Helen Louise Charles, 87, Executive Secretary

She was born November 2, 1916 in Mansfield, OH.

Helen lived at Hearthstone in Lorain. She previously resided in Vermilion, Shelby, and Mansfield, OH.

She graduated with high honors from Mansfield Sr. High School in January 1934. She married Howard Lee Charles on November 2, 1935. She worked several positions with Westinghouse in Mansfield, AMF in Shelby, and Thermo-Disc on Mansfield as a secretary and executive secretary, retiring from Thermo-Disc in 1977.

Mrs. Charles was a longtime member of Southside Christian Church in Mansfield, a member of the Vermilion Golden Agers, and a volunteer at Lorain Community Hospital, now Community Health Partners. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and traveling; including taking several cruises with her husband. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dog Mitzi.

Helen is survived by 2 sons: Larry Charles of Leesburg, FL, and Jim Charles of Vermilion; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; one brother: William Fensch of Clearwater, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 50 years: Howard Lee Charles; parents: Albert and Lucy (nee Roth) Fensch; and brother: Richard Fensch.

Private services will be held at Mansfield Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made to the Southside Christian Church, 2055 Middle-View Road, Mansfield, OH 44904; New Life Hospice, 5255 N. Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035; or the Animal Protective League of Lorain County, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035.

Riddle Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www. riddlefuneralhome.com.