Family Login:

Charlene Gilmore

Charlene Gilmore

  • November 11, 1915 - August 10, 2012
  • Clarinda, Iowa
  • In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Clarinda Foundation.
Pause Hopeless Time by Bruce H. Zimmerman (ASCAP)
Share This Obituary
Message from the Family

Thank you for your support during this difficult time. Please enhance this tribute to Charlene by adding your memories and photos.

Resources

Send Flowers
Order flowers

Order flowers


Memories & Candles

“Bill....I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I was gone on vacation and just now learned of her death on my return home. Sorry for the late...Read More » ”
1 of 6 | Posted by: Kenny McClarnon - College Springs, IA

“My Aunt Charlene was a wonderful lady who will be missed dearly! She gave me her cinnamon roll recipe years and years ago and I have made those...Read More » ”
2 of 6 | Posted by: Kim Taylor - Tulare, CA

“I'm sitting here looking through all the pictures of Aunt Charlene as I know her funeral is in process. There are tears in my eyes but knowing that...Read More » ”
3 of 6 | Posted by: Judy Engleka - Visalia, CA

“Elaine and Family, We were sorry to read of your mother's passing. Wish we could have been with you this morning but unfortunately we were gone...Read More » ”
4 of 6 | Posted by: Norma and Ron Dougan - Trenton, MO

“Elaine - So sorry to hear of your mother's death. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Love U ”
5 of 6 | Posted by: Penny Reil

“Charlene was a wonderful women. A Grandmother to me and my sons. I loved staying all night at her house and spending the weekend. I loved playing...Read More » ”
6 of 6 | Posted by: Anita Hilsabeck - Kansas City , KS



View Life Images Slideshow →

Funeral services for Charlene (Houston) Gilmore, age 96, of Clarinda, Iowa, who entered into peace Friday, August 10, 2012 at the Clarinda Regional Medical Center in Clarinda, Iowa, will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 13, 2012 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Clarinda. Visitation with the family will be held Sunday, August 12, at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Clarinda from 5 to 7 PM. Burial will be in the Clarinda Cemetery, in Clarinda, Iowa. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Clarinda Foundation. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda, Iowa.

Charlene Alice (Houston) Gilmore was born November 11, 1915, at the family farm home, the daughter of Roy Edward Houston and Eda (Hoskins) Houston. She grew up attending Jackson School through the elementary years and graduated from the Clarinda High School with the Class of 1932. She later went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University where she obtained her Master's Degree in Elementary Education.

On February 16, 1938, she was united in marriage to Harlan Claire Gilmore at the home of her parents. They were blessed with four children; Doris Elaine, Ruth Ann, William Houston and Harlan Claire, Jr., who died at birth on November 15, 1942.

Charlene was a teacher for many years in rural schools, South Page and Clarinda Schools. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling, quilting, volunteer work and her family and friends. She was a long time member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Women of Song and various teachers' organizations.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Eda Houston; her loving husband Claire Gilmore on June 26, 1969; infant son Harlan Claire Jr.; a sister Doris Engleka, and an infant brother.

Left to cherish Charlene's memory are her children, Elaine Hilsabeck and husband Larry of St. Joseph, Missouri; Ruth Ann Shepherd and husband David of Savannah, Missouri; Bill Gilmore and wife Rita of Clarinda; seven grandchildren, Rod, Brad and Ryan Hilsabeck, Dennis, Steve and Diane Shepherd, and Van Gilmore; eleven great-grandchildren; and two step great grandchildren; and four step-great-great grandchildren; her only niece, Kay Rowen; and two nephews; Merle Engleka and Roy Engleka; along with many other relatives and friends.

Charlene was a wonderful mother, teacher and friend.
The memories shared by her family will live in their hearts forever.