Dorothy “Dot” Sherian (Brown) Meng
May 3, 1942 – December 27, 2024

Dorothy “Dot” Sherian (Brown) Meng, age 82, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024. She was born on May 3, 1942, in Homedale, Idaho, to Glenn Everal Brown and Ruth Hazel (Reynolds) Brown.

Dorothy grew up in her beloved Idaho, where she developed a deep love for nature and animals. She fondly remembered her childhood days, especially her time in Hagerman during her teenage years. Dorothy worked at her family’s resort on the Snake River, Brown’s 1000 Springs Resort, where she and her older brother, Don, had many adventures. She learned to water-ski on the river, swam with seals her father purchased to attract guests, and enjoyed countless outdoor activities with her dogs and horses. A treasured memory from her childhood was the time she spent at her Uncle Glen Cunningham’s ranch in Kansas. She adored him, and he imparted many valuable life lessons that would shape her future. His inspiring story of overcoming great adversity to become an Olympic runner was one she often shared with others, encouraging them to persevere in difficult times.

As a young woman, Dorothy married Jack Meng, and together they raised two sons, Michael and John. In 1964, while living in Klamath, California, they lost their home in the devastating flood. They later moved to Humboldt County, where Dorothy and Jack developed a property in Dow’s Prairie. Dorothy loved raising her boys in the country, surrounded by nature, animals, and wide- open spaces. She spent summers taking her boys and their friends to the river for swimming and sunbathing. She loved a good tan! She was the ultimate “boy mom,” enjoying adventures with her sons that included riding motorcycles, horses, and playing basketball. She gave them the freedom to explore the forests and ride their bicycles until the sun went down, always ready to patch them up when they returned home.

When her sons were older, Dorothy worked for Sundquist Paints, K & M Glass, and Bank of America for many years, where she formed lasting friendships with her coworkers. In the 1990s and early 2000s, she and her dear friend Linda Scott co-owned and operated the Arcata Bowl and E & O Lanes in Blue Lake. Together, they not only ran two businesses but also traveled and shared many memorable adventures.

Dorothy was a true lover of all things Western. She was in her element during her rodeo days and shared many years of excitement with Jack, participating in rodeos, horseback riding, and living the cowboy life. A cowgirl at heart, she was most comfortable in jeans and cowboy boots but also enjoyed the comfort of her “Birks” (Birkenstocks). Horses, dogs, camping, and socializing with others who shared her love of animals and the Western lifestyle were always a central part of her life.

In retirement, Dorothy moved back to Idaho, settling in the scenic town of Crouch. Spending time with her brother and his family as well as her dear friends, Pat and Judy, were some of her favorite ways to pass a day. While there, she also enjoyed snowmobiling and ATV riding, relishing the beauty of the mountains. However, as the harsh winters grew difficult, she relocated to Eugene, Oregon, to be closer to her family there. In Eugene, Dorothy found new favorite pastimes, which included going to the movies with her son, John, and grandsons, Jackson and Cody—especially action-packed Marvel films or gripping fantasies. She loved attending band gigs, whether featuring her daughter-in-law, Francie, or grandkids, Cody and McKenna. Dorothy always looked forward to lunch dates with her dear friend, Jan, and “The Lovely Lunch Ladies.” She had a special fondness for her visits with Sergio, who cared for her garden when she could no longer tend to it herself. She especially loved attending Sunday services at Lively Stone Fellowship, where her son, John, served as the pastor, and was an active participant in church activities.

Dorothy also made frequent trips back to Humboldt, where she visited with old friends and spent extended time with her son Mike and his family. She enjoyed scenic drives, the beach, and seafood, especially clam chowder. Big family gatherings were a highlight of her time in Humboldt, where special events, birthdays, and holidays were celebrated with delicious meals. She savored dinners prepared by her daughter-in-law, Carole, talked endlessly about art with her grandson, Cameron, and shared travel anecdotes with her granddaughter, Katelynn. This is also where she spent time with her three great-grandchildren Otis, Amelia, and Theo. She enthusiastically played with cars on the oor, joyfully read countless stories, and cradled them until they fell asleep. The most special moments with her great-grandchildren were found in long walks to observe bugs, pick flowers, and blow dandelion fluff to watch the seeds oat through the air.

