Dolores Louise Mehrhoff

Dolores Louise Mehrhoff, age 84, of Centerville passed away Friday, September 26, 2025 at MercyOne Medical Center in Centerville. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of everyone she met.

Dolores was born on October 16, 1940 in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the daughter of James Eugene Phillips and Esther Enola (Baldwin) Phillips. She was a graduate of Cincinnati High School. On March 1, 1957, Dolores was united in marriage to Floyd Dean Mehrhoff.

Dolores lived a full and adventurous life, never staying in one place too long. Her love for travel took her all over the country, and her stories were as colorful and far-reaching as the places she visited. Whether it was a spontaneous road trip or a cross-country move, she welcomed every new place like home.

In 1965, she began working for Service Rubber in Rock Island, Illinois. She worked various jobs throughout her life and travel, including, Radiant and Electric Heat, McGraw-Edison, White Oak Station in Branson Missouri, and retired from John Deer in Ottumwa.

She had a gift for finding joy in the little things-nothing made her smile quite like a good garage sale, a lively game of bingo, or cheering from the sidelines at her grandkids' activities. She was their biggest fan, always the loudest cheerleader and the proudest grandma. Her support and encouragement were unwavering, and her presence will be deeply missed at every game and gathering.

A loyal friend, Dolores especially cherished her life-long friendship with Mary Exline. The two shared countless dinners, laughs, and memories that will be treasured forever.

Her warmth, humor, and zest for life made her unforgettable. She filled every room with love and laughter, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, spontaneity, and deep affection for her family and friends.

The next time you think of Dolores, we ask that you play a game of bingo, attend a garage sale, or cheer on a local baseball game in her honor-just as she would have loved. Rest in peace, Dolores. Your spirit will travel with us always.

Left to cherish Dolores' memory are her daughter, Susan Mehrhoff; her grandchildren, Amber Mehrhoff, Sarah Mehrhoff, Destiny Collis, Austin Finks, and Porter Finks; her great grandchildren, Taylor, Zach, Aaliyah, Donavan, Gabby, Morgan, Jaydan, Hadley, Rhyat, and Pixie; her siblings, Edward Phillips, Rich Phillips and Jeanne Mumson; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ester Phillips; her husbands, Floyd "Dean" Mehrhoff and Leonard Okle Coy; her sons, Randy Dean Mehrhoff and Roger Dale Mehrhoff; her siblings, Janet Gwen Phillips and her sisters-in-law, Carol Phillips and Kathy Phillips.

Funeral services for Dolores will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Iowa. Visitation will take place, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 9:00AM-10:00AM. Memorials may be made to Destiny Collis, to be used towards final expenses, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Mehrhoff Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.