Charlene H. Ellis
December 22, 1944 ~ April 5, 2014
Charlene H. Ellis, 69, of Martinsville, died on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at her residence. She was born on December 22, 1944 in Washington, Indiana to the late Emil and Emma Braun.
Aside from her loving parents Charlene is preceded in death by her two brothers, Gene and Bernie Braun.
She provided for her family practicing the dental arts, ranging from dental technician, dental research, and many other specialties. The IU School of Dentistry has recognized her for her 50 years of service in the dental profession. She enjoyed gardening, traveling the country with her husband in the antique 1942 Chevy they both owned, capturing the moments of the world around her with her photography. She, along with her husband and son, owned an antique business where she enjoyed the excitement of the find and the story behind the antique. As a musically inclined person she was fond of playing the drums, organ and some stringed instruments. Above all, she was known for being a “people person” who was well liked by many.
She is survived by her son, David Ellis of Indianapolis; her loving companion of almost 30 years, Donald Guthrie of Martinsville, her combined close family members, Debbie Liffick of New Whiteland, IN and Matt Guthrie of Greenwood, Indiana; as well as a host of other close relatives and friends.
A memorial service will take place at 4PM Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Carlisle- Branson Funeral Service & Crematory; 39 East High Street, Mooresville, IN. A gathering of friends will take place from 2 until 4PM at the funeral home on Sunday.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to an educational memorial fund payable to Indiana College Choice Advisor 529 Savings Plan for the Benefit of Autumn Guthrie, 1215 South Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225 or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Charlene’s name. Friends may visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a memory or sign the guest registry.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
As a member of the Indiana University School of Dentistry family, I would like to send my deepest condolences to Charlene’s family. I didn’t know Charlene personally, however, just reading her tributes from others helps me get an understanding of what a awesome person she was. She will be missed for sure. Again, my sympathies to you all. Julia Daley-Backus, Oral Biology
Miss Charlene, although I did not know you long it was long enough to realize what a wonderful person you are. Heaven will be blessed with your presence but your spirit will forever be at Oral Health Research. Cynthia Grisby
My mother was a frequent participant in oral health studies when she was alive. She and Charlene became good friends. To the point that I almost considered Charlene a sister. She will be deeply missed. Michele Farris
Miss Charlene taught me a lot. Her history was vast and colorful. A Very Huggable Person that cared for all. It’s been an honor to know and work with you at Oral Health.
Charlene, I will miss you terribly! You were like a mom to me. We shared our hearts and thoughts at OHRI. You have taught me to be a strong person. It has been my pleasure knowing you. with sadness, Parul Patel
Miss Charlene, my most favorite STBR sister. She was the most thoughtful, caring, loving person that I have met in a long time. We enjoyed our many talks together, dreaming about what retirement will be like and we shared lots of laughs. I can’t believe she is gone from us and I miss her every day. Heaven is blessed to have her in their care. Love and condolences to Don, David and all of her family and friends. With love and sadness, Marilyn Richards
Words can not express the sadness I feel in my heart at the loss of such a dear person and friend. The world is certainly less brighter…I will always charish the time we spent together (the talks, the hugs and bingo)…you were a dear, sweet person to me and everyone you came in contact with. Thank you so much for the memories and although I know you will enjoy your retirement in heaven with the angels, I will dearly miss you here on earth!!! May peace be with you and your family…Deepest sympathies, LaTonya Kirkland
We rode the same school bus every day with Frisky Norris our driver. We had connecting farm land that our Dad’s owned. She always had beautiful long hair in high school. Betty Evans Scheid
Charlene, will so miss your emails. Thanks for the memories. Ellen Fuhrman, Jasper
We the Little Family would like to gave our Sympathy To Don and To David. Charlene will be greatly missed. And I myself will miss all her e-mails and greeting cards. Prayers, Betty Gabbard
Charlene will always be in our memories of the good times we shared. The many E-mail, photographs, quiet talks and just good friendship. She will be missed. Lois and Jim
Charlene and I shared many events in her life. While I was not a classmate, my husband, Michael, who passed away in 2009, enjoyed so much that great class of 1962. Charlene and I shared memories of ‘growing up’ on a farm, being 4-H members and going to 4-H camp in the summers. My most recent time spent with she and Don was in 2012 while she worked several sessions in my home preparing their LHS 50th Class Reunion memory booklet. Was a true joy having those wonderful times. I remember hearing of Dr. Lett going to her home to administer a demerol shot to relieve migraine headaches for her mother. And…he was always reminded to take the two dozen brown hen eggs for the Lett family laying on the kitchen table. However, I truly believe her greatest gift to herself, was being the mother to her precious son, David. Enjoy those wonderful journals, David, and know how many share your loss.
