Mrs. Dora Challet Meares' Obituary
Dora Challet Meares, 85, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died Thursday, February 5, 2015, returning to Heaven to be with the Lord.
Dora was born July 13, 1929 to Fred and Elgie Challet in Northampton, Massachusetts. After a wonderful childhood on her family’s farm and 2 years of college, she enlisted in 1949 and proudly served for 3 years in the US Air Force as a Weather Observer. While on active duty, she met and married the love of her life, Donald Dean “Skip” Meares. After completing their service, they settled down in Southern California to raise and grow their family.
Dora served the San Bernardino County Sheriff from 1962 to 1984. As the Equal Rights Amendment became law, Dora was one of the first 5 women to be named Deputy Sheriff in San Bernardino County. She raised her children to also be in service of others. Fred Meares, M.F.C.C. works as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Deedee Meares-Elliott is a Supervising San Bernardino County Probation Officer, Lynn Meares-Breitinger works as a middle school math teacher and Paula Meares is retired from San Bernardino County, working 20 years as a Respiratory Therapist at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.
Services; After a private family graveside service, her life will be celebrated on Feb. 12, 2015 at 2:00pm at Judson Baptist Church located at 1406 Pacific Street in San Bernardino. Please join the family for this joyful event.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Judson Baptist Church for Camp Co-op. She loved sending kids to camp every summer and this will allow her to do it one more time.
Dora was preceded in death by her husband Skip, her parents Fred and Elgie Challet, and her in-laws, Paul and Ethel Meares.
Survivors: Son, Fred Meares and his wife Kim; daughters Deedee Meares-Elliott and her husband David; Lynn Meares Breitinger and her husband Rick; and Paula Meares. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many loving extended family members and friends.
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