Charlotte Ellen Van Buiten (née Messineo)
December 9, 1948 - August 12, 2025

Charlotte Ellen Van Buiten, 76, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on August 12, 2025. She was born on December 9, 1948, in Passaic, New Jersey, and had made Indianapolis her home for the past 47 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Jeanetta Messineo; her sister, Karin Muse; and her nephew, Robert Muse.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, John Van Buiten; her daughters, Carla Kraus and Jonelle Sullivan, and their husbands, Tim Kraus and Mark Sullivan; her niece, Stephanie Muse; and her great-nieces, Karissa Takach and Lara Takach.

Charlotte will be remembered fondly for her quick wit, quirky sense of humor, and her immense love for her family. She was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing, painting, and floral design, and her sense of aesthetics could be seen in everything from her beautifully decorated home to her thoughtfully coordinated outfits. She was known as a huge lover of all animals, but especially cats, and she and John found great joy in the many feline companions they shared over the years. She passed on her love of animals to her daughters, as well as her love of the Beatles, flowers, and bright colors.

She was a joyful presence to all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

In accordance with her wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society at www.americanhumane.org