Charlotte L. (Raymond) Kidney (Theken)

Charlotte (Theken) Kidney

January 23, 1934 – June 11, 2025

Charlotte (Theken) Kidney, age 91, of Barberton, Ohio—formerly of Homer City, Pennsylvania—passed away peacefully on the morning of June 11, 2025.

Born on January 23, 1934, in the Appalachian coal town of Homer City, Charlotte was the eldest of four children born to Paul Frank Raymond, a coal miner and radio repairman, and Frances Raymond, a devoted homemaker. Raised in a household where faith, discipline, and quiet strength were guiding forces, Charlotte carried those values throughout her life.

At the age of 16, following the death of her father from black lung disease, Charlotte stepped up as caregiver and provider for her younger siblings—Dolores, James, and Gerry. She became the first female usher at the local movie theater, sweeping floors and selling tickets, handing over every paycheck to help support her family.

Charlotte graduated from Homer City High School in 1951 and earned her teaching certificate from Indiana State Teachers College. She later moved to Akron, Ohio, in 1957 and married Raymond Theken in 1958. Together, they raised two children, Denise and Randall. Charlotte juggled multiple jobs throughout her life—working at Firestone Tire and Rubber, Babcock & Wilcox, Goodyear Aerospace, the American Bank of Commerce, retail stores, and helping operate the family’s service stations. Her independence, perseverance, and work ethic left a deep impression on all who knew her.

In 1990, Charlotte married Michael Kidney. Together, they shared 33 years of devoted companionship, supporting each other with humor, faith, and love.

Charlotte was also a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St. Augustine Parish in Barberton, where she volunteered for 21 years, helping with CCD classes and administrative duties. Even after retiring in 2000, she continued working as a receptionist for Dr. Glenn Black, MD—because for Charlotte, rest was never the goal when there was purpose to be found.

She will be remembered not for grand displays, but for the quiet courage of her daily life—the kind that showed up with a packed lunch, an extra shift, a handwritten note, or an open door.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Raymond Theken; her siblings, Delores Tyger and James Raymond; and her dear husband, Michael Kidney.

She is survived by her sister Geri Raymond; her daughter, Denise McGuinness (Mike); her son, Randall Theken (Kim); beloved grandchildren, Forrest, Preston, Samuel, and Abigail Theken, Sean McGuinness (Lynsey), Kate Hare (Matt), and Kevin McGuinness (Kelsey); and many cherished great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 204 Sixth St. NW., Barberton.  Family and friends are invited to celebrate Charlotte’s life and the enduring love she shared with all who knew her. Private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Augustine Church and/or Callahan Murphy Hare Foundation (www.thecmhfoundation.org).