Charlene McGrath

Charlene was ushered “home” accompanied by holy angels to spend eternity with God on Wednesday, July 27th.

Charlene was born December 31, 1950, in Salem, Ohio and was the second child of Robert and Zelma Baird Atherton, who preceded her.

She was a devoted Christian and loving wife of Lee McGrath, whom she married January 25, 1969, who she felt blessed to share her life with. She also is survived by her children, Michael McGrath and grandchildren Brandy Nicol, Audrey Renee, Wyatt Lee Roy McGrath of Alliance and Ryan and Kristy (Zolton) McGrath of Liberty, MO., all of whom she dearly loved. A precious daughter, Nicol Leanne McGrath (18), died in 1994 from injuries sustained in a car accident.

She is also survived by sisters Carol Atherton and Claudia Ringwald of Alliance, Cathy (Bill) Wolfgang of Beloit. A brother, Tim Atherton and an aunt/stepmother Ruth Baird Atherton also preceded her.

Mrs. McGrath was a Stanley Home Products representative, an Avon lady, a clerk of Petit’s Meat Market, an Alliance High School cafeteria cashier, and was a nail technician which she enjoyed doing for 38 years.

She was a founding member of Southside Church of God in Alliance where she was active as a nursery worker, usher, Sunday School teacher, member of the trustees, on the leadership board, a Christs’ Crusaders teacher, small group leader and a member of the woman’s volleyball league for many years.

Mrs. McGrath enjoyed reading, crafting, gardening, decorative painting, walking, writing, and most importantly spending time with her husband, family, and friends.

She was a 1969 graduate of West Branch High School, Alliance Beauty College and was a former member of the Greater Canton Writer’s Guild and was a published author of several short stories and numerous poems. She was also a former member of the Alliance Quota Club.

For seven years Charlene and Lee were co-leaders of the Compassionate Friends, a child loss support group in Alliance. They were also involved as Community Friends for various international students at the University of Mount Union.

It was Charlene’s earnest prayer for everyone she loved and knew that God would become the most important person in their life and someday they would come join her in heaven!

A funeral service will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Saturday, July 30th at 12:00 p.m. with a visitation two hours prior. Entombment will be at Highland Memorial Park.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 South Union Ave Alliance, Ohio 44601.