Kathryn Christine (Decker) Merrill

MERRILL, Kathryn Christine (Decker), 92, Dover-Foxcroft, October 10, 2016. In respect with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. A future graveside service will be held at the family cemetery located on Greeley’s Landing Road. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home.

 Kathryn Christine (Decker) Merrill

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Kathryn Christine (Decker) Merrill completed her earthly journey October 10, 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Kay knew that her journey was not her destination for Corinthians 4:18 says, “We set our eyes not on what we see, but on what we cannot see. What we see will last only a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever.”

Kay was born December 11, 1923, in Dover-Foxcroft, to parents Everett and Gertrude (Young) Decker and lived on their beloved family farm in Dover-Foxcroft with her many siblings. She held dear the memories of her childhood friends and families.

In 1939, Kay married the love of her life, Omar Merrill and for 47 years, they lived, loved, laughed and cried while raising their seven children on their country homestead in Dover-Foxcroft. The seven children and spouses brought forth 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren. Years after Omar’s death, Kay married Leo Dean and enjoyed their life together as well as time spent with his children and their families.

Kay had a strong interest in community service and was the first selectwoman to serve in Dover-Foxcroft. Kay also had the privilege to serve two terms in Augusta as House Representative for District 106. Volunteering was another enjoyment for Kay. Throughout her adult years, she served as 4-H leader, Mayo Hospital volunteer, Meals for ME volunteer and Pine Tree Hospice volunteer.

Kay’s priorities in life have always been God, family, friends and community. Her family has been greatly blessed to have had such a wonderful generous mother so full of love and life for nearly 93 years. Her legacy will live on as she always has been and still is “as gentle as a sparrow but an eagle when she flies.”

She is survived by children: Charles Merrill and his wife, Jane, Gerald Merrill, Sr., and his wife, Joan, Jeffrey Merrill and his wife, Nora, Nancy Danforth and her husband, Edward, and Debra Lander and her husband, Scott; grandsons: Todd Merrill, Toby Merrill, Gerald Merrill, Jr., Brian Merrill, Mark Merrill, Jeffrey Merrill II, Shawn Merrill, and Scott Lander, Jr.; granddaughters, Tracey Arno, Tammy Campbell, Melissa Graham, Pamela Irish, Denise Merrill, Missy Hall, Jody Annis, Kristin Dulac, and Johanna Greenfield; her sisters, Teresa Pratt of Dover-Foxcroft, and Barbara Burrill of Enfield; a brother-in-law, Merle Merrill and his wife, Coleen; Leo’s son, Robert Dean and his wife, Dottie, and daughter-in-law, Judy Dean; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by husbands, Omar B. Merrill and Leo Dean; sons, Barry O. Merrill and Waldo “Joe” Merrill; grandchildren, Scott Merrill, Joshua R. Lander, and Tracy Kasprzak; a great-granddaughter, Ella Hope Bell Dulac; a sister, Ivy Brawn; brothers, Everett Jr., Keith, Merlin, Murray, Paul, Linwood, and Derry Decker; and Leo’s son, Winston Dean.

In respect with Kay’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A future graveside service will be held at the family cemetery located on Greeley’s Landing Road.  Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.