
Charline Caruthers
1927 – 2025
Charline Caruthers, a steadfast beacon of light and love, left this world to join the celestial choir on January 16, 2025, at the venerable age of 97. Born on a spring day in 1927, under skies as clear as her future visions, Charline grew roots in Edmond, Oklahoma. Here, she wove a life rich with love, laughter, and the occasional mischief, alongside her beloved husband, Glenn Caruthers.
A proud matriarch, Charline raised her daughters, Glenna Sue, and Lynda Lou, in a home where the doors were always open, the coffee pot forever hot, and laughter a constant echo. This home became a sanctuary not only for her daughters but for every soul lucky enough to step through its doors. Charline, a paragon of unconditional love and generosity, made sure that no one left without feeling a little lighter and a lot loved.
Before the days of digital, Charline’s nimble fingers danced over switchboard cables and editing tapes at WKY from 1953. With an ear for the crowd’s roar and an eye for the play that turned the game, Charline edited OU football games with such finesse that she not only tackled stereotypes, as the first woman editor, but also fielded calls of disbelief from big shots who couldn’t fathom a woman running the show. Her last words, “Boomer Sooner!” echoed her lifelong passion and spunk, serving as a perfect exit line that even Hollywood couldn’t script better.
Charline was predeceased by a constellation of loved ones: her parents, Lucy, and Robert E. Sheldon; siblings Barbara Morgan, WC (Dub) Sheldon, Ernie Sheldon, and Bobby Sheldon; daughter Glenna Slater; son-in-law Bob Slater; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Mandi Garland. Each of them had a chapter in her heart, their stories told with warmth and a twinkle in her eye that suggested only the fondest of memories.
She leaves behind a legacy carried on by her daughter, Lynda McCasland, and a parade of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carry a spark of her indomitable spirit. Her descendants span generations and resemble a lively family reunion that, by sheer numbers, could rival a small town.
A memorial where stories will be shared, tears will be shed, and laughter will undoubtedly break through, will be held in her honor. Charline Caruthers’ memory is a keepsake, from which we will never part. Though she has taken her final curtain call, the encore of her influence will resonate in every “Boomer Sooner!” cheer, every slice of cake served with extra icing, and every act of kindness bestowed upon a stranger—just as she would have done.
As we celebrate her journey, we say, “Well played, Charline, well played.”
Charline’s legacy includes: Her daughter, Lynda McCasland. Grandchildren: Tina Smith and husband Danny Smith. James (Jimmy) O’Neil and wife Joni, Luci Graves and husband Jerry, Chad O’Neil and wife Allison, Lisa Williams, and Husband Matt. Great Grandchildren: Dustin Garland and wife Ashli, Erin Dobson and Husband Justin, Kyle Clark and wife Sami, Billy Stiles and Wife Ashli, Tristan O’Neil and wife Ceci, Christopher O’Neil, Mary O’Neil, Ashley Graves, Kelsey Yahnke husband Nic, Tommy Graves wife Adriana, Austin Graves, Haven O’Neil. Jackson Williams and Rett Williams. Great-Great Grandchildren: Graci, Gabi, Jensen, Elliot, Kyndall, Scarlett, Jack, Mason, T.J., Baylor and Melody. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
We offer a special acknowledgement and heartfelt gratitude to:
Pastor Gene for his friendship, guidance and time spent watching OU football games with her. Dr. Brian Levy for taking such amazing personal care of her for so many years. Patty Perkins, an angel who was her friend and caregiver that loved her like family and special friends, Ginger and Gene Shouse for their constant companionship and assistance.
Services will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK.
Charline was more than our neighbor; a wonderful and caring friend who continued to give encouragement and love even in the midst of her own struggles in the last few years of her life. My mom, her dog Smokey, and I enjoyed our many trips across the street to share a glass of wine, update each other, and laugh together, despite the challenges in both Charline and my mother’s health situations. She was an amazing person; a groundbreaker in her field of local television sports news, and was a voracious reader until her eyes no longer allowed her to read. I loved hearing her stories of early Edmond, her family of origin, and of course, all the going-ons of her extended family, who were very cherished by her and of whom she was very proud. I would include in that family Patty Perkins, whose assistance allowed her to stay in her home as long as she did. Patty’s love for Charlene was very obvious, as she went above and beyond the expected duties of a helper. I am grateful to have known Charlene and will miss having her in our lives. She was an amazing person whom we will greatly miss.