Charlotte J. Larson 1925-2026

She was born Jan. 25, 1925, in New Philadelphia, a daughter of the late Charles Mitchener Dodd and Marian Charlotte Lieser Dodd. Her father’s role as a college professor took the family to Rolla, Missouri, and then to Ames, Iowa.

Charlotte was a 1943 graduate of Ames High School and then attended Iowa State College for two years while her husband Silas served as a pilot in the South Pacific during World War II. Following the war, her husband’s career as a ceramic engineer took the family to Mexico, Missouri, and finally to Poland in 1969.

She lived a life shaped by faith, service and a deep appreciation for the world around her. An avid reader and occasional painter with friends, she also found joy in quiet moments and in the beauty of nature, especially during walks through Poland Municipal Forest, which she loved.

Charlotte’s commitment to others was seen in the many ways she gave her time. A devoted homemaker, she also served as a Cub Scout den mother and Brownie Scout leader, volunteered at Tod Hospital and worked as a poll worker during elections, believing strongly in supporting both her neighbors and her community. She also relished laughing over a cup of tea with friends or visits with her grandchildren.

She was an 82-year member of P.E.O., the educational philanthropic organization that provides scholarships and grants for women.

A lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ, she served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder, and was honored as elder emeritus at Disciples Christian Church in Boardman.

She had a life defined by kindness, purpose and strength, never compromising her values.

Charlotte leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children, Stephen (Luzia) Larson, John (Phoebe) Larson and Mary (Angelo) Ciavarella; her grandchildren, David (Elizabeth) Ciavarella, Matthew (Emily) Ciavarella, Stephen Larson, Elizabeth Larson, Samuel Shisler and Lincoln Shisler; and her great-grandchildren, Owen, Giana, Isla, Benjamin, Isaac, Lydia and Sophia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Silas Larson, Jr., whom she married Feb. 14, 1944; and her brother, Charles “Chuck” Mitchener Dodd Jr.

Friends and family will be received from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland, followed immediately by a service beginning at 11 a.m., celebrated by the Reverend Dr. Paul W. Anderson.

She will be laid to rest with her husband in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Poland Village Assisted Living for their loving care for Charlotte through her time there.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to either Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, 1300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44510; the P.E.O. Ohio Scholarship fund, https://peo-portal.com/donations; or Friends of the Poland Forest, Attn: Forest Board, Poland Village Town Hall, 308 S. Main St., Poland, OH 44514-2027, in her memory.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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