Charlene J. "Chucky" McMichael

Charlene (Chucky) J. McMichael, 94, of Hampshire, passed away Saturday evening, July 1, 2023, at her home in Hampshire. She was born June 17, 1929, in Sycamore, the daughter of William (Bill) Ruth and Ruth (Eisler) Ruth. Charlene married Jimmie L. McMichael on Nov. 27, 1947, in Hampshire. Chucky always the hard worker started while still in high school at the local canning factory. She was very involved in the community, the Methodist church, and various women’s and sewing groups. All treasured her time spent as Sunday School teacher helping many of Hampshire’s youth find a moral and Christian path forward. After marriage she worked side by side with her husband, Jimmie for District 300 at Hampshire High School, waitressing at the Village Inn restaurant in Hampshire, office of Northern Illinois Breeders Corp., and the Country’s Delight business office. In her spare time, besides work and raising three sons, she started the Hampshire “Old Fashioned Days” parade in the early through mid-1960’s: spending hours coordinating the parade entries and building parade floats. Upon leaving the work force she along with her husband Jimmie served the community by helping the elderly in Hampshire with all their needs. Throughout her married life they were avid gardeners selling vegetables, strawberries, (and nightcrawlers) at their home vegetable stand, when she was not fishing. She was loved and respected by all for her Christian values and warm inclusive heart. She had the gift of making everyone around her feel so special, while not realizing how very special she was. Surviving are her sons, Bill (Patricia) of Hampshire, Leslie (Judith) of Algonquin; daughter-in-law, Marcia McMichael; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded by her parents; husband, Jimmie; sister, Georgia (Lloyd Warrington); son, Dannie; and granddaughter, Carrie McMichael. Memorial Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 12 at Fredrick Funeral Home, 284 Park St. in Hampshire. Visitation will be prior to services from 10 to 11 AM. Inurnment of cremains will follow in the Hampshire Center. Cemetery followed by a luncheon in honor of Chucky at her home in Hampshire. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to First United Methodist Church of Hampshire or to the Kane Senior Council (Meals on Wheels charity).

Charlene J. "Chucky" McMichael

June 17, 1929 - July 1, 2023