Charis O'Donnell

Thank You, God, for Grace

You show me grace as I recall the talent she possessed
To bring a smile, a tune, a tear, my joy, I felt so blessed!
It seems she always had a plan, a plot, a ploy, a scheme,
She kept her goals in front of her and drew us with her dream.

When she was young she gave her life to You to make complete,
Her strong will was to share Your love with all that she would meet.
Our little Gracie had her hurts, she felt so deeply, Lord,
We did our best to give her hope as we instilled Your Word.

Then as she grew, she made us proud to be her Mom and Dad.
Her many friends saw in her eyes Your grace through good and bad.
When struggles came, as is our due, she met them with Your strength.
Your mercy was her sustenance, Your love her depth and length.

So now Lord as we’re stuck in time, we seek Your strength anew,
And ask to draw Your mercy, deep, and rest within Your truth.
We know our child is safe with You beyond all pain and grief;
She cheers for us from up above, at least that’s my belief.

Charis, I’m caring for your boys and keep your mem’ry dear,
They are my challenge and my joy, through growing pain and fear.
We love them so, but know they’re only borrowed for a while.
God give us strength to bring them up to love and learn and smile

And give them knowledge of what made their mother strong and true,
Her life, though short, was focused on Your work and filled with You.
This family continues, though we’re oft’ put to the test,
We’ll laugh and love and live and grow and then in You we’ll rest.

Charis, you would be so proud of John, He showed Jesus to the Red Mountain Respite family once again at your memorial Saturday the 11th. We all got to meet 3 of the girls that were in the accident, I hope and pray they will give their lives to Jesus, the seed has been planted. We miss you so..... The girls talked a lot about your singing, and I reminded them you are singing in Jesus' presence everyday now. Love you, Auntie M

After graduating from Maui High School in Hawaii, I was not sure where God was leading me for the future, except for the urge to go to a Bible college. I really didn't know of any Bible colleges...until God brought Charis into my life. She came to Maui to visit her family, and eventually became a part-time youth leader to a group of teenagers who needed direction in their lives. Although she was one out of three leaders, her devotion, love of Christ, and love of people made it a full time ministry that I fully benefited from. She gave many hours of her time, advice, prayers, and encouragement. It was through her that God had brought me to a Bible college that gave me a better understanding of who God was and the life that God was blessing me with.

Thank you Lord for this beautiful, radiant, red-headed angel that helped me in stepping into a closer relationship with YOU, our One, true Savior!

My prayers will continue to be with the O'Donnell's, Crain's and Clements family. One day, we'll be together with Charis where she will greet us with a welcoming fragrant lei and the greatest luau we will ever see! I love you, Charis...my little Cherry Yum-yum Pie with Whipped Cream and an Extra Cherry on top!

With much Aloha,
Sharon...Charis' Macadamia Nut Pineapple Princess Hawaiian-Filipino Sister

Two words come to mind when I think of Charis: Radiant and Vivacious. From her beautiful red hair, to her fun and (sometimes outrageous!) clothing, to her quirky sense of humor, Charis defined the word "joy." She knew how to live life to the fullest: to love deeply and passionately, to find humor in every situation, and to encourage and uplift others.

Charis loved Jesus and she loved people. Her smile always cheered me; her hug always lifted my spirits. I learned to look at the lighter side of life whenever I was with her -- her presence always warmed my heart.

I feel the loss of her deeply. Charis, Nancy Frigaard, Verna Volker, and I shared countless memories in Bible College together, and many joyous times beyond as we journeyed from our 20's to our 30's. We all miss her so much; a vital member of the "awesome four-some" is gone, and it's difficult to imagine life without her.

To John, Sammy, little Johnny and all the family, my heart breaks for you and your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Know as well that Charis' memory and legacy will live on -- in the countless hearts and lives of those she touched.

Kathy's expression of "our song is gone" is incredibly poignant. Charis's life was indeed a song with one of the catchiest tunes I have ever heard. I enjoyed her immensely, laughed with her endlessly and loved her whole-heartedly. She is forever my friend and I can't wait to see her again one day.

To all the family of our Gracie, O'Donnells, Crains and Clements.
Our Prayers and our Love to all of you for this Great loss. We share your pain and loss.
Love to all.
Tom and Edith Clements Family

Dear John and Family, I'm so sadden about the loss of a wonderful woman, wife, mom, daugher, and friend. I am so honored that I was a part of Charis's life. She filled my life with happiness and laughter. I truly miss her. I pray that God will hold you all in his hand at this difficult time. Know that you r all in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Chet and Kathy,
My heart hurts with you at your loss of such a beautiful daughter who was faithfully serving the Lord. It is difficult for us to understand why, but we don't need to understand. We just need to trust the character of God. God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about.
Praying that the God of all comfort will bring comfort and peace to your hearts and minds.
Love,

I want to express my heart-felt thanks to all who attended Charis's Memorial Service, and also to all of you who have supported us in your prayers. I was very happy at how the service went, and I know that Christ is and will be Glorified as a result.

