Charlene Louise Wilson

Charlene was born to Rollin and Louise Guthrie in Yakima on Nov of 1947. She grew up in the valley and graduated from Yakima High School in 1965. A few summers after graduation, her older brother, Gordon, came home on leave from the Navy, bringing his shipmate, Harold Wilson, to visit. This led to a courtship between Harold and Charlene and eventual marriage on Jan 14,1967 to become Mr and Mrs Harold Wilson. The newly married couple made Yakima their home. In the winter month of Feb 1969, the Wilsons welcomed their first born son, Thad, and again another winter baby, Jason, in Jan 1972. In 1973, Charlene's Dad, Rollin, started the design for their family home and by 1974 they were painting the walls and hanging pictures.This would be the family home for the next 48 years.

Charlene was a homemaker during the boys formative years and involved them in a plethora of activities including swimming, tennis, cub scouts and youth groups. During these young years she also began her life long pursuit of helping children in need and with her boys riding along, she would help kids attend and participate in fun community activities and events.

Harold and Charlene were active members of Yakima Evangelical Church and she spent a few years performing office secretary duties for their church. This would be the family Church for their entire lives, building many lifelong friendships and fellowships. With this family, Charlene would enjoy softball,volleyball,bowling,jeeping adventures and many camping trips. Sunday afternoon church potlucks were also a family favorite.

When her sons started towards their high school years, Charlene decided to go back to school. A few credits at a time and many night classes, she chose to pursue a career in nursing. She spent a few years as a director for Yakima Valley Comprehensive Health before returning back to her lifelong love of helping children in need. She became a in- home care nurse, making friends with new families and watching their kids grow and prosper. She was very saddened when her time as a caretaker wound down and she missed her work families deeply.

Charlene had many hobbies and talents. She passed on her love of baking to the boys, she could always be found with a ball of yarn and knitting needles making sweaters, and then there was her love for music. She was a self taught pianist and loved strapping on and playing her accordion. Harold and Char spent many years surrounded by music and eventually acquired the instruments and equipment to lead Sunday Morning Worship. This evolved from singing hymns to raising the roof off the church.

The married couple celebrated 57 years together. During the years of retirement, Char would ride along in Harolds "Touch Red" Corvette with the Yakima Valley Corvette Club participating in car shows for many summers.

Mom cared tirelessly for her husband and family and continued to pray and walk with her Lord and wholeheartedly embraced her steadfast beliefs.

After Harold passed, Mom continued to be blessed with the watchful and caring, Ron Mansfield. Our family wishes to thank him again for his time and companionship. The Wilson family would also like to express our gratitude to the staff at Landmark Care Center for providing their heartfelt care for both Harold and Charlene.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Wilson and her father, Rollin and mother, Louise.

She is survived by her sons, Thad (Jeanne) Wilson, Jason Wilson, 6 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.

Arrangements will be handled by Langevin El Paraiso