I also wanted to say that Charlene was a wonderful photographer! Last fall I did an art festival, and she and Don came to visit. Charlene took the most wonderul photos of my art booth, my dog and myself. when I got home that night after a LONG DAY, there was an envelope of photos that she had taken that very day, taped to my door! I guess she and Don went striaght to Sams club and got them developed. What a wonderul surprise from a loving and caring lady. I cannot express how much that meant to me! We also were kitty care-givers for each other when we went on trips or vacation. So nice to have a trusted soul right across the yard to help with feeding, watering and checking on our fur babies. This Sunday, as we all gather for our final goodbyes, I pray that the Lord bless each and every loved one…
Charlene was the most caring selfless person I have ever met. She was one of those people who you study to learn how to be like them, because you want to be a better person. Charlene had so many wonderful qualities, I have tried to build some of those into my life. She had a knack of doing for another just the perfect thing to touch their heart. Yet Charlene was wise and funny and her honest country humour got right to the point, but always in a ‘nice’ way. We spent a lot of hours together and had lots of deep talks during my time at OHRI. Some days her encouragement and her friendship were the only reason that I came back to work the next day. Charlene cared for the least of these and found value in people who would be ignored by others with power and influence. As she served others her heart grew and she became the most precious of my friends. I am so grateful to our Father that He allowed me to see Charlene just a couple of weeks ago. Her smile took my breath away, I grabbed her and hugged her long and hard and she hugged back just as hard. I didn’t want to let her go. I told her I’d missed her and I loved her. At least I got to say good bye, but I will miss Charlene until we meet again for a nice cup of coffee and a long talk about the gardens she’s tending in Heaven. They will surely be more beautiful once she adds her amazing simple beauty to them. Heaven will be so full of lovely hostas. I love you Charlene, I was blessed to know you, I will miss you always. Blessings to you Don and David Charlene loved you both so much.
Words cannot express my feelings for Charlene. She was a very special German lady who was a diligent worker. She was my friend. Charlene was the ultimate gardener and ‘hosta queen’. She cared deeply about people, and often helped the less fortunate. She was not materialistic, and the little things in life gave her the greatest pleasure. Several items have reminded me of Charlene these past few weeks: blooming helebores, hostas peeking through the soil, gerber daises, and pansies. I am thankful and blessed for time spent together. We shared good times, stories, laughs, and acquired many memories, especially at the DRF. Charlene will hold a special place in my heart and I will definitely miss her. Though I shed tears now, I look forward to seeing her again. My condolences to Don and David. Cheryl Krushinski
Charlene was a wonderful lady and will be sadly missed. We were neighbors for almost 9 years and we had become friends and fellow crafters. Charlene was always smiling as she worked in her garden and flower beds…. we were always watching for owls and discussing the wildlife that came into our yards….talking about her polydactly cats, our lives growing up in the country…… She and Don always grow a big garden of fresh vegetables that they share with everyone and their loving, giving spirit will never be forgotten. I just can’t believe she is gone. This has taken us all by surprise, for we thought there would be many more years with you here on earth. My heart is broken…. RIP Charlene, until we meet again…. Allyson Williams
I worked with Charlene several years ago at OHRI and kept in contact once I moved to the School of Dentistry across the street. Charlene was always smiling and always fun to be around. She will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies to all of her family and friends. Kay Rossok
Charlene was an increidlbe person. I worked with her for years. 1. She taught me two important things: be kind to others no matter how unkind they may be to you. 2. The love and joy of flowers and gardening. I aspire to have a beautiful garden like hers one day. I know she would be proud of my developing garden. Dr. Judi Chin