For those of you that were unable to attended, a trust fund has been set up for my children. God bless you all!!

The O'Donnell Children's Education Fund
c/o Merrill Lynch
3333 Warrenville Road, Suite #100
Lisle, Illinois 60532
1-800-937-1264
Contact: Bruce Anderson

John,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss today. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Chet and Kathy,
Your strength through this trying time has been such a blessing to all who know you. Your faith is a beacon of Christ love.
Thank you for showing the rest of us how to rest in Gods peace.

We love you all so much and we are here for you when ever you call.

Love the Ray Family

I just got brave enough to read these entries from all those who loved our eldest, beautiful daughter. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. I can only exppress my grief by saying, "Our Song" is gone. Chet and I continue to go on taking each breath as a gift, but still asking God why couldn't it have been one of us? We know many reasons in our heads, but our hearts continue to break, daily. The fruits of her life continue to multiply as we hear from long time friends who have been emboldened to share Christ's love and forgiveness with others, and know of two who have recieved Christ since the memorial service. Soon there will be a service on the Gila River Reservation. God will continue Charis' ministry with those kids she loved.
Thank you again, and keep praying and sharing.
In God's Grip,

To the family and friends of Charis I am so sorry about your loss and she was a real sweetheart that really loved the Lord and I look forward to seeing her again someday this time in heaven. I understand your loss because I just lost my dad this month .
Love in Jesus Michelle Mangrum

I continue to think about the service held for Charis a week ago today and am reminded of what an incredible, generous, genuine, loving, servant of God Charis was to anyone who came in contact with her. I miss my friend dearly. Loosing her has left a void in my life. John, i think about you and the boys often. May God give you strength for each new day. Do not borrow trouble from tomorrow! May your eyes be fixed on Christ and may your heart be filled with joy as you remember your loving wife. I know it sounds so cliche, but please don't hesitate to call me when you need something! They boys are always welcome for sleep-overs and play dates! love, Brenda

I met Charis as "Gracie" when her Aunt Johnna married my son. That was
about 24 years ago. She became Charis and had grown up and married. I saw her again when I moved to AZ. Johnny was little the first
Christmas I was here. Sammy arrived, and Aunt Johnna babysat the boys
on the weekends when John and Charis worked. Last Christmas was at John
and Charis's. I will always remember that. My sympathy is with all her
family.

John,
Linda and I are shocked at your sudden loss! Know this, you , your sons, and your family are in our prayers - there is no way we can understand your loss, but you are loved!
In His Grip,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARIS, You would have been 32 today but now you are in Heaven with our Lord and Saviour and celebrating with HIM! Wow, the best birthday ever for you! We left here miss you so much be will see your smiling face again someday. Love you, Auntie M
Notice to all friends, the O'Donnell family has set up an education fund for Johnny & Sammy: Contact Merrill Lynch-Bruce Anderson 1-800-937-1264
Thank you!!

Chet and Kathy,
Dave and I just learned of "Gracie's" passing. Our hearts are grieving for you as well as for her husband and children. John Lasley let us know and NCC will be praying for you as well. Our hearts were joined with the Cranes so many years ago and today, are hearts are breaking for you. Gracie was such a radiant person and a shining light and that was when she was young. I can only imagine the beauty she became.

John, I am praying for you in this time of loss. All I know, and have learned in the Lord, is that He takes ashes and, somehow, brings beauty out of them.It seems it usually takes time to be able to see what may come from this. As Christ death bore much fruit,so does the death of His saints.What a beautiful girl Charis was, but now even more radiant as Christ's bride and in her glorified body!Whatever you need please ask.Love, Kathy Rodriguez(Robs sister)

May the God of comfort hold you close and make His presence known as you grieve the loss of this precious woman, a dear high school friend. With love and prayers, Alana (Treat) Heater

John,
There are NO words to express the grief and loss you feel and the saddness I feel. Charis was a bright spot in any given day. As you walk this journey, and enter another chapter in this book called, life, may you cherish the memories and love you two shared as husband and wife; and may you nurture that love in your two boys.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.

