Charlotte Ann Lugar

Charlotte Ann Lugar, 85, of Lawton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at Rose Arbor Hospice, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 26, 1940, in Paw Paw, Michigan, Charlotte was the daughter of Charles Sanborn and Dorothy Reits. She was raised in Paw Paw and graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1958. She later attended Kalamazoo Practical Nursing Center in Kalamazoo, where she earned her credentials as a Licensed Practical Nurse and she briefly worked for Dr. Robert M. Nicholson and Dr. Gerald W. Powley until her marriage. Her nursing career reflected the compassion, patience, and dedication that defined her life. On August 24, 1963, she married Harold Duane Lugar in Paw Paw, Michigan. Together they shared 38 years of marriage and built a family grounded in love, commitment, and strong values.

Throughout her life, Charlotte enjoyed working and had a number of jobs in the Paw Paw area. During high school, she was employed at the Legendary “Hotel De Hamburger” and the Strand Theater. When raising a family, she assisted in the Lugar Heating family business. After her husband’s passing, Charlotte greatly enjoyed working at Taylor’s Country Florist and Hill’s Prescription Shop.

Charlotte dedicated herself to serving both her family and her community. She was a longtime member of the Paw Paw Lions Club, where she enjoyed participating in and helping organize community Bingo events, and she faithfully volunteered with the LakeView Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. Whether through her professional work, volunteer service, or personal relationships, Charlotte was always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support to those in need.

Family was the center of Charlotte’s life. She took great pride in being a mother and found her greatest joy in becoming a grandmother. She was a constant source of encouragement and love, rarely missing an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of her grandchildren. Whether attending sporting events, graduations, school activities, or family gatherings, Charlotte's presence was unwavering. Her family knew they could always count on her support, guidance, and unconditional love.

Charlotte found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, baking, birdwatching, and spending quiet afternoons in her favorite rocking chair. Her homemade cookie and brownie bars became cherished family traditions, eagerly anticipated during holidays and special gatherings. She especially loved watching cardinals visit her yard and took comfort in the beauty of everyday moments. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, trying her luck with Michigan Lottery tickets, and sharing laughter with family and friends.

Her grandchildren will forever cherish memories of afternoons spent crafting, visits to the playground, thrift-shopping adventures, special snack trips, and the countless small acts of kindness that made every moment with Grammy feel special. Charlotte had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Lugar; her father, Charles Sanborn; and her mother, Dorothy Reits.

She is survived by her daughter, Jodie Lugar-McManus (James); her son, Arthur Lugar (Marie); her grandchildren, Ambrosia (Tristen), Darcie, Holly, Caitlin, Nick (Sydney), and Matt; her sisters, Susan Blower (Robert), Betty Jurgensen, Barbara McCarthy, and Patricia Dingman; her brother, Robert Reits Jr (Lori); her great grandchildren Nylah, Caiden, and Lily; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Charlotte will be remembered for her quiet strength, compassionate heart, unwavering devotion to her family, and genuine kindness toward others. Her life was a testament to the value of love, service, and family. The memories she created and the lessons she taught through her example will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held at Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw, Michigan, on June 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A burial service will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, at 3:00 p.m.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Rose Arbor Hospice for the compassion, dignity, and comfort they provided during Charlotte's final days. They would also like to thank Van Buren EMS for their dependable transportation to and from medical appointments, the Area Agency on Aging for the valuable services and support provided throughout the years, and the dedicated staff of White Oaks Assisted Living for the exceptional care, kindness, and friendship they showed Charlotte during the past three years. The love, respect, and attention they gave "Grammy" brought comfort not only to her, but to her entire family.

Charlotte will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Van Buren County Veteran's Services, 226 E. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, MI 49079, or Centrica Care Navigators Hospice, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.