Charis Harbaugh Obituary

Charis Patricia (Elwell) Harbaugh, 84, surrounded by her children, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 18, 2009. Charis, the eldest of two sisters, was born in Waterloo, Iowa to Merle and Ruth (Buchanan) Elwell on April 17, 1925. Charis married Avery Ralph Harbaugh on June 19, 1948 in Waterloo, Iowa and had 3 children before moving to Woodland Park, Colorado in 1958. In 2008 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and in February 2009, Avery preceded her in death. Charis was a loving and devoted Mother. She loved to help cook at Camp Elim for summer camps and enjoyed making wreaths at Christmas time. After living in Woodland Park for 32 years Avery and Charis moved to Colorado Springs where they attended Westside Bible Chapel and enjoyed fellowship with family and friends. In 2008 they moved to Brookside Inn in Castle Rock, Colorado where the staff was kind and compassionate. Charis loved to hold the puppies that staff and volunteers brought in for visits. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Nancy McDermott. She is survived by 3 children, Scott (Sheri) Harbaugh, Craig (Diane) Harbaugh, LuAnne (Michael) Smith, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Northeast Bible Chapel, 1722 McArthur Ave., Colorado Springs, CO. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that contributions be made to Camp Elim, 5567 Painted Rocks Road, Woodland Park, CO 80863.