THAYER — Charlotte Lucille (Hayden) Erbe, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, surrounded by her loving family.
Charlotte was born on October 28, 1943, in Leoti. to Max and Lucille (Luckinbill) Hayden. She was the youngest of four children and the only daughter, and a treasured sister. Her early years were spent in several Kansas communities, and she attended schools in both LaFountaine and Thayer.
She met her future husband, Wayne Erbe, when he came by to playfully tease the new kids in town. That first meeting sparked a love story that would span decades. Charlotte and Wayne were married on Jan. 16, 1958, in Nevada, Missouri, and remained devoted to one another until Wayne’s passing in 2012. They made their home in LaFountaine, where they raised their family. In later years, they moved to Thayer.
Charlotte never punched a time clock, but she was the very definition of a hard-working woman. As a dedicated farm wife, she managed the household, raised the children, and helped in countless ways to keep things running – all with strength, grace and love.
She is survived by her five children: Charletta (Roy) Gustin of Fredonia; Dale (LaDonna) Erbe of Independence; Carolyn Anderson of Fredonia; Wanda Erbe of Fredonia; Steve (Sandy) Erbe of Thayer; and honorary daughter: Susie (Keith) Moore of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her brother, Alfred Hayden of Perryton, Texas; 11 grandchildren: Tanya Hartley (Autin Farmer); Tercia Gustin, Megan (Willie) Murry; Lisa (Sam) McGill; Stephanie (Matt) Matney; Klay (Adele) Walker; Karyn Walker; Tim Erbe; Keith Marquardt; Kayt (Ethan) Noakes; and Eric Erbe. Charlotte was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren: Corbin (Summer), Camden, Teigann, Atticus, Abraham, Veda, Hayven (Hayden), Payson, Abel Duke, Josie, Dalton, Lyla, Lena, Gabe, Zeke, and one eagerly anticipated great-greatgrandchild.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Max Hayden and Lucille Smith, her husband Wayne, and brothers Don and Bill Hayden.
Charlotte will be remembered for her fierce love of family, her legendary cinnamon rolls and pies, and her competitive spirit at the card table-especially in the games of spades and hearts. Also, a fun game of Wahoo with the grandkids. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter and unwavering love.
Charlotte’s greatest legacy was her family. She was a steadfast presence-warm, strong, and generous, and her love will live on in each of them and the many lives she touched.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, July 31, at 10 a.m. at the Harrison Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, from 5-7 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia. Memorials have been suggested to either the Fredonia Food Bank, Fredonia Pound Pals or the American Heart Association and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh. com Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS, 66736.
