Charlene Zirk

With deep love and heavy hearts, the Charlene Kay Zirk family announces her passing at the age of 71 at Grant Memorial Hospital on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Born June 6, 1954, in Cumberland, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Mary Luetta Schell Kessel and Robert Forest Kessel. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend lived a life centered on service, compassion and unwavering dedication to those she loved. She was proceeded in death by her parents and her daughter, Melanie Dawn Zirk and beloved pet, Hooch.

Surviving is her husband of 51 years, Gregory M. Zirk, three daughters Angela Zirk (Jeremy Baldwin); Brandi Currence (Chad); Kim Zirk (Josh Douglas) and one son Gregory “Bo” M. Zirk II (Anna Smith). Her love extended to her grandchildren, Jasmine Baldwin; Chandi Currence; Sara Baldwin; O. Chris Baldwin; Brad Currence; Jacob Baldwin; Adalyn Baldwin and Chase Currence; one brother, Robert Kessel (Tamara); one sister, Christy Jo Sanchez; one brother-in-law, Dennis Zirk and one sister-in-law, Brenda Z. Crites.

Charlene was a graduate of Moorefield High School, Class of 1972 and attended Potomac State College. She was a true provider in every sense of the word, giving her time her talents and her heart to ensure others were cared for.

For more than 30 years she served as a teacher, guiding, mentoring and nurturing countless children at the Hardy County Nursery School and then as a Director of the Hardy County Child Care Center. Her calm presence, steady leadership and natural gift for caregiving shaped the lives of families and left a legacy felt far beyond the center.

A proud and active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she embodied the organization’s values of charity, truth, and loving kindness. Her commitment to community and fellowship was evident in all she did.

She was also known for her extraordinary cooking – famous for preparing countless meals that brought people together. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, and she showed her love through every dish she created. No one ever left her table hungry or without feeling like family. She used her talents with her partner Jean Sharp at C&J Catering for a number of years and served as a past Board Member of the Mountaineer Food Bank.

Above all, she was a beloved mother of 5 children, each of whom she raised with strength, tenderness and unconditional love. She was married to the love of her life, her soulmate for 51 beautiful years, a partnership marked by loyalty, laughter and unwavering devotion.

She will be remembered for her warm spirit, her generous nature, and the countless lives she touched by being herself. Her legacy of love, service and faith will continue and shine through everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

The Family will receive friends 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 106 Washington Street. Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, November 17th at 2:00 PM with Pastor Bruce A. Macbeth officiating. Interment will follow in the Olivet Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Mountaineer Food Bank, 484 Enterprise Drive, Gassaway, WV 26624 or the charity of the donor’s choice. To share your condolences, stories, and memories of Charlene, and to join in the celebration of her extraordinary life, please visit her Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com.

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