MEHLHOP, Charlotte

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/09/2015 Charlotte Mehlhop died peacefully Oct. 3, 2015, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on a farm in Iowa in 1930 to Harry and Irene Straight. She was an A-student and attended Buena Vista College. She excelled in everything she attempted. Charlotte married Bruce Mehlhop, the love of her life, in 1950 and moved to a farm near Early, Iowa, where they raised their family. She was a 4-H leader for five years, worked in the Methodist Church and was active in the band and athletic committees at school. After their kids left home, she and Bruce took up ballroom dancing and spent seven years giving dance lessons. Bruce and Charlotte retired and moved to Mesa in 1982 and took up painting, worked part time for H&R Block for a few years and was involved with several activities in Sunland Village. She and Bruce started playing the button box accordions and became very active playing and dancing at polka festivals, Oktoberfests and special functions throughout Arizona and California. They spent many years playing their button boxes in German restaurants in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. The couple traveled all over the U.S. and took 10 trips to Europe, making many friends along the way. After her health started to deteriorate, they moved to Solterra Senior Living Center in Lakeside to be closer to the daughter. Charlotte was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Bruce of Lakeside; daughter Sue (Ray) Williamson of Lakeside; son Jim (Jean) Mehlhop of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brother Don (Faye) Straight of Linn Creek, Mo.; brother-in-law Dale Luehring of Terril, Iowa; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Irene Straight, and her sister, Florence Luehring. No public services are planned at this time. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign am online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.