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DOROTHY L MERKINS

1953 - 2025

DOROTHY L MERKINS obituary, 1953-2025

BORN

1953

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Ben Salas Funeral Home - Galt

149 4th St

Galt, California

DOROTHY MERKINS Obituary

Dorothy L. Merkins, age 89, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born on March 5, 1936, in French Camp, California, Dorothy was the daughter of Henry and Alma Bachman. She attended Thornton and Galt schools, graduating from Galt High School in 1953. Just two days after graduation, she married the love of her life, Charles C. Merkins, on June 6, 1953.
Dorothy and Charles began their married life in Sacramento, California. After the first year, they moved to Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, returning to Galt in 1959. Dorothy worked at the Galt High School as Secretary to the Principal, later serving many dedicated years as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent at the Galt Unified School District office. She retired in June 1996 to become full time Grandma, her favorite job.
Family was always Dorothy's greatest joy. She was a devoted mother who made every family gathering special with games and prizes. Dorothy's passions included gardening, quilting, and poetry. She often said, "God is my co-pilot," a reflection of her deep faith. A lifelong member of the Galt Episcopal Church, Dorothy created altar bouquets for Sunday services for many years.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Charles C. Merkins; and her older sister Donna Oswald.
She is survived by her four children: Heidi Merkins, Chuck Merkins, Beth (Rich) Lougee, and Kyle (Julie) Merkins; eight grandchildren: Catherine Dickstein, Danielle Merkins, Alex Merkins, David (Shaunda) Dickstein, Bailee (Miles) Jacobsen, Brent (Kaitlyn) Lougee, Tyler Merkins, and Connor Merkins; three great-grandchildren; and her younger sister, Joyce White.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Galt at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Burial will be private at the Veterans Cemetery in Dixon at a later date.
Ben Salas Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Dorothy's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Sep. 6 to Sep. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for DOROTHY MERKINS

Sponsored by Ben Salas Funeral Home - Galt.

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Karen Schauer

September 28, 2025

I had the opportunity to work with Dorothy in the Galt Elementary School District. She was wise, witty and so encouraging. Her words and actions helped me to learn and grow in my career path. Dorothy Merkins and her husband, Chuck, were such a special couple!!

Susan Hagen

September 21, 2025

Dorthy was a second mom to every kid who came through her door. Whether we were splashing in the backyard pool or building a float in the driveway, she was always there with a helping hand and a snack for everybody. Even though it's been 60 years since I slept in a sleeping bag on the living room floor at Heidi's slumber parties, I will still miss having Dorothy on the planet. Rest gently, good mother. You will surely be missed by many.

Luana Whitford

September 21, 2025

Heidi and family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom influenced my life in many wonderful ways! I am so thankful for her talents and dedication to the youth of Galt. I loved her kindness and upbeat personality! She will never be forgotten

Heavenly Blossoms Bouquet VASE INCLUDED

Terri and Jerry Thomas

Sent Flowers

Dory Guevara

September 16, 2025

Heidi
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Holly Yue

September 6, 2025

Dorothy was a truly special woman and I will miss her dearly! She had so many wonderful qualities, the list is long. My favorites were her love and kindness for others, her willingness to always take action and be a doer, she was fun- always a twinkle in her eye, she was a great communicator, and she came to love Jesus and was so grateful to those that helped God show her the way. I am so grateful she is with Jesus now! She is home, but we will so miss her! I will certainly cherish her notes and letters from recent years because they shared who she was as a human being that loved others well.

Keesee n Stroh Family

September 6, 2025

What a BEAUTIFUL LADY she was. Dorothy extended her LOVE n KINDNESS when our brother Mike n his wife died in a horrible airplane accident. Rest In Peace ~_~ BLESSED...

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Memorial Events
for DOROTHY MERKINS

Sep

28

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Galt, CA

Funeral services provided by:

Ben Salas Funeral Home - Galt

149 4th St, Galt, CA 95632

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