Person Page - 7369

     James Ernest Blanchard Capt. James Ernest “Ernie” Blanchard, age 56, of Port Haywood, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004. He was preceded in death by his father, W. Boyce Blanchard; his mother, Mary Dunn Blanchard; and sister, Annette B. Freed. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Elizabeth M. Blanchard; his stepmother, Ruby Blanchard of Stanley, Va; three sisters, Barbara Pitchford and husband, Robert, of Richmond, Betty Burton and husband, Leonard, of Callao, Va., Jeannine Blackburn and husband, William, of Troutville, Va; three brothers, W. Boyce Blanchard and wife, Carolyn, of Rocky Mount, Va., Tim Lamb and wife, Debbie, of Newport News, Va., Jerry Henry and wife, Judy, of York County, Va; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Ernie served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart while serving with the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Following three years of service with the Newport News Fire Department, Ernie joined the James City County Fire Department where he has served for over 27 years advancing to the rank of Captain. Ernie received several unit citations and awards of merit while with the J.C.C.F.D.⁵ His Social Security Number was 226-62-1381.² He was born on August 3, 1947 at Newport News, Virginia.^1,2,3 He married Elizabeth Ellen Martin, daughter of William Elbert Martin and Helen Mae Young, on September 1, 1973 at Vienna, Fairfax Co., Virginia.¹ James Ernest Blanchard died on January 11, 2004 at Gloucester, Gloucester Co., Virginia, at age 56.^2,6,4,5

     Ruth Marcum Ruth Marcum Thornton, 80, of Kermit, WV, passed away at home on July 27, 2016, after a lingering illness. Ruth was born August 14, 1935, in Tomahawk, KY to the late Virgil and Dixie Williamson Marcum. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Byron “Windy” Thornton, Jr; two daughters, Elaine Endicott (Dr. J.W.) of Kermit and Leslye Thornton of Winston-Salem, NC ; two sons, B.W. Thornton, III (Dr. Alice) of Lexington, KY and James Thornton (Karon) of Raleigh, NC; eight grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth and Katherine Endicott of Huntington, Matthew, Zachary and Benjamin Thornton of Lexington, Madeline, Sam and Clay Thornton of Raleigh. Ruth is also survived by one brother, Dr. C.L. Marcum (Rita) of Missoula, MT and special niece, Tammy Gartner (Randy) of Vancouver, WA. Ruth was a graduate of Kermit High School and Marshall University, where she received her degree in Elementary Education. She was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. Ruth worked along side her husband as co-owner of Thornton’s Department Store in Kermit. Ruth and Byron were married on November 24, 1954 at the Kermit United Methodist Church. The couple went on to spend 18 months in Germany where Byron was serving with the U.S. Army, residing with a German family in Weinheim, Germany and traveling to various locations throughout Europe. Ruth was a woman of strong Christian faith and member of Kermit United Methodist Church where she served in many leadership roles, including Children’s Sunday School Superintendent, Director of Vacation Bible School and President of Kermit United Methodist Women. Ruth was a leader in many community activities in the Kermit area. She was especially passionate about promoting outreach and activities for children. Most notably, she founded and led the Kermit Chapter of the Girl Scouts of America. Throughout her work with the Girls Scouts, she touched the lives of many young girls in the area and was awarded the highest honor of distinction for volunteer work from the Girl Scouts of America. Ruth was instrumental in fund raising activities to purchase uniforms for the newly formed Kermit High School Band. She served in a leadership position to establish the Kermit City Park. She served as a member of the Mingo County Library Board and volunteer for the Christian Help organization. More than anything, Ruth’s greatest joy came from being loving wife, mother and grandmother Her spontaneous, bright smile and engaging personality spread joy to all who knew her. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memory Gardens, Maher, WV.¹ She was buried at Mountain View Memory Gardens, Maher, Mingo Co., West Virginia.¹ She was born on August 14, 1935 at Tomahawk, Martin Co., Kentucky.¹ As of November 24, 1954,her married name was Thornton.¹ She married Byron Walter Thornton Jr., son of Byron Walter Thornton Sr. and Sallie Roxanna "Roxie" Carlton, on November 24, 1954 at Kermit, Mingo Co., West Virginia.^1,2 Ruth Marcum died on July 27, 2016 at Kermit, Mingo Co., West Virginia, at age 80.¹