It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved Claudia Anne (Hetherington) Dutrow, 83, of Damascus, Maryland. She was the wife of Merhle Eugene Dutrow. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, August 2nd, 2024. 

Claudia was born to Claude and Florence Hetherington in Ringtown, Pennsylvania in 1941.  She was one of five children, survived by brother Lawrence (Wes) and preceded in death by brother Kenneth and sisters Myrtle and Dawn. 

Claudia graduated from Ringtown High School. She worked on the farm operating giant irrigation pumps and was a master at driving large trucks, tractors, and bulldozers. Claudia was crowned Potato Queen for growing the largest number of potatoes per acre.

Claudia met her husband, Merhle Eugene Dutrow while he was on a hunting trip in Pennsylvania. They were married in Ringtown, PA, and honeymooned in Hawaii having a mock wedding at the Fern Grotto. They celebrated their 10th anniversary with a second mock wedding at the Fern Grotto in Hawaii. Claudia and Merhle celebrated their 25th anniversary at Flaming Pit Restaurant and their 50th anniversary at Dutch’s Daughter with family and friends. They enjoyed 52 years of marriage together.

Claudia and Merhle raised five children. Daughter Jean Ann and husband George Herndon of Damascus, MD with grandchildren Jamie, George, and Kelly. Son Edward Micheal and wife Brenda Lupcho of Damascus, MD with grandchildren Amy and Edward Jr. Daughter Laura Ann and husband Rick McDonald of Sykesville, MD with grandchildren Ashley, Christopher, Brandon, and Cameron. Daughter Merle Anne Clements and partner John O’Meara of Mt. Airy, MD with grandchildren Erik and Danielle Clements. Son Rick Eugene (deceased) and wife Beth Dutrow of Stephens City, VA with grandchildren Crissie, Mark, and Phillip. She also enjoyed 13 great-grandchildren.

Claudia moved to Happy Hollow Farm in Damascus, MD with her husband Merhle where they raised their family. Claudia worked on their farm, always growing a large garden. She was known for growing an abundance of beautiful flowers around her home.

Claudia and Merhle ran their business in the DC Farmer’s Market where she was known as the Cheese Lady of DC, even being honored by the National Smithsonian Institute as part of a documentary of DC. Claudia and Merhle later became owners of Happy Hills Farm in Ringtown, PA.

Claudia loved to fish for catfish, trout, carp, and deep sea fish for marlin, black drum, shark, and tuna. Claudia hunted bears in Canada and elk, mule deer, and coyotes in Colorado. She was known for being fun-loving, adventurous, and strong. She loved to travel, visiting 48 states and two foreign countries.

Claudia attended two governors' inauguration balls, master farmer dinners, and state dinners.  She was a fantastic cook, always hosting for family and friends. She fed and entertained governors and senators in the family home. Claudia never allowed visitors to leave hungry. She was a member of Mountain View Church in Purdum, MD, the Damascus Travel Club, and AARP.

Claudia was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Visitations will be held at the Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Road, Damascus, MD on Friday, August 9th from 6-8 pm.

Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 10th at 11:00 am followed by interment at the Mountain View Methodist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at: www.molesworthwilliams.com