha Lee of Rocky Mountain House, AB, Andy (Diane) of Williamsburg, Hank of Williamsburg, and Ann (Hans) Schroer of Kemptville.  

She will be fondly remembered by 15 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

Grietje was predeceased by her grandson Cory Lee, her daughter-in-law Janice Buter and brothers Hendrik, Jaap, Willem, Christiaan, and Roelof.  

She is survived by sisters-in-law Roelie Meems, Ellie Van Beilen, and Sjoukje Buter and nieces and nephews. 

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday, April 19 from 6-9 p.m.   

Funeral Service was held at Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Noordhof and Rev. John Roke officiating.  Interment at New Union Cemetery.   

Her pallbearers were her granddaughters Johanna Luimes, Lisa VerBruggen, Kelly Buter, Jennifer Buter, Natasha Hodge, and Liane Buter.   Honourary bearers were Angela Marquis and Jessica Tensen.   

Donations to Timothy Christian School or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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