Charlan Kay Walston

Charlan Kay Walston, age 71, of Cape Coral, FL and formerly Cheshire entered into rest on Friday, August 19, 2022 at Cape Coral Hospital.  She was the devoted wife of the late Edwin D. “Ed” Walston for over 38 years until his passing in 2016.  Charlan was born on August 30, 1950 in Elgin, IA, daughter of the late Lewis and Ernestine (Friederich) Butikofer.

She worked as a claim adjuster for Zurich Insurance Company, relocating several times before finding her home in Cheshire.  Through mutual friends and ham radio is how she met Ed and they began their journey and started their family together.  Charlan later managed the office of her and her husband’s store, “Ed’s Appliance Service”, while also working at the Cheshire Library and Consignment Originals. 

She is the beloved mother of Eileen Schmucker of North Port, FL, Diane Hart of Cheshire and Vicki Shepherd and her husband, Gary of Chesapeake, VA.  She also leaves her loving grandchildren, Ean Spencer, and Ethan and Aaron Schmucker; her brother, Curtis Butikofer and his wife, Sarah of Ft. Myers, FL; her cherished nieces, Courtney and Alexandra; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Meyers and her husband, Bob of Winsted.  Charlan was predeceased by her son-in-law, Todd Schmucker.

A Graveside Service for Charlan will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11AM in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Wallingford Road, Cheshire.  The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire has been entrusted with her arrangements.  At the request of his family, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans of CT, 35 Cold Spring Rd., Rocky Hill, CT 06067.  To share a story of Charlan, or to leave condolences for her family, please visit www.fordfh.com