Charlene Kay Beaty, age 79, of Troy, OH, passed away on December 16, 2024, at Carriage Crossing Assisted Living in the Nashville, TN area.  She was born July 28, 1945 in Troy, OH, to the late Marvin and Lottie Elizabeth (Speakman) Knife.

Charlene is survived by her children: Eric (Sara) L. Beaty of Louisville, KY, and Heather K. Scaggs-Richardson (Howard) of Gallatin, TN; four grandchildren: Brandon L. (Victoria) Beaty, Kyle L. (Macy) Beaty, Kaitlyn Beaty, Savannah E. Scaggs, and two great grandchildren: Zoey Beaty (Brandon & Tori) and Owen Beaty (Kyle & Macy). In addition to her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her brother: Michael Knife.

A Troy High School graduate, Charlene worked for WPTW Radio Station as an account executive for many years then later at Hobart Brothers in various roles.

She loved the outdoors, especially the cabin on the lake in Coldwater, MI, where she enjoyed fishing, boating and the 4th of July with her family. It was her favorite place.  Additionally, Charlene was an avid sewer and remarkable seamstress, custom making items like seats for her pontoon, suits, clothing and an array of other items.  Anything anyone ever requested, she could make and do it extremely well.

As a strong, independent woman, Charlene was not afraid to tackle any project on her own.  Her family often thought of her as a "McGeyvor" of sorts as she could make or repair almost anything.  At age 16, after school, she would take the family boat over to Treasure Island on the Great Miami River in Troy and go boating and water skiing.  Hence, her life-long love of boating, independence and lack of fear.  From 1968 – 1970, Charlene and her husband were stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War.  She traveled to many places over her life including Austria, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico and all over the United States.  Charlene took her RV and boat all over traveling to at least ten "Tournament of Champions", in which she qualified to participate.  Additionally, she enjoyed getting dressed up to go dancing, liked to bowl, ice skate and roller skate.

Charlene had many fond memories of family traditions and times with her niece, nephew and friends.  Nonetheless, one particular favorite memory was the three-week road trip to CA, when her kids were younger.  It was an adventure that circled the US from OH to CA, seeing everything along the North and South there and back.

She was a Girl Scout, member of Bass 'N Gals Fishing Club, Eagles #971 in Troy, and a past member of First United Methodist Church in Troy.

She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  In the end, she reminded her children to think of her often and to just to be happy.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Baird Funeral Home, Troy. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM on Monday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.