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A couple in their 80s from Ohio who just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary died of COVID-19, minutes apart, holding hands.
Family members said Dick and Shirley Meek, aged 89 and 87, dropped guard to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on December 22.
They were admitted to a Columbus hospital 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 a few minutes later by Dick. The couple never stopped holding hands.
Their death came just three days before the due date to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, family members said.
Dick and Shirley Meek, 89 and 87, died in a Columbus hospital on January 16 after celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary
The couple died within minutes of each other holding hands
The couple found themselves 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 said on the outing that Shirley Meek died first as the couple’s favorite song, When the River Meets the Sea by John Denver, played in the background.
“The nurse put mum’s head on my dad’s shoulder and said to daddy ‘Dick, it’s OK to let go now. Shirley is waiting for you “and he passed away within minutes,” she said.
The Meeks were both due to receive their coronavirus shots a few days later
Family members said the Meeks were childhood sweethearts who built a ‘legacy of love’
Family members said their story should serve as an uplifting tale for others during the pandemic
In an obituary posted at Fischer funeral home, family members wrote that the couple had a ‘love affair for the ages’.
“They had a fairytale ending. Our hearts are broken, but we are at peace knowing that they are together forever, ”the obituary read.
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 a life of adventure – from parachute diving to zipline, their Bucket List was amazing! the obituary reads.
Family members have said that throughout their lives the couple have made time for daily dates and a 3 p.m. toast.
Family members said the Meeks have lived a life of adventure and traveled the world
Family members said the Meeks had a wild bucket list with adventures such as skydiving and ziplining
“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, ”the obituary reads.
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 handcrafted gifts for family and friends.
“He was a romantic at heart and always put others before him,” the obituary reads.
Shirley Meek, described as ‘the reserved one’, was a housewife and quietly donated to charity each month, the family said.
‘She was an avid shopper and loved to dress to the hilt for every occasion, and her sense of style was admired by all,’ the obituary read.
Family members have asked for donations to go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Project Wounded Warrior or the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.
“ COVID has taken our lives so we all beg you to be safe, ” the family said.
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