Dorothy Rhoades Herrick
Dorothy Rhoades Herrick, a.k.a. Moo, Omie and Grandma, a 52-year resident of Chester Township, passed away at her home, on April 18, 2025. She was almost 99 years old.
Born on Aug. 3, 1926, Dorothy grew up in Euclid, attending all grades at Shore School. In 10th grade she met her soulmate and love of her life, Tom Herrick, and during their college years they married.
Early life was in Euclid, where Tom and Dot, both being very community minded, were involved with the Euclid Jaycees. Then came the move to South Euclid, where school PTAs, (including a Wild West Carnival where ponies were brought into the school gymnasium), American Field Service and high school athletics garnered their support.
January 1973 brought them to the farm in Chesterland and they eventually became very active in the Chesterland Historical Foundation. One of her favorite roles there was as program director, whether she was hosting antique appraisals or inviting speakers to come, and she was even the gal to start what is now the annual event of a flea market on CHF grounds every August.
Dorothy was a lifelong antique collector and dealer and eventually started two estate liquidation businesses that were wildly successful and a great joy and huge focus in her life, for over 48 years. And she was always a crafter — with some of her projects actually turning out well! Genealogy was another of her passions.
The Herricks traveled often, whether mystery trips with family or overseas with friends. They were incredibly generous and shared a magnetic personality and terrific sense of humor. Dorothys mantra was “Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.”
Dorothy is survived by her four children, Pamela (Dewey) Thomas, of Howell, Mich., Wendy (Paul) Nye, of Chesterland, Thomas Herrick Jr., of Chesterland, and William Herrick, of Newbury Township; five grandchildren, Peter (Jaimie) Nye, of Orange Village, Jeffrey (Abigail) Nye, of Cincinnati, and Kevin (Jenna) Nye, of Highland Heights, Helene Herrick, of Ft. Collins, Colo., and Shannon Herrick, of Woodstock, Vt.; five great-grandchildren, Allison and Iris Nye, Delilah and Herrick Nye, and Samantha Nye; and sister, Barbara Rhoades, of Twinsburg.
In addition, Tom and Dorothy were surrogate parents to some very special people: Helga, Kathie, Donna, Katy, Margaret, Dani, Duvy, Magic, Chrissie and Judy, not to mention extended family members.
Dorothy is preceded in death by Thomas G. Herrick, her beloved husband of 69 years.
The family wishes to express the most heartfelt thanks to The Hospice of the Western Reserve and especially our team leader, “Nurse Diane.”
Any memorial donations can be made to the Chesterland Historical Foundation or The Hospice of the Western Reserve.
