Charlotte Gertrude Wilhelmina (Kress) Settle

Charlotte Gertrude Wilhelmina (Kress) Settle, 92, of Salina, passed away July 1, 2022. She was born in Cologne, Germany August 31, 1929 to Eugene and Cacilia Kress. Charlotte met Lester during WWll in Sinsheim, Germany while he was serving in the US Army. They were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Oakley, KS August 5, 1947 and were married 71years. They farmed and ranched near Winona, KS until 1999 and retired in Salina, KS.

While living in Winona, Charlotte worked at the school, drove a school bus, sold World Book Encyclopedia’s, and worked for SRS. After moving to Salina, she worked at the local art gallery and was a greeter for Conklin Cars. She was active in the German Club and St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church. She had a compassionate conviction for the lives of unborn children and always had a strong interest in politics.

Although Charlotte grew up in the large city of Cologne,Germany, at age 17 she learned how to help on the farm but always preferred to have a fence between her and the farm animals. She tamed raccoons, dressed hundreds of chickens, canned foods, delivered milk, cream, and eggs, prepared meals for harvest crews, and nary a weed dare grow in her luscious green yard. Charlotte loved working in her home, visiting with neighbors and friends, square dancing, having card parties and entertaining. New teachers to the community always found a welcome meal, and foreign college students always found a home full of hospitality during holidays. Most of all, she enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and making the farm a fun place to visit.

Always an avid reader, Charlotte encouraged her children to read, work hard, excel in whatever they did, and make the most of opportunities. She enjoyed writing and wrote many poems and diaries throughout her life. She loved music, especially classical and German. She found great joy in playing her accordion and was happy to entertain during the German Club meetings and even at her 90th birthday celebration. Her favorite food was chocolate, especially chocolates directly from Germany. Her favorite song was Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Lester. Survivors include her six children: Irene (Doug) Johnson of Dallas, TX, Frank (Peggy) Settle of Overland Park, Gloria (Ralph) Duffey of Salina, Harold (Rhonda) Settle of Great Bend, Roger (Theresa) Settle of Dodge City, and Janet (Patrick) Gleason of Meade. 19 Grandchildren: Kurt (Rae) Johnson, Adele (Uli) Woerz, Sr. Isabel (Society of Mary), Michael (Kristy) Johnson, Kipp Johnson, Robert Johnson; Craig (Blythe) Settle, Stephanie (Shawn) Turner, Kim (Nick) Bambick; Patricia Duffey, David (Kaori) Duffey, Connie Duffey; Jason (Lundy) Settle, Chad Settle; Mary (Adam) Behlke; Adam (Liz) Gleason, Michaela (Hito) Santacruz, Aaron (Miranda) Gleason, and Monica Gleason. 29 Great Grandchildren: Kressa and Max Johnson; Edward, Helena, Frederick, and Henry Woerz; Felix and Vela Johnson; Luke Johnson; Colin, Cayley, Camden, and Kinsley Settle; Austin, Ashlyn, Gabrielle, Lucas, and Frank Turner; Casey, Thomas, Caroline, and Riley Bambick; Michelle and William Duffey; Blake Kirkman, Sadie Settle; Aidan and Emma Gleason; and Isaiah Gleason.

The family is grateful to Charlotte’s neighbors and friends, especially Susan and Earl Fry, Tony and Allison Harding, Carl and Gloria Hanson, Lou Melgren, and Grace Shields. Also, to the many St. Mary parishioners who helped honor her wishes to have frequent visitors while remaining in her home as long as possible, especially John and Linda Ourida, Raymond and Julie Bilson, and Vera Roach.

There will be a rosary at 9 a.m. on Wednesday July 6th at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in Salina, KS, with Mass at 10, followed by a luncheon in the Parish Hall. Burial service will follow at All Saints Cemetery.

Memorials in Charlotte’s honor are appreciated to Kansas Right to Life, in care of Ryan Mortuary in Salina. In Lieu of flowers, Charlotte has requested Masses.

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