Obituary of Charlotte H. Mapes

Charlotte Koliwer Mapes was born on May 21, 1921, just three weeks after her parents arrived in the United States from Germany. She was the middle child of three children, and was raised in an abusive home, she was beat every day during her middle school and high school years. This made her determined and stubborn, but also made her resolved to not let a day go by that her children did not know that they were loved, not just loved, but unconditionally. That love extended to just about anyone that came into her life. Friends, neighbors and most certainly grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandson. She met Rodney Mapes, Jr. when she was 16 years old and married him at 18. They had three children, two sons; David LeeRoy and Arthur Melbourne, and one daughter Sharon Charlene (now Ezzell). They had 59 years together before Rodney passed away. They lived their life helping others and she continued that after she was widowed. Charlotte never expected to find love again, but in 2013 at 92 years old, she did, when she moved into a retirement home and met her neighbor, Jim Heffler. They had many fun experiences together, including river rafting, where she fell in and lost her glasses, bumper car riding in Seaside at 95, six times in one day, and many cruises. She loved life and was the epitome of unconditional love. She left behind her 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild, and Jim. She was loved dearly and will be dearly missed.