Charles R. Root

Root, Reverend Charles R. age 96, a devoted community member of Gillett, Pennsylvania; passed away in to the arms of his Lord, Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 at the Twin Oakes Personal Care Home in Granville Summit. Charles was born in Newport, NY on March 21, 1918; the son of the late, Edwin A. and Nina (Parkhurst) Root.He married the love of his life, Audrey I. Anderson on June the 6th in 1942. She later predeceased him in 2002. Surviving him are his children:Charles Thomas (Tom) Root and daughter- in- law,Patricia, of Gillett; daughters: Linda C. Welch of Gillett; Mary E. (Edward) Horning of Mogadore, OH;Suzan M. (Antonio) McLaughlin of Lompoc, CA; 7 grandchildren: Charles Allen (Sharla) Root, Abraham (Abe) Root of Gillett, Heather (Andrew) Chorney of MD; Kenneth Horning of OH; Kimberly (Nick) Brolin of SC; Jeremiah Johnson of NM; Elizabeth Johnson of NM.,13 great grandchildren. In addition to his beloved wife Audrey, his is also predeceased by his brother,Angus Root;sister, Martha Babel and great grandson, Zeke Abraham Root. Charlie was the last living sibling of both sides of his and Audreys’ family.He was ordained as an American Baptist Minister October 19th, 1943 at the Second Cape May Baptist Church Palermo, NJ. From that day forward he continued to serve his Lord in Palermo, NJ before moving his family to Gillett in 1946, to serve both Fassett and Gillett Baptist Churches.In 1955 he became Post Master in Gillett, Pa while continuing to serve as interim pastor in various churches in the area, until his retirement. He was a pillar of the Gillett and surrounding communities. He did all he could to serve the people he loved and the friends he adored. He was always seen walking about the area greeting friends and neighbors. He will always be missed. “To Know me, is to know my life.” Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY on Friday, November 7th, 2014 from1:00PM to 3:00PM and again from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Funeral services celebrating the Reverend Charles R. Root’s life will be held at the Gillett Baptist Church, Gillett, PA at 11:00AM Saturday, November 8th, 2014. Graveside services will follow in the Gillett Cemetery.Those wishing please make memorials in Reverend Charles R. Roots name to the Charity of one’s choice.Guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc.