Charline Van Meter's Obituary
Charline “Charlene” Sue Van Meter passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 13, 2019. As a testament to the love she brought to the world, she was surrounded by family members in the days prior to her passing. Her two daughters, Shonda and Michele, were at her bedside as she passed.She was born Charlene Sue Fowler on March 12, 1935, in Bartlesville Oklahoma. She is pre-deceased by her parents O. S. Fowler and Wilma Fowler, who were long-time residents of Bartlesville. She married her high school sweetheart Bill Van Meter in 1953. They were married for 58 years before Bill passed away in 2011.Charlene loved her family dearly. She leaves behind her brother Jack Fowler of Cody, Wyoming, and three children: Greg Van Meter (Debra) of Houston, Shonda Van Meter of Tulsa, and Michele Van Meter Millard (Scott) of Denver. Charlene was loved by seven grandchildren: Scott, Chase, Taylor, Zach, Shane, Ryan and Kelly, and four great grandchildren: Grayson, Parker, Foster and Preston.Charlene was well-known for her talent in setting up and establishing households, something she magically performed dozens of times while married to Bill. Charlene, Bill and their growing family lived in many locations throughout the U.S. and overseas, making their homes in Connecticut, Corpus Christi, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Indonesia, and Tulsa, as well as several points in between.When thinking of Charlene, one has to smile due to her fun-loving spirit. Trips with her daughters became laugh-filled, family folklore. She loved people, and loved to dance. Her decorating skills were beyond compare. Tasteful, elegant and warm are words that describe the feelings one experienced when entering her home. And she did it effortlessly.Along with Bill, Charlene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Tulsa. She was also a member of Tulsa Mrs. Club, and played sharp-witted bridge with her club for many years.A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date this year. In lieu of flowers, the Van Meter family asks that friends and family donate to the charity of their choice.
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