Charlene Ann Nutton

Charlene was the beloved wife of Robert Nutton (b. 1939 – d. 2009), loving mother of Colette Nutton and Susan Carre, and grandmother of Brielle and Skylar. She was the daughter of Ted and Ethel Marklein and the last surviving sibling of Doris Smith, Chuck Frank, and Bill Frank. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including her goddaughter, Linda Dietrich. She was also a cherished friend of Albina Deda, Marlen Toma, Oh Worapong, Miguel Lasantao, and many others. Her final years were spent at StoryPoint, Birmingham, and appreciation is extended to their care team and her amazing hospice staff.

Charlene graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit in 1958. From there, much of her career was spent in customer service, but her greatest joy was volunteer work and creating traditions that brought people together.

A proud resident of Huntington Woods for more than 50 years, Charlene gave her time and heart to the city she loved. In 1972, Charlene created the Huntington Woods July 4th Celebration and Parade, a lasting contribution to the spirit of the community. While researching bands, she discovered the Waterford Jaycees and believed Huntington Woods could benefit from a similar organization. From that idea, the Men’s Club was born, largely through the efforts of Harry Howes, her husband Bob, and many others who became lifelong friends. Through her work, annual events including the Santa Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt, and Clue Hunt also took root and became cherished parts of community life.

Charlene was also deeply active at Huntington Woods Lutheran Church, where she started the Advent Tea and the Women’s Retreat, served as a Stephens Minister, ran the Teen Club, and supported nearly anything that enriched the church and its congregation.

Her contributions were recognized with many honors, including Huntington Woods Citizen of the Year in 1983, the Michigan Recreation & Parks Special Person Award in 1996, Lutheran Woman of the Year in 2013, and Huntington Woods Senior of the Year in 2017.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with doors opening at 10:00 a.m., at Huntington Woods Lutheran Church, 12935 W. Eleven Mile Road, Huntington Woods with lunch following. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and/or blue in honor of Char’s love of July 4th. Memorial tributes may be made to Huntington Woods Lutheran Church.

Charlene’s life will be remembered with gratitude for the traditions she started, the community she strengthened, and the joyful spirit she brought to everything she did.