Family was always Dorothy’s top priority. She was immensely proud of each member, and was particularly proud of her sons being a teacher and a preacher. As a daughter, she took great care to stay in close touch with her parents when they were living. She visited them frequently whether they lived in Idaho, Oregon, California, or Arizona. After her father passed, Dorothy took her mother on several memorable road trips across the U.S. One of her favorite family memories was taking everyone to Tennessee to watch her brother perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Dorothy’s love for family extended to her nieces, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, with whom she maintained regular phone calls and FaceTime chats. She helped to raise Julie and Charlene, treating them as her own daughters. Dorothy was always ready to care for family members in need and emphasized the importance of love and family closeness. She lived what she preached, creating a legacy of love, care, and devotion.

Dorothy was fiercely independent. Whether it was fixing her car or tackling home improvement projects, she was always willing to do it herself. Jack would often come home from work to find Dorothy in the middle of a renovation project. She continued this self-sufficiency into her later years, installing new floors and baseboards throughout her home in her 70s. Just last year, she replaced her kitchen faucet with a little help over the phone from one of her sons. Her resourcefulness, determination, and hard work defined her life.

Dorothy had many talents and was always eager to share her gifts. She was a gifted gardener, especially fond of growing roses. She was a skilled seamstress and made clothes for herself and her sons when they were young, later gifting quilts and pillowcases to loved ones. Dorothy also loved painting, her artwork has become treasured family heirlooms. She could hang wallpaper like no other and helped many friends and family beautify their homes. She had an affinity for Native American history and art, which was reflected in much of her own artwork. A naturally gifted teacher, she served as a den mother for her sons’ Scout troops, coached junior bowlers, taught painting classes, and led Sunday School and Vacation Bible Camp.Athleticism was another hallmark of Dorothy’s life. She was proud to be a state champion basketball player in high school and later became a bowling champion, with at least two 300 games to her name. She loved horseback riding, swimming, snowmobiling, dancing, and water skiing, and continued to stay active throughout her life. A fan of sports, she rarely missed a University of Oregon Ducks game and enjoyed attending the Emeralds baseball games with her girlfriends in the summer.

Dorothy never met a stranger. Her gift of gab and outgoing nature made every conversation memorable. Whether at the grocery store or at a social event, she could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them with a smile. Her laughter was infectious, and she had a unique ability to spread joy wherever she went.

A woman of deep faith, Dorothy loved God and believed in the power of prayer. She read the Bible regularly, and hosted study classes in her home. She loved listening to gospel music and singing worship songs in church. At the end of her life, she often asked visitors, “Do you know Jesus?” providing an opportunity to share her faith.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, Michael (Carole) and John (Francie); grandchildren, Katelynn (Morgan), Cameron (Melissa), Jackson, Cody (McKenna); and great- grandchildren, Otis Meng, Amelia Meng, and Theodore Wright. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends who were an important part of her life. Dorothy will be remembered for her radiant smile, contagious laughter, and the love she gave so freely. Though she will be greatly missed, we take comfort in knowing she is dancing in Heaven with Jesus.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the church family at Lively Stone Fellowship for their unwavering support, love, and care during Dorothy’s final months. We also thank Cascade Health Hospice of Eugene for their compassionate care and providing Dorothy with the grace and dignity of spending her final days in her own home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. at the Blue Lake Community Church, 440 Wahl Street, Blue Lake, California. In accordance with Dorothy’s wishes, her ashes will be scattered on the family property in McKinleyville, a place that held great meaning to her.

If you would like to honor Dorothy’s memory, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter, something Dorothy would have loved.