Charlotte Eldred

Charlotte Eldred, 97, passed away peacefully with her beloved children by her side on January 26, 2026.

Born in Jefferson, Ohio, on March 29, 1928, to Albert and Lena (Kraft) Hanson, Charlotte’s life was rooted in family and faith. Above all else, she found her greatest happiness in being a mother. The proud mom of eight children, Charlotte devoted her heart and energy to building a loving, close-knit home where everyone was welcomed with warmth, laughter, and something sweet from the oven. Her family was her world — the source of her pride, her comfort, and her greatest joy. On January 10, 1972, Charlotte married Roland J. Eldred. Their years together were filled with love, friendship, and countless cherished memories. Though their time was cut short by his passing in 1989, Charlotte often spoke of their bond with gratitude and fondness, treasuring the life they shared. A lifelong member of the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene and the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary “Fire Jets,” Charlotte gave her time and talents to her community as generously as she gave her love to her family. She was a gifted baker and homemaker who could make any day feel special with a warm pie and good company. Her kitchen was the heart of her home — a place where stories were shared, children laughed, and everyone left feeling loved.

Charlotte is survived by her large and loving family: her children Connie (David) Busby, Donna Brown, Sandra Lendzian, Cheryl (Fred) Shelatz, Rick (Joyce) Park, Randy (Linda) Park, Denise Kapferer, and Jeff (Jo Ellen) Park; 23 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren who will forever cherish their memories of “Mom” and “Grandma”; her brother Morris Hanson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Roland; her grandson Chad Lendzian; her daughter-in-law Marcia Park; and her siblings Norma Flack, Murlin Hanson, Russell Hanson, and Bernice Weir.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene, 55 E. Satin Street, Jefferson, Ohio. Calling hours will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at noon. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall, with private family burial afterward at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in North Kingsville.

The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made in Charlotte's name to the Jefferson Church of the Nazarene.

They would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Jefferson Care Center and Bella Care Hospice for their compassionate care and comfort during her final days. Charlotte’s greatest legacy is the love she gave and the family she built — a testament to the joy she found in motherhood and the life she lived with an open heart.

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