Charlene J. Ruhlig

Charlene Judy Ruhlig, 84, of Linden, went to her heavenly home Tuesday, July 25, 2023. She is now in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Today we celebrate the wonderful life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.

Charlene was born March 6, 1939 in Big Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Rudolph and Helene (Krull) Sund. Charlene’s love for singing in the church choir was seeded at a very young age while sitting with her father as he played the church organ every Sunday. She graduated in 1957 from Taylor High School, and soon after married the love of her life, James P. Ruhlig. Charlene and James were joined in holy matrimony on October 11, 1958 in Taylor. They raised their two sons, Michael and Mark in Detroit where Charlene was a Dental Assistant for many years. Her Christian faith has always been an important facet of her life, and she valued being a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fenton, Michigan. Family meant everything to her. She truly enjoyed attending all her grandchildren’s activities. She always said her best days were those spent with her young grandchildren at their cottage in the U.P. It was their home away from home, their “Happy Place” on Gulliver Lake, where she and Jim spent much of their summers. She loved watching the hummingbirds, cardinals and taking in the breathtaking sunsets over the water. Charlene had a witty sense of humor and was a joy to be around. She loved to bake and decorated the most beautiful cakes. It brought her great joy to create cakes for her loved ones, and it was even more joyful for those who consumed them. We will forever miss her, but take great comfort knowing she is in her heavenly glory.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, James; sons, Michael (Michelle) Ruhlig, Mark (Eileen) Ruhlig; grandchildren, David Ruhlig, Christopher Ruhlig, Liz (Ryan) McNamara, Patrick Ruhlig; great-grandchildren, Lyla, Jason, Sawyer, and Jordy; sister, Janice (Mac) Frick; former daughter-in-law, Janice (Bob) Moreau; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Charlene’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1025 Main Street, Fenton. Pastor Peter Ahlersmeyer will officiate. Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton and 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 1 at the church. Burial will be held with immediate family Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Michigan Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund in Memory of Charlene Ruhlig. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com