Fort Scott mourns Charlotte

Charlotte Lunt

Fort Scott, Kan. -- One of Fort Scott's best and brightest is gone.

Charlotte Faye Lunt, 70, philanthropist, active volunteer, gracious hostess and caring friend, died Thursday as the result of a brief illness.

Her passing took many by surprise. It happened so unexpectedly that some just didn't believe it. That just couldn't have happened to someone so full of life.

But it did.

Despite all of her many activities, which also included gardening, decorating, and helping turn the site of every annual hospital gala into an elegant dining and dancing venue, Charlotte somehow found time to connect with other people. She always seemed to have a kind word to brighten the day.

She was an encourager, a woman of integrity and honor, the personification of the Yiddish word, "mensch."

Even as Charlotte was giving her utmost to support and care for her husband Ken, who has beaten back cancer time and again, she showed concern for others, as well. She worked and contributed toward the benefit of the community as a whole; she also reached out to people as individuals.

Many will remember Charlotte for her love of beauty and her personal sense of style.

She was known for her flair. At social occasions, people often looked for Charlotte, to see what new outfit she was wearing. And yet, she had a modesty about her, an unassuming, gentle way.

Walking into Ken and Charlotte's Queen Anne-style home has always been a treat for the eye, not only because of the beauty to which they have restored the house itself, but because of the charm and significance of its furnishings, many selected by Charlotte, who also managed to incorporate Ken's favorite items in to create a tasteful and interesting décor. Its warm, welcoming ambience is a reflection of Charlotte's and Ken's personalities.

Like Ken, Charlotte displayed a keen sense of humor, which made her fun to work and socialize with.

Sometimes she tended to worry a little more than others do, but that came from a genuine desire to make people comfortable and happy.

For someone who expressed her generosity and caring in such a quiet, unassuming way, Charlotte's passing leaves a large, palpable void in the lives of so many people.

And yet, the good work she did, the people she helped, all give testimony to the kind of person Charlotte Lunt was.

Perhaps a good way to honor Charlotte is to take a leaf from her book -- remember her kindness and carry it forward.

Editor's Note: A full obituary for Charlotte Faye Lunt is published in this issue of the Sunday Herald-Tribune.