DOVER-FOXCROFT – Ger-trude Merrill died peacefully June 30, 2004, at a Corinth boarding home. She was born Aug. 18, 1905, in Machias, the daughter of Henry and Effie (Smith) Maynard. Following her graduation from Washington State Normal School, Gertrude secured a teaching position in a one-room schoolhouse in Dover South Mills. It was here she met Paul V. Merrill, whom she subsequently married on Jan. 1, 1927. They were married for 57 years, until his death in 1984. For a time she worked for the Maine Yacht Corporation in Dover-Foxcroft, sewing sails for the toy yachts they manufactured. She also followed her husband, Paul, to the lumber camps of Chesuncook, where she worked as a cook. Although she held various other odd jobs as well, Gertrude was first and foremost a homemaker, choosing to raise her family in Dover-Foxcroft. She was an active member of the Dover-Foxcroft Methodist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Pauline Thomas; son, Calvin Merrill; sister, Florence Bridgham; and brother, Burleigh Maynard. She is survived by a sister, Marian Power; sister-in-law, Hester Maynard; daughter-in-law, Charlotte Merrill; six grandchildren, Robert Thomas, Diane Donovan, Stephen Thomas, Michael Thomas, Sheila Hall-May, and Sharon Wayno; nine great- grandchildren, Christopher Thomas, Matthew Thomas, Jason Donovan, Jessica Waterhouse, Kristen Thomas, Katie Thomas, Wade Hall, Leslie Ospina, Chad McPhetres; two great-great-grandchildren, Gar-rett Donovan, Victoria McPhetres; many nieces and nephews. Gertrude lived her life with strength and dignity. Her family wishes to thank the staff of Emilio Estates for allowing her to die that way. Their compassionate care will forever be appreciated. At her request there will be no visiting hours. A funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2004, at the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft, with the Rev. Kenneth Dale officiating. Burial will be in the family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery.
GERTRUDE LOVINA (MAYNARD) MERRILL
