Charlene Ruth Childers went to be with her Heavenly Father, on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the age of 86, in Ahwatukee, AZ. Charlene was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt.
In 1932, Charlene was born in Waldron, Arkansas to Frank and Etna Eacret, the first of five children. The family made several moves, finally living near Wapanucka, Oklahoma where she graduated from high school. During high school she was a star softball and basketball player, to the point of being recruited by neighboring school districts.
In the spring of her senior year, a Church of God evangelist came for a revival and this farmer's daughter caught his eye. Bound and determined not to rest, he convinced her and her parents he had to have her hand in marriage. In 1950, one day after graduation, she married Orville K. Childers of Shawnee, Oklahoma. God blessed this union with four children, Regina Cheryl, Chiquita Rene', Orlan Keith, and Russell Courtney. Their ministry continued for 23 years, until the death of her husband in 1973.
Becoming a single parent with four dependent children required a major move where family support was available. Silver City, New Mexico became their home. Western New Mexico University allowed her to not only renew her education degree but also obtain her Master's Degree. Upon graduation, Charlene taught elementary school at St. Mary's Academy and the Cobre School District.
In 2001, health problems required her to relocate to Arizona where she resided with her daughter and son until her death.
Her greatest love was for God and her Family. Charlene is survived by her two daughters, Regina Benjamin and her husband Tommy of Las Cruces, NM; Chiquita and Keith Childers of Ahwatukee, AZ.; brother, James Wilfred Eacret and his wife Dee (Raeanna and Steve Yriarte/Mechelle and Shawn Wagley); two sisters, Janet Russell and husband Bobby (Donald Russell/Debbi and Gary Meyer); Carolyn Paez and her husband Rudy (Eric); niece, Sherril Kendrick (James and John Kendrick); granddaughter, Ruby Smith and her husband Kevin; grandson, Tommy (TJ) Benjamin and his wife (Sara). Six great-grandchildren, Naysa Smith, James Benjamin, Gianna Smith, Nevaeh Benjamin, Esther Benjamin, Charity Benjamin, Velouria Alvillar and her husband Michael (Micah) and step-brother, Casey Kendall and wife Judy.
Along with her mother and father, Charlene was preceded in death by her son, Russell, while a student at New Mexico State University, and a sister Nadine Boyle.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cross Point Church, 11600 Highway 180E, May 4, 2018 at 10:30am. Interment will be at Memory Lane Cemetery, Silver City, NM. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .