Charlene Mary Swanson, 84, died peacefully at Bronson Battle Creek on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Charlene was born February 16, 1937, in Indianapolis, Indiana to William M. Skidmore and Amelia A. (Hess) Skidmore. Charlene grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1955 graduate of St. Philip Catholic High School. She received an Associate's Degree from Kellogg Community College.
Charlene Mary Skidmore was united in marriage to Merle Robert (Bud) Swanson on January 14, 1956, in Battle Creek, Mich. Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, on January 7, 2011. Surviving are their children Leah Swanson-Worthington (Mike Worthington), Tina Swanson (Ken Gehrman), Robert Swanson (Carol) and Rodney Swanson (Julie), ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two sisters, Dolores Pullin and Kathy Cronkhite (Bill); and brother, Michael Skidmore (Diana). In addition to her husband, Charlene was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Randy Joseph Swanson; sister, Joanna M. Kiplinger; and brother, William J. Skidmore.
Charlene was employed in the Administration Office and Pastoral Care Ministries Dept. at the former Leila Y. Post Montgomery Hospital, now Bronson Battle Creek. She retired from Burnham Brook Center as an Administrative Secretary.
Charlene was a generous, loving member of St. Jerome Roman Catholic Church. She loved music, reading, nature and spending time with friends and family.
Charlene's family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the Mass. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Christopher Ankley at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 229 Collier Ave., Battle Creek, MI. on Thursday 28 Oct. at 10:00 a.m. Committal and inurnment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI on Thursday 28 Oct. at 11:30 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in Charlene's name to your preferred charities. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed above at "Sign Memory Book".