Charles L. Ankney

Charles L. Ankney - Aug 6th, 1931 - April 26, 2026 Charles L Ankney, a devoted husband, adored father and cherished grandfather left this world April 26th to be with his wife of 62 years, Marie who passed away April 12, 2022. He will be beyond deeply missed. Charlie's infectious personality injected joy, laughter, love, faithfulness and warmth everywhere he went. Charlie indeed was always whistling a happy tune, always generous and always helpful to those in need. His family fondly thinks of him as nothing less than the best of stardust, sunshine and moonbeams. Charlie excelled in many sports in his youth. Classmates voted him, “Athlete Of The Year and Mr. Personality.” Spending days in the beautiful outdoors of the Laurel Mountains truly defines Charles. He created such admiration and curiosity for the natural world in his children and grandchildren with his many outdoor adventures both near and far. However, he truly cherished his home area of Ligonier Valley where he enjoyed fishing, skiing, exploring nature, country roads and various activities of his active sportsmen clubs. Charlie and his wife Marie were supporters of the Calliope Folk Society, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra. Charlie had a passion for music, whether it be charming his family and friends with his witty songs and delightful piano playing, traveling the country to music festivals or attending many performing arts events in the Pittsburgh area. Charlie and his dear wife Marie loved to travel and travel is what they did. Together they also explored their fascination for family history. Charlie instilled a great passion for traveling to his family. The many happy tales of Charlie and Marie's extensive traveling adventures is a great source of joy and comfort for his family. Always was Charlie the hard worker and always did he possess a strong work ethic. During his long working career he was the proud owner of the very successful Meadows Restaurant in Ligonier, Pa. How he shined with his dedication to this popular business for here was Charlie at his best, a true people person, always cheerful, always charming and always long hours of hard work and exceptional quality. Many will remember Charlie as a truly kind hearted friend and neighbor you could always count on and spirited volunteer. More than anything, Charlie treasured the time he spent with his family, who where the center of his life. He was the grandfather extraordinaire traveling to all his grandchildren's events and joyfully creating countless beautiful memories for his sweetly adored grandchildren. Charlie will never be forgotten. Whenever his name is mentioned you can be sure there will be big smiles, lots of warm laughter, songs to sing and good stories to fill the heart. Charlie was the father of three children. His survivors include Ruthanne Ankney, Susan {Katzin} and Michelle {Mullin} and sister Dorinda Tanner. He has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by wife Marie and brother James R. Murphy and Gary Ankney. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society. Charles loved traditional folk music, and he and wife shared many happy moments at Calliope concerts and educational showcase programs. Donations in memory of Charles L. Ankney to calliope@calliopehouse.org..{Music series programming and Education.}