Charlene J. Hilty, 88 of Kenton, passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 12:16am at Hardin Hills Health Center in Kenton. She was born on August 6, 1934 in Kenton to Karl Mabrey and Freda (Hibner) Mabrey. On December 22, 1953, she married Kenneth E. Hilty at St. John’s Church and he preceded her in death on December 17, 2003.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father; stepfather James Glock, brother Gary Mabrey, sister Sharon Fields and sister Kathy Williams.
Charlene is survived by her son, Kenneth (Kathleen) Hilty of Kenton; daughter Kristine (Fred Lehnert) Dodds of Russells Point; sister Judy Von Blon of Kenton, sister Pam Hanes of Ft. Myers, FL; grandson, James Clark of Dublin, Virginia; great-grandchildren, MacKenzie Clark of Kenton, Jay Clark of Radford, Virginia and Micah Walton of Christiansburg, Virginia; nephews Gary Mabrey Jr, Jon Fields, Brian Fields, Michael McBride, Kevin “Kip” McBride, DeRay Weaver, Lance Weaver and Jason Williams; nieces Teresa Allen, Toni Shumaker, Blythe Coy and Alison Holcomb.
She graduated from Kenton High School, Class of 1952 and later on obtained her Real Estate License and started working in the office of Don L. Temple & Associates. She was recognized in 1996 for leading the Sales Force of Charter Realty with $2 million in sales and had over 40 years in the real estate business. Charlene enjoyed helping families in their quest to purchase a home and worked tirelessly to help all of her clients. In the 1980’s, she became involved in local politics and had a number of years service with Kenton City Council. She served as the 4th Ward council person, was elected to Council at Large, was elected Council President and ended her service as the 2nd ward council person. She served on numerous boards during her political career which covered over 20 years. She was the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award in 2002 and was recognized at Realtor of the Year.
Charlene loved dogs and was seen quite often driving around town with her dog in the front seat. She enjoyed music and loved to sing and also was a pretty fair dancer in her day. She liked to gather with family and friends and enjoyed good conversation. She always looked forward to going out someplace for dinner and shopping.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 222 E. North St, Kenton, OH 43326 with Father Edward Shikina officiating. Burial will follow in Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 2-6pm on Monday, June 26, 2023 at SCHINDEWOLF-STOUT-CRATES FUNERAL HOME with a Prayer Service beginning at 6pm. Online condolences are welcome at stoutcrates.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul.
WKTN is a locally owned and operated radio station broadcasting from Kenton, Ohio since 1963.
Our broadcast covers Hardin County and into Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Logan, Marion, Union, and Wyandot Counties including a majority of communities within.