Charlene Darhower

Charlene Darhower, 91, of Elizabethtown, PA, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Born on June 19, 1933, to the late Clarence and Lucille (Wellman) Peterman, Charlene grew up in a large and loving family as the eldest of 20 children. She graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1950.

Charlene was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, George E. Darhower, Jr., with whom she shared 50 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2001. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love, and family.

A compassionate and nurturing soul, Charlene was well known as a cherished childcare provider in Boiling Springs, PA. She touched the lives of many children and families with her kindness and gentle spirit.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Charlene was a dedicated member of Otterbein United Methodist Church in Carlisle, PA, for many years before moving to Elizabethtown, where she became a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in 2017.

Charlene found joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching sports with her family, playing cards, working on word searches and jigsaw puzzles—but nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her loved ones.

She is survived by her four children: Linda J. Karalfa (husband Dennis R. Karalfa) of Elizabethtown, PA; George E. Darhower III of Carlisle, PA; Ricky N. Darhower of Landisburg, PA; and Tammie L. Darhower of Annapolis, MD. Charlene’s legacy lives on through her 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren, who will miss her deeply. She is also survived by 10 siblings and preceded in death by 9 siblings.

Charlene’s unwavering love, kindness, and faith will be forever cherished by those who knew her.

A funeral service to honor Charlene’s life will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Otterbein United Methodist Church in Carlisle, PA. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be held immediately after the service. Following the luncheon, a private burial will take place.