Charter, Welch, Wray: Recent Death Notices From Ellington And Somers

ELLINGTON-SOMERS, CT — Here are some recent obituaries from Ellington and Somers.

Clinton Charter, 85, of South Windsor, beloved companion for many years to Dorothy Smith, died peacefully on Aug. 5, 2025, surrounded by his family. He grew up in Ellington and was a graduate of Rockville High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business from the University of Connecticut. He worked for CT Extension Service, Charles H. Hood Dairy Foundation, and Farm Credit, specializing in agricultural bBanking. Clinton retired in 1994 after many years of service.

Kathleen (Robsky) Welch, 77, of Somers, beloved wife of Timothy N. Welch, passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2025. Kathy and Tim celebrated the 60th anniversary of their first date at Stafford Speedway on July 2. Kathy and Tim were married October 8, 1971 and together enjoyed over 53 wonderful years of marriage, raising their family in the town they loved. Kathy was a stay-at-home mom for many years before she went back to work as an IT professional in both the insurance and technical software industries. In the early 1980s, Kathy and Tim bought an old apple orchard and designed their dream home. Kathy's father drafted the plans, construction blueprints were finalized, and "Ivy Acres" came to life. When they decided to downsize, the "Forget-Me-Not Cottage" was restored. Kathy was an active member of the Somers Village Players as a producer, director, actress, costumer, and other positions. She worked for 20 years as the Somers High School Drama Club Advisor, working with thousands of young people and their families over the years.

Sharon (Drain) Wray, 73, of Ellington, beloved wife, devoted mother, and adoring mema, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, after a courageous battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Her family stood by her, as she fought this terrible illness, the people she loved most and who were the center of her world. She grew up in Hartford and graduated from Hartford Public High School, Class of 1969 fifth in her class and with high honors. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University, and later completed her MBA in tax at the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford, finishing both degrees, summa cum laude. On June 12, 1971, Sharon married Michael Joseph Wray, the love of her life. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their two children in West Hartford, where they lived for more than 37 years before moving to Ellington to be closer to family. She paused her career to raise her children, then returned to work once they were in school. She began working at a local bank in Hartford and stayed through many transitions/mergers, ultimately retiring from Bank of America in 2019 as a senior executive vice president in the Private Clients Group after more than 31 years of service.