Charlene Westenfelder

It was clear to see by the way she lived her life that there was nothing of greater importance to Charlene Westenfelder than spending time with those she loved most. She would have given the world to her daughter if she could, and although she loved being a mother she just may have argued that being a grandmother was her greatest reward. Char was an honest and hardworking woman who believed in treating others the way they deserved to be treated. She was the sort of person who could always be counted on to tell it like she saw it, rarely sugar coating anything, yet her heart was as big as they come. Taken from her loved ones much too soon, Char will be dearly missed while the memories she leaves behind live on in those who follow her. The 1950s were a time unlike any other in American history as changes were plentiful in nearly every aspect of our daily lives. This was the generation that witnessed Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus and Alaska and Hawaii become our 49th and 50th states. Rock n roll music forever transformed the cultural fabric of our nation while Barbie dolls, G.I. Joe, and slot cars entertained our nations youth. It was within this colorful time that a young couple from West Branch, Michigan, was delighted to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on November 26, 1954. Charlene Ann was the second of four children born to her parents, Louis Paul and Ruth Elaine (Johnson) Miller, and she was raised in the family home on Drent Road in Muskegon alongside her older brother, Terry, and her younger siblings, Roberta and Louis. Her father worked as a layout inspector for CWC while her mother was a CPA at Alexander Grant. For the most part Charlene experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of her generation. As a young girl she was quite the roller skater who was very proud of her special talent. Char also liked riding motorcycles, snowmobiling, and frequently hanging around with her best friends, Pam Derks and Diane Fuggitt. Family played an important role in her life right from the start as she looked forward to big dinners and presents around the tree with her family every Christmas. Some of Charlenes best childhood memories were made at the family cottage during the summer. As a student she attended St. Marys during her elementary and junior high years, and she went on to graduate from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1972. Life was forever changed for Char when she became a mother to her precious daughter, Ammi, in 1977. From the moment she became a mother she fully embraced the enormity of the task and made her daughter her top priority. Charlene raised her daughter in Muskegon, and the two were very close. Although she worked outside the home she gave her daughter vast amounts of quality time and made sure they had an open relationship. Char instilled within her daughter the need to be honest with others and to not take them for granted by verbally sharing what they mean to you on a regular basis. She was always there for her daughter in whatever way she was needed whether it was rocking her in the chair, bringing her coffee in the morning at work, or a simple phone call or text later in life. Even the way Char yelled Ammis whole name when she was mad at her was special, too. She gave her daughter both the roots and wings she needed to be her own person, even when that meant allowing her to make some mistakes while still loving her unconditionally at the same time. Charlene worked for the State of Michigan for 34 years beginning at the Muskegon Regional Center. When they closed, Charlene went to work at the Department of Human Services. She loved her job, so much so that when she first found out she was sick she just wanted to know when she would be well enough to return to work. Through the years Chars life was enriched in so many ways. Paul was both her best friend and her true love. She enjoyed being with him no matter what they were doing, just as long as they were together. Charlene loved spending time outside gardening, doing yard work, and summers filled with plenty of time by the pool. Of course there was nothing like spending holidays with family and way too much food. Char did a bit of traveling including the trip she took to Busch Gardens with Ammi. While there they were minding their own business taking in the sights when birds came out of nowhere and bombarded them. Of course it was Char who got pooped on three times! Life came full circle for her when she became a grandmother. Chars three grandchildren were the light of her life, and she lived to spend every moment with them that she could. Char regularly took them shopping, out for slushies at Wesco, swimming with them in the pool, watching movies together, and walking to the corner diner for breakfast. Even just hanging out at home with her grandchildren was just fine with her, too, as they all loved playing games like Uno and Skipbo in addition to watching Lifetime Movie Network together. Char was an avid NASCAR fan who liked reading a good book, crocheting, and sewing. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her Shiloh and Little Bit. When reflecting on the life of Charlene Westenfelder we are reminded that each day is a gift to share with our loved ones. She fully lived each day, taking nothing for granted. Char was honest and loyal, someone who could be counted on in ways both great and small. Life will never be the same without her here, but Chars friends and family will be forever changed because of her touch. Charlene A. Westenfelder died on Sunday, September 16, 2012. Chars family includes her daughter, Ammi (Michael) Lara of Muskegon; grandchildren, Nakayla Lara, Carleana Lara, Michael Lara II, all of Muskegon; brother, Louis Paul Miller Jr. of Muskegon; and life partner, Paul Bush of Muskegon. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be held on Friday, September 21, 2012, 1:00 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at New Heart Community Church with Pastor Ronald Amos officiating. Interment at Egelston Township Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.