Merrilyn Lee Caduff passed away on April 3, 2023, at the age of 88. She was born October 23, 1934, at 307 Nth 24th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado, the daughter of Frank and Jennie Caduff. She attended Colorado Springs High School, Pueblo Junior College and the University of Northern Colorado, where she majored in history and minored in English. She got her teaching certificate and taught English at Manitou Springs High School for over 30 years. She dearly loved God, her family, the mountains, rock collecting and Shakespeare. She was faithful to her beliefs and to her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Jennie, brother Gerald and sister-in-law Marilyn.
She is survived by her niece Noralynn (Greg) Hassold and nephew Larry (Vicki) Caduff, great nieces Krystal (Jacob) McManis and Laura Jo (Hugo) Bujàn-Prévot and great nephews Derek (Sarah) Caduff and Jacob (Nicole) Hassold, and great-great nieces Melody McManis and Audra and Ileia Caduff and great-great nephews Kalob McManis and Eason and Judah Caduff.
A Memorial Service will be held on August 4, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in her memory.
Rosemary Stuckey Manley Rhodes
7 Apr 2023Oh the many lives you touched…..you were such a blessing to the students of Manitou through the years. You will be sorely missed but will be remembered in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of your teaching. Deepest condolences to your family.
LaDonna Fabian Casaday
7 Apr 2023So sorry for family. She was a very special lady to the many of us she taught. She was a big influence in my decision to go into teaching. Thank you Miss Caduff for all you did!!❤️
Stephanne’ Hohl
7 Apr 2023I will miss you with every piece of my heart and soul! I love you so much! I know you are in your happy place now, surrounded by all your cats and dogs and I know I will see you again, my dear friend!
KENNY "Crabby" Crabtree '65
8 Apr 2023So many dedicated years and so many lives she touched! Amazingly, more than 50 years later, we remained friends as well as the ever present teacher/student relationship. It was her consistent belief in the Lord and kindness to people that was foremost to her and even in the darkest hours she was steadfast. We would talk regularly and she always told me to give her love to my new wife Denise and the numerous dogs in my world as well as my Longhorns that she admired only in pictures.
Her own family of animals who were her constant companions and always were pleasant conversation topics even as some departed and some newly entered. Most recently in her new residence she took great comfort and solace in the resident dog that daily spent time with her.
The strength in her love of God and acceptance of her new life made tears of sorrow into tears of joy. I only hope others can feel the same strength as we enter that time.
I remember in English Literature class introducing me to Robert Frost that took me years to comprehend and one line she repeated was “The fog comes on little cat feet” from his poem, Chicago and I could hear her smile as she repeated it.
I, as well as many others were fortunate to have learned from her and shared a little of her time with us.
Truly a lady, I will miss our phone times together but the friendship that grew stronger over the years. I was hoping for a Lemon birthday cake and Lemon Cheesecake ice cream reunion this fall but hopefully we can enjoy it later. The chocolate Easter rabbit was slated to be mailed when I got the news of her leaving us so that too can wait.
My thanks to Larry and his sister and families for making her last times as comfortable as possible. I only wished I was in better physical shape and closer to have been a help.
And Steve Stanton and I will not be able to diagram a sentence without your guidance.
We all are better for having known her.
She is in the arms of the Lord.
Donna Martin
9 Apr 2023Words can’t express how much Miss Caduff meant to me and the class of 1963. She was our guiding light and will always be in our hearts. She always came to our class reunions, and we will deeply miss her.
April Lux '82
28 Jun 2023Miss Caduff you were such a blessing to my life. I received many English papers back with loads of red ink corrections. You made me a better student. I enjoyed my time working on the yearbook with your guidance as well. You had a gentle soul and I knew you saw all things. When you spoke it was direct and with kindness. You were a terrific teacher. I know you are wrapped in the arms of Jesus in a place filled with light, love, and praise. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Medran Sharon
15 Jul 2023I’m so glad I saw on Facebook about Miss Caduff’s passing. I remember her so well! I remember knowing her love for God and arranged a meeting after school to talk with her. Not really sure what we talked about but she was so kind, soft spoken and stoic at the same time. I will see you in heaven Miss Caduff!
Vickie (Ireland) Hover
3 Aug 2023I will always remember you and your kindness. I looked forward to your Christmas cards and notes. Love you.
Karen (Gardner) Murphy class of 84
16 Oct 2023Dear Miss Caduff,
I was only at MSHS two years, but your classes are ones I won’t forget. Your love for teaching was clear, and I followed the same path, and have loved it every year. You had the sweetest and gentlest of souls. You have done so much for others, may you now take your rest in peace.
Marvin Pritchard
4 Aug 2023With fond memories . . . you were such a blessing.
Bill La Haye 77
15 Sep 2023Miss Caduff,
You made a difference. Thank you.
Leslie
20 Sep 2023On behalf of George Cordes and Joan Cordes, I Leslie Cordes would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family. Words have little meaning at this time, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find some comfort in the poem: The Traveler by James Freeman. Wishing you Peace and Love, Leslie.