Charis Dorothy Linklater

Charis was born in Detroit on May 1st, 1943 to Roy and Dorothy Rickenback, and went on to build a life centered around her family, her work, and the many interests she pursued throughout her life. She was united in marriage to Douglas Linklater on May 8th, 1968. Charis was a devoted wife and a loving and supportive mother, and passed to her children her self-assertiveness, work ethic, and the importance of treating others with fairness and respect.

She worked as a secretary at Michigan State University for 35 years, where she enjoyed working with and interacting with students, and was active in the Clerical Technical Union.

Outside of work, Charis enjoyed an active and varied life. She earned her black belt in Taekwondo and loved playing card games. During retirement, Charis took up bridge and earned the rank of Silver Life Master. She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching westerns and classic movies. She and Doug traveled throughout the Southwest enjoying the heat, the sights, hot air balloon and helicopter rides, and spent several seasons as snowbirds in Texas.

Charis was preceded in death by her daughter Amber. She is survived by her husband, Douglas; her daughter, Amanda, her granddaughter Logan and grandson Ethan; and her son, Erik, and his wife, Sarah.

She leaves behind a family shaped by her love, a life enriched by her curiosity and determination, and the quiet imprint of a woman who found many ways to make a life her own.

Her family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Meridian and Hospice of Lansing for their compassionate care, allowing her to retain her dignity and keep her comfortable in her final days.

A private service will be held for her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Planned Parenthood of Michigan.