Charlene Marie Ward Darst

Charlene Marie Ward Darst, 80, of Cheshire, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia. She was born on October 5, 1933 in Pomeroy, Ohio, daughter of the late Wesley F. and Huldah Ruth Brechtel Ward. Charlene was married to Dale “Bill” W. Darst on July 30, 1950. She was a member of Cheshire Baptist Church, sang in the choir and served as church treasurer for 30 years. She was also a member Eastern Star Lodge # 450. Charlene was a graduate of Cheshire High School where she was a cheerleader. She was a homemaker and focused on her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charlene was affectionately known as “Granny” to both family and friends. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports. She also collected Hallmark decorations, Longaberger, and liked to square dance and play canasta. Charlene was best known for her red velvet cake and potato salad. Surviving are her husband, Dale “Bill” W. Darst of Cheshire; five children, Joan (Ron) Cornelius of Cheshire, Jane (David) Fletcher of Oceano, California, Mark (Jackie) Darst of Cheshire, Steven (Jennifer) Darst of Minier, Illinois, and Judy (Thurman) Smith of Cheshire; grandchildren, Jennifer (Steven) Riegel, Joe Cornelius, Sean and Kurt Fletcher, Adam (Priscilla) Darst, Mallory (Heath) Massie, Bryce Darst, Casey, Kirby, Wesley, and Jonathan Darst, Lian Oyler, Kayla, Will, and Rachael Smith; Seven great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Rosanna (Chuck) Simmons of Gallipolis, Charles David (Carol) Ward of Eustis, Florida, Keith (Connie) Ward of LeGrange, Kentucky, Karen (Tom) Spiess of Marysville, California, Dale (Sue) Ward of Orlando, Florida, and a sister-in-law Wilma Ward of Mason, Ohio. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson Timothy Ronald Cornelius, a brother Wesley Eugene Ward and a sister Geraldine Ruth Swisher. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Mollohan officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, November 29, 2013 from 6-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Cheshire Baptist Church food pantry. Mail donations to Cheshire Baptist Church, 8046 State Route 7 Cheshire, OH 45620. Pallbearers will be Joe Cornelius, Adam Darst, Sean Fletcher, Bryce Darst, Will Smith, Steven Riegel, Jonathan Darst, and Lian Oyler. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.