Obituary of Dorothy J. Merrill
Dorothy J. Merrill died of a combination of heart disease and cancer, on April 30th, 2023, in Eugene, Oregon at the age of 95. She was born on July 27th, 1927 in Seattle, Washington to Earl English and Lillian Osborn English. She grew up in Seattle and worked at the family owned bakery until she graduated high school. Following high school she worked at the Boeing Aircraft Company in Renton, Washington. She also worked as a waitress and as an accounting clerk later in life. She lived in Eugene, Oregon for the last 60 years with her beloved husband; John I. Merrill who preceded her in death in 1998. John and she were married on April 30th, 1958 and she was reunited with him in Heaven on what would have been their 65th wedding anniversary.
She loved fishing with her husband who chartered a Salmon fishing boat out of Winchester Bay Harbor, she always out fished him and she never let him forget that. She was a member of the River Road Baptist Church and loved making quilts for the homeless and was active in the weekly prayer list for their congregation. She was an avid Bridge card game enthusiast and played at the Campbell Senior Center and won many championships at statewide levels. She also loved gardening and spending time with her family.
Dorothy is survived by: Sons - John Niederbaumer of Tacoma, WA and Roger Swets of Veneta, OR. Granddaughter – Nikki Swanson of Eugene, OR. Great grandchildren – Erin Swanson of Junction City, OR and Clare Swanson of McMinville, OR.
A private memorial service is planned by the family.
