Elizabeth A. Gunther-Charles, age 72, of Grove, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022.
She was born on Sept. 9, 1949, to Andrew and Louise (Hundley) Gunther in Pittsburg, where she grew up and graduated from College High School.
After high school, Elizabeth performed with a ballet company in New York and taught ballet. She later returned to Pittsburg, attended Pittsburg State University, and completed her Educational Specialist Degree at Wichita State University.
She was passionate about teaching and served as the School Administrator of Special Education Coop for many years.
In 2004, Elizabeth married Chris Charles in Pittsburg, and the couple retired to Grove.
She enjoyed traveling with her husband showing halter Pinto horses. Many of her travels were as a proud grandma watching her grandchildren compete in various dance and sporting events. She recently traveled to Texas for her granddaughter's graduation from Baylor University. She also enjoyed an extended trip to see the Grand Canyon and visit her step-daughter. She loved living on the lake and spending time on the water. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, an outgoing and friendly person with a kind heart and a beautiful soul. She will be missed dearly.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Chris Charles; daughter, Meredith (Bill) Askren of Lenexa, Kansas, and step-daughter, Cristy Banks Charles of Tucson, Arizona; brother, Allen (Sheila) Gunther, Albuquerque, New Mexico; two grandchildren, Connor Askren and Juliana Askren; and one great-grandson, Bowen Askren.
Family memorial services are planned for a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral and Cremation Services.
