Dorothy Ann Merritt

Dorothy was born on December 28, 1932, in Chelsea, Oklahoma to Dave & Elizabeth Collins and was the youngest of four children. She had three older brothers Bill Handley, Don (Bub) Handley, and Cleo (Son) Handley. The family moved to Southern California when Dorothy was just three years old. Dorothy met the love of her life Charles (Chuck) Ray Merritt in 1945 and ran off and got married in 1948 in Yuma, Arizona. Together with Chuck, they had three wonderful children, Michael Merritt, Melanie Coleman, and David Merritt. Dorothy and Chuck enjoyed traveling with family and friends whether it be in their travel trailer, car, or a cruise. Their special place was their part-time home in Needles, CA on the Colorado River. This is where they had many family gatherings and Dorothy was the happiest having all her family together. Later, they sold their place in Needles but continued to travel in their trailer. One of her favorite camping destinations was Morro Bay, CA, where she loved golfing and eating seafood along the Embarcadero. Her hobbies included knitting slippers and creating beautiful crocheted afghan blankets for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dorothy also enjoyed reading, collecting depression glass, and having lunch and the occasional glass of wine with her closest friends. What she loved most was when her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren came to visit, bringing a joyful smile to her face that stretched from ear to ear.

Dorothy is lovingly survived by her three children: Mike, Melanie, and David, along with 8 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind 2 nieces and a nephew and their children plus many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dave and Elizabeth Collins, her three brothers, Bill, Don (Bub), and Cleo (Son), nephew Donald Wayne, several aunts and uncles, and the love of her life and soulmate of 63 years, her husband, Charles (Chuck) Ray Merritt.

The family would like to thank Hoffman Hospice for the care they gave to Dorothy during her last week with us.

Instead of flowers if you wish to make a charitable donation to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County in Dorothy’s name that would be greatly appreciated.