Charlene Blackmon Cole, Farmington, New Mexico, died March 7, 2020 at the age of 83. Charlene was born Oct. 31, 1936, in Henryetta, the daughter of the late Charles L. and Helen K. (Bodzek) Blackmon.
Charlene was a 1954 graduate of Henryetta High School where she was a majorette in the State Champion band. She earned her RN degree from Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City in 1957, and worked several years as a public health visiting nurse, as well as working for several doctors in Oklahoma City.
On December 27, 1958 she married Rosser R. Cole at the First Presbyterian Church in Henryetta. Dr. and Mrs. Cole moved to Farmington in 1967. For many years Charlene was an active member of the Farmington Junior Woman’s Club and was named outstanding Junior Woman of the year in 1974. She organized many health screening and vaccination programs for the Farmington Public Schools.
She worked as an RN for Nutrisystem and helped her husband, Rosser, in his ophthalmology practice. She was also active in the Republican party as a poll watcher for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Libby Gragg.
Surviving is her husband of 61 years, Rosser "Bucky" Cole; three daughters: Karen E. Cole of Littleton, CO, Kathy E. (James) Falconi of New River, AZ, and Kristi E. (Steve) Chouinard of Scottsdale, AZ; brother, Charles L. (Judi) Blackmon of Carrollton, TX; two grandsons, Ryan A. Falconi and Noah D. Cole-Hassell; four granddaughters, Lauren E. (Travis) Rigby, Kaitlin A. (Dylan) Lane, Morgan A. Chouinard, and Brenna E. Cole-Hassell; two great granddaughters, Aubrey R. Lane and Skylar E. Lane; three nieces, Jennifer (Mark) Gribble, Jacque (David) Miles, and Lee (Nathan) Beaman.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at Integrity Chapel with Rev. Jack Vance officiating. Charlene will be laid to rest in Westlawn Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 312 N. Orchard Ave., Farmington, or a cancer charity of your choice.