Charlotte Marie Karling

Charlotte slipped quietly into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 8, 2012. She was born April 15, 1943 in Washington, D.C. in the midst of World War II, to Wallace and Ora Anderson. As the war wound down, the young family, which also included brothers, Neil Anderson (Carol), Spokane and Bradley Anderson, (Joanna), Alberta, Canada, resettled in Spokane. Charlotte graduated from Rogers High School. Thirty years later, she received her degrees in Journalism and Graphic Design from SFCC, a lifelong dream. Charlotte and former husband, Dennis Rodstrom had three children: Kevin (predeceased 12/03), Kari Mason, (Jon) Portland, Oregon and Kristine Nix (Timothy), Spokane. She later married John Karling, who for over thirty-three years “faithfully” was by her side as a loving husband with a servant heart. The remarriage brought a stepdaughter, Rachel, into the family. During her children’s formative years, Charlotte determined to “invest” in not only her children’s lives, but the lives of others. She volunteered regularly as a teacher and facilitator of youth and missions projects at Fourth Memorial Church. Charlotte was a counselor, work crew leader and camp director at Riverview Bible Camp for over twenty years. The Logan Block Party was envisioned by Charlotte and brought thousands of children and family members to 4th Memorial Church. Charlotte worked for the Spokane Star Shopper at the beginning of her professional career, then a variety of print shops. She worked in Promotions at KHQ TV, further developing her ability to write and present messages graphically. In 1989, she was blessed to be part of the Luis Palau Festival promotional staff. Charlotte became the development coordinator for Anna Ogden Hall promoting its growth through the Union Gospel Mission. She incorporated many heart-warming stories from the Hall and the Mission in their monthly newsletter. Charlotte owned and operated Charmark Design for over twenty years, which she maintained until her last few months. For over thirty years, she immersed herself in local politics, serving in various roles within the Republican Party. She was a charter member of the Ponderosa Republican Women’s club. In 2001, Charlotte became a Legislative Assistant to State Representative John Ahern. In 2005, she was asked to be the Constituent Relations advocate for Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Throughout Charlotte’s years in politics, she was honored to meet and greet many of our country’s most respected leaders. In addition to her husband, daughters, and brothers, Charlotte is survived by seven grandchildren, whom she dearly loved: Roland, Cameron, Mikayla and Kaitlyn Mason, Sara and Joshua Widgren, Nikki Crane (Stephen), and two great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Kevin Crane. Her brother’s families gave Charlotte a number of nieces and nephews. She was very grateful for two wonderful cousins, Pat and Judy, who helped her through her cancer treatments. Faith, Hope and Love were the attributes that symbolized Charlotte’s life. Her FAITH in God never wavered. Her HOPE in Him was her anchor. Her LOVE for Him, her family, friends and country…were the “perfect bond of unity!” Visitation will be on Friday, Oct, 12, from 2-8 pm at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home. A Celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held at Fourth Memorial Church, 2000 N. Standard on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Charlotte requested any donations in her honor be directed to Anna Ogden Hall, Riverview Bible Camp, and 4th Memorial Church Missions.