GREENWOOD
Charlene B. Strawser, 81, of Greenwood, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2015.
Charlene was born on March 31, 1934, in Fort Wayne to the late Charles and Bernadine (Denzel) Dirig.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and was a 1952 graduate of Central Catholic High School.
Charlene worked for Lincoln Life Insurance Co. in Fort Wayne and as a baker in the cafeteria at Greenwood Middle School. Her favorite job, however, was as a mother and homemaker.
Charlene is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Thomas B. Strawser; daughter, Karen Dietz, her husband, Hal, and their children, Derek (Natalie) and David, and grandson Derek Jr.; son, Kevin Strawser, his wife, Thesa, and their children, Matthew and Michael (Amber), and their grandchildren Jarrett, Madelynn and Maevee; daughter, Janet Kafoure and her husband, Frank, and their child, Connor; and daughter, Sharon Birch, and her husband, Mike, and their children, Nicole, Nicholas and Natalie. Her sisters, Clarita Kocks Miller, and her husband, Richard, and Agnes Hollar and her husband, Richard; and brother-in-law, Jack Schall, also survive her.
Charlene was preceded in death by her sisters, Rose Schall, Jean Bennett and Joan Weaver; brothers-in-law, Charles Kocks and Robert Weaver; and grandson, Jack Kafoure.
For the past 25 years, Charlene has divided her time between Greenwood and Lake Village in Nokomis, Florida. While in Nokomis, surrounded by wonderful friends and family, she loved spending time at the beach, reading and chatting with her friends. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews playing cards, games of Uno and having deep, meaningful discussions will be greatly missed by all.
We would like to thank our family and friends for the love and support they have given us over these past four months while caring for Charlene, especially the staff of University Heights and Community Hospital South.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. June 12 at St. Gaspers Church, 10871 State Road 9, Rome City.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Convent of Mishawaka (1515 W. Dragoon Trail, P.O. Box 766, Mishawaka, IN 46546-0766) and Our Lady of Mount Carmel (425 S. Tamiami Trail, P.O. Box 1097, Osprey, FL 34229).
Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory.
Information: wilsonstpierre.com
