Charlene V. White, age 83, of Marathon, Iowa, died on Sunday, January 18, 2015, at the Laurens Care Center at Laurens, Iowa.

Funeral services will be Friday, January 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Marathon. Burial will follow in the Poland Township Cemetery in Marathon. Visitation will take place Thursday, January 22, 2015 from 5-8:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Marathon. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of the arrangements.

Charlene Veree Lane, the daughter of Edward and Faye (Hawks) Lane, was born in Curlew, Iowa, on November 19, 1931. Much of her youth was spent in the Curlew and Ayrshire vicinity. She later moved with her family to Laurens, Iowa, where she graduated from the Laurens High School in 1950.

On July 14, 1950, Charlene was united in marriage to Eugene R. White at the Ayrshire United Methodist Church and this union was blessed with five children: Timothy, Ronald, Sherrie, Cynthia, and Michael. Following their marriage, Charlene and Eugene made their home in Laurens. In 1960, the family moved to Marathon where Charlene lived most of the remainder of her lifetime. As her children began leaving home, Charlene received training as a CNA and served as a nurse’s aide and later as an activity director at the Laurens Care Center until her retirement in 2003. Charlene and Eugene enjoyed spending time boating and camping at their place on Lost Island Lake.

Charlene was a devoted member of the Marathon United Methodist Church where she had served as chairman of the Hope Circle for many years. She was also one of the founders of the Meals on Wheels program in Marathon. Charlene was also a caring hospice volunteer for several years. Gardening was a passion of Charlene’s and she enjoyed growing natural flowers and prairie grasses near her home which attracted all types of birds, butterflies and deer. This allowed her to enjoyed one of her favorite pastimes which was birdwatching.

Charlene’s life will always be cherished and celebrated by her family which include her children: Ronald (Pat) White of Marathon, Iowa; Sherrie Richardson of Sublimity, Oregon; Cynthia Fuson of Woodward, Iowa; and Michael (Diane) White of Marathon, Iowa; grandchildren: Marcy Arguello, Veronica Marchand, Melissa Quintervas, Kasey Morgan, and Justin Fuson; many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; one son, Timothy; and three sisters: Leah Fuhr, Winafred Sandvig, and Merial Smith.

Blessed be the memory of Charlene Veree White.