John,

My heart is greived for your loss, and please know that you and your family are being lifted up in prayer. One blessing is sure and true, and that is that one day we will all be reunited in the presence of the Lord. In this we place our hope. My hope is that you cling to Jesus through this; and that His love and peace that surpasses all understanding will fill you and carry you.

With much love and prayer,

John,

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We'll continue to pray for you and your family. May God comfort and strengthen you.

We will always remember your warmth and compassion toward others, Charis. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

My deepest sympathies to John, the kids and all the family. I was so blessed to have Charis as a close friend for many years and treasure the memories I have of her as a gift from God. She was such a joy to be around and she will be greatly missed. I rejoice that she is in the presence of the Lord Jesus for eternity and that we who have trusted in Him will see her again. I continue to pray for you John and your two precious children as well as the rest of your families. May God comfort you and give you the peace of our Lord Jesus.

Dear Chet, Kathy, John, Johnny, and Sam:

My heart broke when I heard of Charis leaving us but I also rejoiced knowing she was meeting Our Lord and Savior. The years have just flown but like so many of the entries I have read, Charis was always smiling and laughing. And her voice, I will always appreciate hearing her sing in my home. She lived with us for such a short time, but how she impacted our lives with her commitment to serve the Lord!!! When your grief overwhelms you I pray that you will feel Our Lord and Savior as He surrounds you with His love.

To Him we give all praise and glory,
Pat Drake

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear O'Donnell and Crain Family,
Our Deepest Sympathies are with you. Charis had such a bubblely, sweet spirit. It always was so obvious she loved the Lord...What a blessing. She will be missed a great deal. We are better people to have had her in our lives even if it was for a short time.
Under His Wing,
John and Dannielle Basso

We will always remember Charis as a vibrant, energetic, beautiful young woman with a strong love for the Lord. We want you to know that we feel your pain, your loss and your sorrow—we grieve with you. We pray as you celebrate her life that others will choose to follow Jesus.

Dear John & Family,
Ever since your sister, Julianne called for prayer, we have been praying fervently. Will continue to pray for God's abundant grace, comfort, guidance, strength, & wisdom to be upon each of you. The Lord bless & keep you. "He heals the brokenhearted & binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3 Many blessings in Christ, Fran McLaughlin & the saints at Marion Hills Bible Church, Darien, Illinois

I haven't seen Charis since Highschool, but she is for sure a face I will never forget, always smiling! Whenever someone was down, it didn't matter if you knew them well or not she made a real effort to be there to comfort and cheer. I was just informed of your loss this evening, and I am deeply saddened. My prayers are with all those who loved her and will miss her. My regret is that I hadn't kept in touch with her after school, and know her better as an adult. May God be with her family now to comfort as she always did those around her.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

To the O'Donnell Family and the Crain Family,

My deepest sympathy to your families. Charis was such a blessing and a joy! I can't remember, even once, when she didn't have a smile on her face! She will be sorely missed...but I look forward to seeing her again in heaven! My continued prayers will be with your families.

Love in Christ

Dear John & family, my heart just aches at Charis's passing. John, it was obvious to me the moment I met her why you fell for her with that pretty smile, warm, bubbly personality. I feel so priviledged to have been friends with her. I would like to thank Charis for making me laugh, saying encouraging words, and being a role model. She will be greatly missed!
Love, Rachel Albert

Charis, You were here for a short time, but you touch so many hearts. I know you are at the feet of Jesus, but my heart is sad for your boys and family. I will miss you, we will meet again in the heavens... Love your sister in Christ, Brenda

It is with sorrow for her family that we hear about Charis and the accident that took her life but with joy in knowing that Charis is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please know that Adele and I will continue to be in prayer for the family that is left behind for this moment.

John & Family,
Words can't express our deepest sympathy at the loss of Charis. She truly was a blessing here on earth to anyone who had the privilege of being around her, hearing or singing with her, watching her with you John, or the kids. How she doted over you all. The love and pride she had when she spoke of her parents... If there is any comfort at a time like this it is knowing that now, she sings in the presence of our Lord... May He be your comfort and peace.

In Him,
Bob, Rhonda & Nathan McGuire

Charis, I feel priviledged that I knew you. I remember meeting you for the first time-- you had such a pretty, friendly smile and warm personality! It was obvious why John had fallen for you! Thank you for making me laugh, always having a kind word, and being "real." You will be greatly missed!
Your friend, Rachel

Charis,
You are well loved and we look forward to seeing you again in Gorly.
The tears I shed are for the loved ones left behind, May God bless them and care for them give them comfort and peace.

Phillip and Rebecca Kersey