Dansville: At age 87, Merrilee passed peacefully on January 28, 2024 at the Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Wellsville, NY. She was born on April 21, 1936 in Dansville, NY daughter of the late Edwin and Isabelle (Dresser) Kiehle. Predeceased by her husband of 60 years Thomas B. Kuhn, son Thomas R. Kuhn, granddaughter Alexandra “Ali” Spitler, and sister June Owens. Survived by her daughter Leesa (John) Spitler of Dansville, granddaughter Samantha Spitler of Webster, and great-grandson Jett Austin.
Merrilee graduated from Dansville Central Schools in 1955. While in high school, she worked in the newspaper office in town. After graduation, she typed pay bills for Shay’s Trucking. Tom and Merrilee were married on October 8, 1955 and then traveled to San Antonio, Texas to live where Tom was stationed in the Air Force. Their son, Thomas Raymond, was born there in 1956 and they moved back to Dansville in 1957. Their daughter, Leesa, was born in 1959 and Merrilee was a stay at home mom until both children were in school. She went to work as a secretary for the Dansville Presbyterian Church. During this time, Tom began working as a photographer and Merrilee became his assistant. They did many family portraits and weddings. In 1978, they opened the Photographic Emporium and initially sold cameras, photographic equipment, gifts, and Precious Moments. They later expanded to wedding invitations and supplies, and cake decorating supplies. During this time, they traveled to photography shows all over Europe. Tom and Merrilee closed their store in 2012. In later years, Merrilee loved to shop in thrift stores. If that day trip also included lunch out, all the better! Merrilee will be remembered for her storytelling, her fashion sense, her cookie baking, and her love for her cat, Kitty. She will be greatly missed.
A Graveside Service and burial will be held at 11am on Friday, April 19th, at Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Hearthside Cats, PO Box 282, Geneseo, NY 14454. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com