Shirley G. (Morgridge) Dodge

YORK – Shirley G. (Morgridge) Dodge, 95, passed away on Jan. 25, 2022, at Sentry Hill at York Harbor. Shirley was born in Eliot on July 30, 1926. It was there she met her soulmate John H. Dodge of Epping, N.H. Married on Dec. 1, 1945, while John was in the Navy, they shared a life together for 47 years.At Eliot High School Shirley was an avid basketball player and graduated in June of 1943. Her school spirit continued as she attended class reunions every year. While raising their three children, Shirley had a newspaper route delivering the “Portsmouth Herald” and was a meat cutter at Dan’s Supermarket. Stage Neck Inn saw her in housekeeping, and at Liberty Mutual she was a rater until her retirement in 1982. Her primary focus, however, was raising her children for which they are eternally grateful. Red was her favorite color and the Red Sox was her favorite sports team. Not one to be idle, Shirley was a member of the Gadabouts Bowling League, Eastern Star, John F. Hill Grange serving for a time as Chaplin and was awarded the Degree of Ceres, DAV Commander’s Club Bronze Leader, Eliot United Methodist Church Faith Circle (serving turkey dinners and making crafts for the church fairs), and counted ballots in Eliot on voting days. She is remembered for crocheting hundreds of afghans, for her special macaroni and cheese recipe, and for including a one-dollar bill in each birthday card mailed to members of her entire extended family. Until the day she passed she maintained contact with many long-time friends and relatives. As expressed by one niece, “we were the lucky ones” to have known her for so many years.Shirley is survived by her three children, David (and Mia) Dodge of Buxton, Gregory (and Christy) Dodge of Newnan, Ga., Cynthia (and David Botelho) of Murrells Inlet, S.C.; five grandchildren, Scott (and Renee) Dodge of Berwick, Sara (and Thomas) Ramey of Newnan, Ga., John Ricker (and Diana) of Wilmington, N.C., Dana Dodge (and Jeanette) of Buxton, Caitlin Dodge of Portland; 14 great-grandchildren.She was predeceased by her husband John H. Dodge and five siblings.Per Shirley’s wishes a graveside service will take place in the spring at Brooks Memorial Park in Eliot followed by a gathering. To view Shirley’s memorial page or to share a condolence message please visit http://www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. Care of the Dodge family has been entrusted to the J. S. Pelkey and Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to: Footprints Food Pantry37 Old Post Rd.Kittery, ME 03904 or:Eliot UnitedMethodist Church