Charlene Alice (Overton) Bodart, departed this world peacefully surrounded by her family on August 2, 2025, at Oskaloosa Serenity house.
Born on December 2, 1934, in Hillsboro, Iowa. Charlene’s life journey was marked by dedication and love. She was a woman of resilience and determination, who began her education in a one-room schoolhouse, and later emerged as a devoted Registered Nurse. Her marriage to Dale Bodart was a shining testament of love, spanning a remarkable 69 years. Charlene and Dale met and married in Colorado Springs, eventually settling in Oskaloosa, Iowa in 1969, where she worked at the Mahaska hospital and then Mahaska Manor. Charlene’s dedication to her family was unwavering. She was a proud band mom, nurse, a diligent brownie, and Girl Scout leader, and an irreplaceable presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Charlene’s love was not confined to her family alone. She extended her warmth to everyone she met, crocheting blankets, hats, and booties for preemie babies and donating them to local hospitals in Apache Junction, Arizona, where she and Dale lived part-time after retirement. She was a ‘Red Hat lady,’ adding a splash of color and joy wherever she went.
Charlene is survived by her loving husband, Dale Bodart, and her daughters, Susan Burnham (Kevin), Sheri Brown (Brian), and her son Mike Bodart (Cyndi). Her spirit lives on through her grandchildren: Chris Collins, Tyler Brown, Megan McLaren, Cody Brown, and, Chance Bodart; and great-grandchildren, Christian Collins, Lillian McLaren and Rylan Sue Ladely. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eunice and Charles Overton; her brother, Gary Overton and his wife, Mary Lou; and her sister, Ardis Fett, with her husband, Clifford; a niece, Sara Statter; and a special aunt, Hellen Overton, and her husband, Lee. In the words of Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Charlene has become a part of each one of us, and her legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire us.
We invite you to share your cherished memories and photos of Charlene on the memorial page, to celebrate the remarkable life of this extraordinary woman. There will be no services for Charlene per her request. Her body will be cremated and placed with her parents in Donnellson, Iowa.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Oskaloosa Serenity House in Charlene‘s name!
