February 12, 1927 - February 4, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with deep sadness that the family of Dorothy Lee Merkley announce her passing on February 4, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy was born in Regina, SK on February 12, 1927. She grew up in a family where they didn't have much, but they enjoyed a simple life together during the Depression era.
She often said, "we were poor, but we didn't know it". Card games, playing in the backyard, dinners together with family, all established how she would live her life.
In 1941, in search of a better life, Dorothy's family moved to Trail, where they continued to remain close. It was in Trail, on a bus, that Dorothy met the love of her life, John Merkley. He asked Dorothy, "going my way??", and their first date together was with Dorothy's dad and younger brother at a Butler Park baseball game!
They married in 1953 and eventually settled in Rossland where they raised three children, Carolyn, Susan, and Jeff. They made many close friends, enjoying the outdoors, skiing, tobogganing, curling, and of course the legendary spaghetti parties with friends and family.
In 1995, life changed for Dorothy with John's sudden passing. Although devastated to be alone for the first time in her life, she forged ahead buying a home at Waneta Village in Trail. Family remained her main focus as she hosted dinners for family and friends, attended every Trail Smokies game, played many card games with her bridge club ladies, and spent happy times with her sister, Madeline.
The past year, Dorothy lived at Columbia View Lodge in Trail where she made many new friends and joined in on every activity there. She loved each member of the staff, and we take time to thank them and Dr. Fisher for their loving support.
Dorothy is survived by her children: daughters Carolyn, Susan (Steven), and son Jeff (Tammy); grandchildren Laura, Melissa, Jill, Johnathon, and Nick.
She is also survived by her eldest sister Madeline Hurd, and her goddaughter Marnie Matthews.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband John, her sisters Kay and Jeannette, and brothers Donald and Michael Roscoe.
A Celebration of Life will be held in early summer. Date and time to be announced at a later time. Sarah Stevens of Clark's Funeral Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.clarksfuneral.ca