Ruth Bernice Burnham

BURNHAM, Ruth Bernice of Caressant Care Bonnie Place, St. Thomas, passed away peacefully at her late residence on Monday, March 11, 2019, at the age of 91 years. Born in Aylmer on December 31st, 1927. Ruth was the last member of her family. Burnham’s Greenhouse was the place to go many years ago – Ruth helped Ethel planting, watering and selling the plants to bring in extra money. Ruth loved being out and about in Aylmer or where anyone needed her to go in one of her Volkswagen cars (standard, of course). She worked at the Aylmer town theatre for many years, as well as the local restaurant/bar with her dad during her teen years. Ruth worked at and retired from the Ontario Police College after 28 years. Ruth was very loved and respected by everyone she had contact with; Ruth was kind, generous, and sometimes kooky, always had a quick retort to jokes, as well as being genuine, authentic, tell it like it is and a truly original woman who was comfortable in her own skin and with her own tastes and flare in clothing.  Ruth is predeceased by her parents, John and Ethel (Armstrong) Burnham and by her siblings, Jean Grigg (Al Grigg) of Phoenix, Arizona, Don Burnham (Beverly) of Aylmer, and John “Ted” Burnham (“Jean” Crocker) of St. Thomas.  She will be lovingly remembered by Brenda, Doug, Dorothy, Judy (predeceased) Jeanne, Barb, Steve, and many great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

In keeping with Ruth’s wishes a graveside service was held at Aylmer Cemetery on Friday, March 15, 2019. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Elgin-St. Thomas. Williams Funeral Home, 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas is entrusted with arrangements.