Mary Ellen Charlton

Mary Ellen Charlton, 89 of Central Lake died peacefully Thurs. Nov. 16, 2017.

She was born June 28, 1928 in Detroit the daughter of Leonard and Marguerite (Williams) Grinnell.

Mary Ellen was kind, caring, and active in many social groups.  She was a proud member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) supporting women in education, the Central Lake Lioness, and several book clubs.  She was a founding member of the Child Research Center and was also involved with The Junior Group of Goodwill Industries in Detroit.

Known as an excellent cook, Mary Ellen enjoyed entertaining her family and friends.  She also enjoyed gardening, sunning on the dock, and being in and around the water.  Mary Ellen was an avid downhill skier and water skier as well.  In her free time she loved going to plays at the Old Town Playhouse and the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra and reading.

In 1949, in Detroit, Mary Ellen married the love of her life, Robert C. Charlton Sr. who survives.  Also surviving is her daughter Elizabeth Charlton of Ellsworth, brother Elmer Grinnell of Iowa, sister Cecile Ann Borgeson of Florida, several nieces and nephews, and several great and great great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her son Robert C. Charlton Jr., and her sister Alice Porter.

A celebration of life will be held Tues. Nov. 21, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Central Lake with the family receiving friends at 10 a.m.  Pastor Gary Bekkering will officiate.  Graveside services will be held in the summer of 2018.  In lieu flowers of memorial contributions can be given to the Central Lake District Library, the First Congregational Church of Central Lake, or the Unity Daily Word.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.