An eighty-year-old couple from Ohio, just celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary, died from COVID-19 just minutes apart, while holding hands.
Family members said Dick and Shirley Meek, aged 89 and 87, dropped their guard on December 22 to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.
They were admitted to a hospital in Columbus where they tested positive for the coronavirus on January 8, according to Vicki Harper, one of their daughters.
They died together on January 16. Shirley died first, followed by Dick a few minutes later. The couple never stopped holding hands.
Their deaths came just three days before they were due to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, family members said.
Dick and Shirley Meek, aged 89 and 87, died in a Columbus hospital on January 16 weeks after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary
The couple died within minutes of each other while holding hands
The couple had ended up separated in rooms on different floors of the hospital and their condition was rapidly deteriorating, Harper told WBNS.
We asked [the hospital staff] for them to be together and they said absolutely, ‘said Harper.
Daughter Debbie Howell told the outlet that Shirley Meek first died while the couple’s favorite song, When the River Meets the Sea by John Denver, played in the background.
“The nurse put my mom’s head on my dad’s shoulder and she said to dad,” Dick, it’s okay to let go now. Shirley is waiting for you, “and he died within minutes,” she said.
The Meeks would both get their coronavirus vaccines a few days later
Relatives said the Meeks were childhood sweethearts who built a ‘legacy of love’
Family members said their story should serve as a cautionary tale to others during the pandemic
In an obituary at Fischer’s funeral home, family members wrote that the couple had a “ love story for eternity. ”
‘They had a fairytale ending. Our hearts are shattered, but we are at peace knowing that they are together forever, ”read the obituary.
Family members said the Meeks were childhood sweethearts who built “a legacy of love” for their five children, 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
‘Their life was an adventurous life – from skydiving to zip lining, their bucket list was amazing!’ read the obituary.
Relatives said the couple spent their entire lives spending time on daily dates and a 3pm toast to each other.
Relatives said the Meeks led adventurous lives and traveled the world
Family members said the Meeks had a wild bucket list of adventures, including skydiving and zip lining
“We are devastated to lose them both at the same time. But we are blessed that they walked hand in hand through the gates of heaven into eternity, ”reads the obituary.
Edwin Meek, who served as an Air Force Sergeant during the Korean War, was born in Coshocton and would have turned 90 on Tuesday.
His children described him as a skilled carpenter who often made handmade gifts for family and friends.
“He was romantic at heart and always put others above himself,” the obituary reads.
Shirley Meek, described as “ the reserved, ” was a housewife and quietly donated to charity every month, the family said.
“An avid shopper, she loved to dress to the limit for any occasion, and her sense of style was admired by all,” read the obituary.
Relatives have asked to send donations instead of flowers to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
“COVID took their lives from us, so we beg you all to be safe,” the family said.
