An octogenarian couple from Ohio who have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, have died of COVID-19, just minutes away, while holding hands.
Family members said Dick and Shirley Meek, ages 89 and 87, left the guard to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 22.
They were admitted to a Columbus hospital where they tested positive for coronavirus on Jan. 8, according to Vicki Harper, one of their daughters.
They died together on January 16th. Shirley died first, followed a few minutes later by Dick. The couple never stopped holding hands.
Their deaths came just three days before they were scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, family members reported.
Dick and Shirley Meek, ages 89 and 87, died at a Columbus hospital in the 16 weeks of January after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary.
The couple died a few minutes apart while holding hands
The couple had ended up separated in rooms on different floors of the hospital and their conditions began to decline rapidly, Harper told WBNS.
“We asked.” [the hospital staff] for them to be together and they said absolutely, ”Harper said.
Daughter Debbie Howell told the media that Shirley Meek died first while the couple’s favorite song, When the River Meets the Sea by John Denver, sounded in the background.
“The nurse put mom’s head on my dad’s shoulder and she said to dad‘ Dick, it’s okay to let it go now. Shirley is waiting for you “and it happened in a matter of minutes,” she recounted.
The Meeks were scheduled to get their coronavirus vaccines a few days later
Family members said the meeks were childhood lovers who built a “legacy of love.”
Family members said their story should serve as a story for other people during the pandemic
In a obituary published at the Fischer Funeral Home, family members wrote that the couple had a “love story for all ages.”
They had a fairy tale ending. Our hearts are shattered, but we are at peace knowing that they are together forever, ”says the obituary.
Family members said the meeks were childhood lovers who built “a legacy of love” for their five children, 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
“His was a life of adventure: from scuba diving to the zip line, his list of cubes was amazing.” the obituary is read.
Family members said that throughout their lives the couple spent time on daily appointments and toasting at 3 p.m.
Family members said the meeks lived a life of adventure and traveled the world
Family members said the Meeks had a list of wild cubes with adventures such as skydiving and zip-lining.
“We are devastated to lose them both at the same time. But, we are blessed that they walked together, hand in hand, through the Gates of Heaven to eternity,” says the obituary.
Edwin Meek, who was an Air Force sergeant during the Korean War, was born in Coshocton and would have turned 90 this Tuesday.
His children described him as an expert carpenter who often made artisan gifts for family and friends.
“He was a romantic choir and always put others before him,” says the obituary.
Shirley Meek, described as “the reserved one,” was a housewife and quietly donated to charities each month, the family said.
“She was an avid shopper and loved to dress up every occasion, and everyone admired her sense of style,” says the obituary.
Family members have requested that donations be sent to St. John’s Children’s Research Hospital. Jude, the Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer’s Association instead of flowers.
“COVID took our lives, so we ask you all to be safe,” the family said.
