Dolores Martin Mergenthaler, 97, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Gloucester House, surrounded by her loving children.
Dolores was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Mergenthaler; her first husband, William J. Hargis Jr.; her cherished daughter, Laura Anne Hargis Baxter; her grandchildren, Paul King and Holly King; her cousin, Elsie Lea Mulrooney; her brother, Paul Martin Jr. and his wife Patsy; her sister, Deanna Martin Hall, and her parents, Paul and Anne Martin.
She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory, including her children, Thomas Jonathan Hargis (Sharon), Susan Hargis King (Richard), and Emily Hargis Irvin (David); her son-in-law, John Baxter; 11 grandchildren, Rachel, Katie, Liz, Kendall, Macy, Ritchie, Josh, Harrison, Hailey, Jackson, and Cora; 12 great-grandchildren, Li, Alex, Mitchell, Pearl, Emmy, Lilly, Eli, Evie, Cash, Jayce, Wren, and Sully; her nieces and nephews, Jeanie, Debbie, Heather, Matthew, and Michael, and her brother-in-law, King Hall.
Born on September 28, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dolores was the daughter of Paul and Anne Martin. She moved in 1938 and spent her childhood and teenage years in her parents’ home in Oxford, Maryland, on the picturesque shores of the Tred Avon River—a place she cherished throughout her life. She graduated from Oxford High School before earning a degree in Medical and X-Ray Technology from the Franklin School of Science & Arts in Philadelphia.
Following graduation, Dolores began her career as a medical technician in Easton, Maryland. After marrying her first husband, William J. “Bill” Hargis Jr., following his service in World War II, the young couple moved to Tallahassee, Florida. There, Dolores served as a Chief Medical Technician at Florida State University while Bill pursued his doctoral studies in oceanography.
In 1955, the young family relocated to Gloucester, Virginia, when Bill accepted the position of Director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Gloucester became Dolores’s home for the next seven decades. There she devoted herself to raising her family, serving her community, and building lifelong friendships that would become one of the defining blessings of her life.
The 1960s and 1970s were defined by Dolores’s unwavering devotion to her family, her deep commitment to the Gloucester community, and the lifelong friendships she cultivated with neighbors and friends who became like family. While raising four children, she generously shared her time and talents through countless civic and volunteer organizations. Her service included the Abingdon Elementary School PTA, Gloucester Intermediate and High School PTAs, the Abingdon Junior Woman’s Club, where she served as Past President, the Gloucester Cancer Society, the Gloucester-Mathews League of Women Voters, the Gloucester Woman’s Club, and the York River Garden Club.
Among her many contributions to the community, one of her proudest accomplishments was her service on the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission. Representing Gloucester County, she served as Vice Chair from 1973 to 1974 before being elected Chair for the 1974-1975 term. She believed deeply that strong communities are built by neighbors willing to serve one another, and she lived that belief every day.
The 1980s brought profound challenges when her oldest daughter, Laura Anne, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a devastating automobile accident. As life changed for the entire family, Dolores responded with the same quiet strength and unconditional love that had always defined her. Affectionately known as “Granny,” she became an indispensable part of the Baxter household, helping to raise Laura Anne’s three children while providing unwavering love, stability, and support through difficult years.
Perhaps one of Dolores’s greatest and most enduring gifts was her extraordinary capacity for grace and forgiveness. She believed that love was always stronger than division. After Laura’s accident, she stood united with her ex-husband. In that moment, she modeled to all what true strength looks like. The ability to rise above old wounds for the sake of love. Their relationship became a remarkable example of what compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness can accomplish, leaving a legacy that continues to shape her family for generations.
Later in life, Dolores found love again when she married Robert “Bob” Mergenthaler. Together they enjoyed years of companionship, travel, laughter, and new adventures while watching their children and grandchildren build lives of their own.
Following Bob’s passing in 1997, Dolores embraced a new chapter of life. She downsized to a townhouse at The Points, where she spent the next three decades surrounded by cherished friends, beautiful gardens, and the family she adored. A faithful member of Abingdon Episcopal Church, she remained active in her church while continuing to place her family at the center of her life.
Dolores was truly the family’s “Granny on Duty.” She was always ready to help whenever one of her children called. She delighted in traveling and vacationing with her family, nurturing the colorful flower beds that surrounded her home, and cheering from the audience at band and choir concerts, athletic competitions, dance recitals, graduations, and every milestone in between. If one of her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren was involved, Granny was there.
As the years passed and holiday gatherings transitioned to the next generation, Dolores gladly surrendered the role of host while embracing her favorite role, that of family storyteller. Seated at the center of the table, she delighted everyone with stories that stretched from her childhood on the Tred Avon River to the latest adventures of her ever-growing family. Having Granny at a holiday gathering meant laughter, conversation, and memories that would be retold long after the meal had ended. Her presence was as much a tradition as the holiday itself.
Dolores spent the final three years of her life as a resident of Gloucester House. True to her nature, she quickly became a beloved friend to residents and staff alike, keeping everyone entertained with stories and proudly sharing the accomplishments and adventures of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Even in her final years, her greatest joy remained celebrating the people she loved most.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff of Gloucester House for the kindness, dignity, and love they showed Dolores throughout her time there. Their care brought comfort not only to her but to all who loved her.
The service will be held at Abingdon Episcopal Church, 4645 George Washington Memorial Hwy., Hayes, Va. 23072, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, and will be conducted by the Rev. Sven vanBaars. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
In memory of our loved one, contributions may be made to Abingdon Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 82, White Marsh, Va. 23183.
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.