Olive K. “Chris” Charles

Olive K. “Chris” Charles, age 91, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the Christiana Hospital after a short illness.

Chris was born in Pine Grove, PA to the late Dora (Herring) and Charles M. Kemmerling. She graduated as valedictorian from Pine Grove High School in 1950 and subsequently from the Harrisburg Institute of Medical Arts. Chris worked as a medical technician for the Robert M. Johnston Laboratory in Harrisburg where she met her late husband, R. Donald Charles.

After they married in 1955, Chris worked for the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD until the birth of their first child. After they moved to Newark, DE in 1958, they welcomed 3 more children into the Charles family. While raising her family, Chris volunteered her time at West Park Elementary School, Central Middle School, Newark High School and the University of Delaware. She also served as an assistant Girl Scout Leader. In her later years, she worked for the University of Delaware Telephone Services. Chris was also a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark.

In addition to her husband of 60 years, Chris was predeceased by 5 brothers and 3 sisters and her daughter-in-law, Lauren Charles. She is survived by one brother in addition to her children, R. David Charles of Newark, DE, Richard D. Charles (Terri) of Natick, MA, Gwendolyn E. Charles of Columbia, MD, and Robert D. Charles (Cheryl) of Catonsville, MD; her grandchildren, Sarah Charles, Lindsay Trusheim (Ian), Douglas Charles (Julie), Indigo Denovan, Hector Vergara III (Sydney), Carlos Vergara (Elizabeth), Allison Charles, Daniel Charles, and Camden Charles; and 7 great grandchildren.

Private services and burial will take place at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, PA where Chris will be interred with her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the March of Dimes, PO Box 3155, Harlan, IA 51593-0346 or online by clicking here.