Doris Merrihew Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Doris Merrihew, aged 94, affectionately called Dodo, died peacefully on March 27, 2018. Doris was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 29, 1923, to Landon and Eunice (Munn) Hicks. After graduating from Isaac Litton High School and completing nursing school, she enlisted in the US Army Nurse Corps during WWII. First Lieutenant Hicks was assigned to army hospitals, hospital trains and medical transport ships. While crossing the Atlantic on the USAHS Charles A. Stafford, she met Captain Noel H. Merrihew, Jr., DDS. Doris and Noel were married on August 28, 1947, in Hyde Park, N.Y. After being discharged from the Army, they moved to Elizabethtown, NY, to start a family and Dr. Merrihew’s dental practice. Doris was an active member of the United Church of Christ, serving for decades as a deacon, trustee, and treasurer. Continuing in her dedication to the medical field, she was the president of the Elizabethtown Community Hospital Board when the hospital was planned, support was raised and ground was broken. She was honored with the designation of Lifetime Honorary ECH Board Member. She was also among the first women to join the Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad. She was involved with many civic organizations including Eastern Star; American Legion and Auxiliary; Garden Club; ELCS School Board; Essex County Historical Society; Boy and Girl Scout troops and the North Country Girl Scout Council; ELYC; RSVP; and the Elizabethtown Library Association. She served on the boards of many of these, often as treasurer. She received the Mary Prime Award from the Republican Women of Essex County for outstanding community service. Though Doris was committed to many church and civic causes, her devotion to her family was extraordinary. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Dr. Noel Merrihew, Jr.; their infant son; son Gregory Merrihew; brother L.C. Hicks; and dear in-laws Irving, Tal and Don. Dodo is survived by her children Marsha (Ken) Fenimore, Noel (Hedy) Merrihew, III, Karen (Jack) Merrihew Knox, and daughter-in-law Suzie Kier-Merrihew. Her legacy also includes her grandchildren: Arin (Steve) Burdo; Landon (Cara) Fenimore; Chelsea (Ryan Dolly) Merrihew; Noel Hartley (Sara Hurlburt) Merrihew; Jonathan (Courtney) Merrihew; Evan Knox; Georgiana Knox; and great-grandchildren Paul (Desire), Abigail, Analise, and Benjamin Burdo; and Samantha and William Dolly. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Wilma and sister-in-law Helene. Doris’ family is grateful for the caregivers who treated her with integrity, respect and love during her final years. A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 11 a.m. with a reception immediately following in the parish hall. Donations in Doris’ memory may be made to the United Church of Christ. Arrangements are being made by Heald Funeral Home, Elizabethtown, NY.

Doris Merrihew

June 29, 1923 - March 28, 2018

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