Charlotte Marie Melton, 103, of Defiance, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016 at CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center in Defiance.  
  
She was born on September 25, 1912 to Albert and Elsie (Swary) Gustwiller in New Bavaria, Ohio. On June 18, 1942 she married Timothy L. Melton, who preceded her in death on May 17, 2002.
  
Charlotte was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Defiance and was a past member of the Altar & Rosary Society, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Cotillion Dance Club. She loved to play cards with her family, and participated in several ladies bridge and poker card clubs.

"Miss Charlotte" enjoyed being the "Queen" of the Melton family. She took every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to dance with Tim to Big Band music, and being a true New Bavarian, she enjoyed a glass of beer.
  
Charlotte will be sadly missed by her family; son Terry (Ann) Melton of Defiance, son Jim (Chris) Melton of Coldwater, Michigan, daughter Deb (Greg) Nixon of Defiance, Grandchildren; Julie (Ron) Melnyk of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Doug (Yesie) Melton of Bonn, Germany,  Makenzie (Curt) Gunter of Cincinnati, Ohio, Shelby (Kevin) Nixon Hoskins of Cincinnati, Ohio, Stefanie (Brandon) Timmons of Coldwater, Michigan, and 10 great-grandchildren.
  
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Timothy L. Melton, grandson Garrit Nixon, brothers Leonard Gustwiller and Francis Gustwiller, and sister Salome Cereghin.
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday, February 29, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father Randy Giesige officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church, or the Food Pantry. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

Susie Zimmerman, Carolyn Heilman, Dreama Schmitz, and Renate Wagner were Charlotte's loving caregivers. They were very special to her and her family.