An Ohio couple who recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary both died minutes apart, leaving behind seven decades of memories, five children, 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Dick and Shirley Meek celebrated their anniversary on December 22. At that point, they innocently told their kids that they were feeling a little under the weather.
“They said to all of us, ‘we think we’re getting a cold,’” said Kelly Meek. But suddenly things got bad and it was clear this wasn’t just cold.
On January 8, they both tested positive for COVID-19. When things started to deteriorate for both of them, the family asked if they would be together for their final moments. The hospital staff found a room for two beds and the necessary equipment.
Dick and Shirley died in each other’s arms on January 16. They would receive the COVID-19 vaccine on January 19.
“They held hands and Mommy’s head was on Daddy’s shoulder,” said Debbie Meek Howell.
Shirley was 87, Dick recently 90. The family said they enjoyed all the fruits of life, from skydiving to ziplining and traveling around the world. Every day at 3 p.m. they found time to have a date.
My parents have been blessed to walk together through the gates of heaven into eternity without ever having to face “until death do us part.” How many people can say that? Said Debbie.
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