Ohio couple dies minutes after COVID-19, after 70 years of marriage

COSHOCTON COUNTY, Ohio – The growing death toll from COVID-19 has devastated many families on a personal level. One example illustrates this like no other.

An Ohio couple who recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary passed away within minutes, leaving behind seven decades of memories, five children, 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

Dick and Shirley Meek celebrated their birthday on December 22. It was then that they innocently told their children that they were feeling a little unwell.

“They said to all of us kids, ‘We think we’re catching a cold,'” said Kelly Meek. But, suddenly, things got bad and it was evident that it was not just cold.

On January 8, both tested positive for COVID-19. When things started to get worse for both of them, the family asked them to stay together for the 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 were to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on January 19.

“They were holding hands and Mom’s head was on Daddy’s shoulder,” said Debbie Meek Howell.

Shirley was 87, Dick recently turned 90. The family said they enjoyed all the fruits of life, from skydiving to zip lining and travel around the world. Every day, at 3 pm, they found time for a date.

“My parents received the blessing of walking together through the gates of heaven for eternity without ever having to face ‘until death do us part’. How many people can say that? ”Said Debbie.

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