Mildred Eileen Charles, 91, of Bellefontaine passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at Logan Acres Senior Community.
Mildred was born Oct. 6, 1929, in Pottersburg, to the late Murrell A. and Lavon (Organ) Chapman Sr. In 1948, she married James R. Charles, who precedes her in death.
Mildred grew up in Bellefontaine and attended Bellefontaine City Schools until her senior year when she moved to West Liberty and attend West Liberty Salem High School, graduating in the class of 1947. She was a devout Christian and a member of the First Christian Church.
She worked at Kroger for 21 years in West Liberty and Bellefontaine, where she developed many lifelong friendships. Mildred moved to Casa Grande, Ariz., in 1973 where she joined her second family including in-laws, nieces, nephews and her beloved friend, who she saw as her own daughter, Lynne and Tom Norris.
She later began working in accounting with Asarco Copper Company and was later transferred to Tucson, Ariz., where she retired from after working for 20 years. While out west she enjoyed spending some of her time going to dinners at Ochoa’s with Connie, Doris and Bette & Herb; pottery with Kathy Greer, cooking/baking, and lazy days around the pool with Lynne. She loved holiday visits, traveling with her close friend Leni.
Mildred later returned home to Bellefontaine in 2004 to live out the rest of her retirement and be closer to her son, Jim, and granddaughter Megan and family. Mildred was also a member of the Eastern Star, Chapter 459. She adored time with her family and friends; Yahtzee Sundays with Becky, marathon candy and chimichanga making days with Jim, Becky, Megan and Mike. She also adored her pets through the years Fritz, Abby, Misty and Mac. Mildred loved being the Autumn Woods Association Treasurer, enjoyed living there and made many new friends within the community. Her ultimate vacation was in 1994 where her and her son Jim traveled the Hawaiian Islands for a week.
She is survived by her son, James “Jim” V. Charles of Bellefontaine; granddaughter, Megan (Mike) Nicholl; two step great grandchildren; one step great great grandchild; many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by brothers, Lawrence E. Chapman, Sherman Chapman and Murrell A. Chapman Jr.
A private family graveside will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.jenningsfarley.com.