Charlene Howard McKay, 78, of Dublin, formerly of Plain City, passed away peacefully, Thursday morning, December 28, 2023, at Kobacker House in Columbus with her loving daughter and sister by her side.
One of five children, Charlene was born August 17, 1945, in Columbus to the late Ted D. and Mary E. (McCarty) Howard. After graduating from Marysville High School, she married the love of her life, Robert A. “Bob” McKay, on June 1, 1963, at the Ostrander United Methodist Church. They shared 50 years of love, family, and dedication before his passing on June 12, 2013. After her marriage to Bob, she then furthered her education at the Victor Business School in Columbus.
Charlene retired from both Aetna Healthcare, and as the school secretary at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marysville. While her daughter, Niki, was young, Charlene stayed with her at home and became quite an accomplished painter with both ceramics and oil paintings, and she taught several neighborhood children how to paint. She also excelled at cake decorating and sewing. She was a former member of the Unionville Methodist Church while she lived in Plain City, and she was instrumental in acquiring the new bells in dedication of Ric Wells. A lover of music, she especially loved listening to Blake Shelton. Though she loved the many aspects of her life, Charlene’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandson, Carson, and they spent every weekend together since she lost Bob.
Charlene is survived by her loving daughter, Niki L. McKay of Hilliard; beloved grandson Carson McKay; siblings Jane (Paul) Slaughter and Ted Howard both of Marysville; sisters-in-law Angie Howard Greenwood and Lisa Howard; special nephew, niece and great nephew Pete (Tracy) Slaughter, Britni (Matt) and Bash Creeger, whom Charlene was especially close; dear friends Mary Wells, Rachel Ward, and Janice Hallwachs; her much loved Bichon, Sheldon; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.
Along with her parents, and her husband, Bob, Charlene was also preceded in death by brothers Frank and John Howard; a sister-in-law Sandy Howard; and nephews Matthew and Eric Howard.
Calling hours will be 11-1 pm Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville, where funeral services will begin promptly at 1 pm with Rev. Jack Heino Officiating. Burial will follow at Unionville Center Cemetery next to her husband, Bob.
In Charlene’s memory, contributions may be made to Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Dr., Columbus, Ohio, 43214, or in care of the funeral home where contribution cards will be available during service time.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Kobacker House for their respectful, loving, and excellent care of Charlene during her final days.
Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Charlene’s family, and condolences may be expressed to them at www.IngramFuneralService.com.