Terrie Dunlap

Terrie (Melvin) Dunlap died on November 15, 2025, surrounded by her family, in Ashland, Ohio. Terrie was born on March 30, 1948 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She moved with her family (father William and mother Marilyn Melvin, sister Dannie Stock and brother Bill Melvin) to Lake Cable, Ohio, early in life. Terrie’s upbringing in Lake Cable was grounded in her family’s dedication to the Church of the Lakes, which William and Marilyn founded in the basement of their family home.

Terrie left Lake Cable in 1966 to attend Ashland University, where she earned a degree in education. A natural educator, Terrie spent the entirety of her career in public education, teaching and caring for children. She was beloved by those she taught and was a fierce advocate for all children.

As a college freshman, Terrie was introduced to the love of her life, Jerry Dunlap, on a blind date. She and Jerry married at the Church of the Lakes on July 26, 1969. Together, Terrie and Jerry created a family that truly expanded the definition of the word. The doors of their homes (on Center Street, then Hillcrest Ave., in Ashland) were always open to friends new and old, from near and far. Terrie was deeply proud of her children, Tyler (Colleen Olson), Trevor (Sarah Dunlap) and Tara (Mike McKernan). She loved and provided quiet guidance to many others for whom she was an “unofficial mom.” Her greatest joys were her grandchildren: Quinn and Colin Dunlap; Sara, Lily, and Ryan Olson; Ashton, Mattie and Lydia Dunlap; and Liam McKernan.

They loved their “MeMe” with equal ferocity and cherished the time they spent with her.

One of Terrie’s greatest legacies was her commitment to children with special needs. In her work as a special education teacher, she found that many of her students didn’t have the opportunity to participate in out-of-school activities, specifically summer camp. As a result, she and Jerry decided that if there wasn’t a camp for ALL children, then, they would create one. It was from this vision that Camp Nuhop was founded. Established by Terrie and Jerry in 1974, Nuhop has been a place full of magic for campers and staff alike. It was Terrie’s heart that brought Camp Nuhop to life.

Terrie was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland, OH, for the majority of her life. A highlight of her year was attending Christmas Eve service, surrounded by her family in a pew near the front.

Terrie was preceded in death by the love of her life, Jerry. She is survived by her loving sister (Dannie) and brother (Bill), brother- and sister-in-law (Jess and Linda Dunlap), and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her dear friend Cathy Hancock, who has always been more family than friend. Terrie loved and cared for many, many more who entered her orbit either through teaching, summer camp, or her church communities—far too numerous to list.

Terrie’s family and friends will celebrate her life at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio. Luncheon will be served following the service. The service will be preceded by visiting hours, starting at 10:00 AM, in Jack's Place, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Terrie’s name to Camp Nuhop, at 1077 Township Rd 2916, Perrysville, OH 44864, or at http://www.nuhop.org.