Charlotte Ann Martini's Obituary
MARTINI, Charlotte “Char” Ann, age 84, of Waynesville and formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Southview Hospital.
A devout Catholic throughout her life, Charlotte was active in St. Richard’s Catholic Church while living in Cleveland and in later years at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cincinnati.
Giving, friendly, and outgoing, Charlotte was family-oriented and took pride in her family, always willing to share her immense pride with others. Specifically, she was known to inform casual bystanders, like a waitress serving their lunch table, about the background and happenings of her life.
Charlotte was a proud homemaker who provided endless care to her younger son, Chris, who required extra care. She volunteered in various groups, assisting those with additional needs. Additionally, she volunteered at her church by participating in craft fairs, where she provided craft materials and made bread for charitable events, among other projects. Charlotte loved craft projects. She was especially fond of sewing and plastic mesh embroidery work. While her mother was living, she often made her colorful skirts, which fit her mother’s personality. In addition, she loved baking and decorating cakes, which became one of her passions. She loved celebrating birthdays and other special occasions and was known for creating her cakes with unique themes. Some of her more memorable cakes for the grandkids included Batman and Bob the Builder themes. She was a good cook, known for preparing family recipes such as stuffed cabbage, lasagna, and pierogis, which were among her most memorable dishes. It became a fond tradition for Charlotte to make a pan of her homemade lasagna for family gatherings, birthdays, and Thanksgiving.
In her earlier years, the family enjoyed the tradition of spending time during the warmer months at Indian Lake in Indiana, where they were a member of an RV park. In particular, she always looked forward to local festivities, like the annual hot air balloon launch and craft fair. In addition, they also had a tradition of visiting her brother, Bud, and his family in Georgia during the fall, where Charlotte and the other ladies in the family would go Christmas shopping. Her favorite store was the JCPenney Outlet, and she was known for filling carts full of home furnishings and other gifts, only to face the challenge of finding places in the van to carry them back to Ohio. Among many things, Charlotte will be remembered for her love of her cats, especially Annie and Snowy. She will also be remembered for her collection of items related to elephants, cats, and religious items. Her love of Mally’s Chocolate, a small chocolatier from Cleveland, will also be associated with Charlotte for many years to come.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, in 2019; her parents, Rudy Kushman and Beatrice Kushman- Crowder; sister-in-law, Ginny Kushman; and niece, Missy Kushman. She is survived by her two sons, Mike (Trudy) Martini and Chris Martini; three grandchildren, Logan, Conner, and Mason; one brother, Robert “Bud” Kushman; and one nephew, Bob (Tina) Kushman.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Father Tom Mannebach will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 – 11 AM on Saturday, June 14, at the funeral home. If desired, contributions may be made in her name to Four Paws veterinary clinic in Lebanon. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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