Charlotte “Chari” or “Grams” Joan Stinson was a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife during her 87 years of life. She passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, June 16th, with family by her side.
She was born on March 31st, 1936, in Brown County, Illinois, the youngest of two daughters of Charles M. and Doris F. (Goertz) Bowen.
Charlotte attended several different schools as a child due to her family moving for work. On May 27th, 1954, she graduated from Yates City High School, and the very next day she married Robert “Bob” Anderson. While together, they had one daughter. Charlotte later married the love of her life, Elden “Al” Stinson, on July 29th, 1967. Both preceded her in death, along with her sister, Doris Louise Brooks-Platt.
She worked different jobs over the years including Ronk’s Floral Shop, Chari’s Cafe (that her and Al owned for 12 years), and USDA Rural Development. She enjoyed floral arranging, genealogy, mystery books/shows, and Yahtzee; but, first and foremost was her family.
Surviving is her daughter, Cheryl Combs, of Abingdon; two granddaughters, Stacie Combs and Cricket (Daniel) Wolford, both residing in Bettendorf, IA; one great-grandson, Levi Wolford; and her cat, Peanut.
In lieu of funeral services, and to honor Charlotte’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. The family will have a private, informal gathering at the Abingdon Cemetery to spread her ashes on Friday, June 23rd at 10:00 am. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory have been assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, 1855 Windish Drive #9770 in Galesburg, IL. Online expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
We will miss Charlotte dearly, but we are grateful for the time we were able to spend with her. We will always feel her presence in our hearts.
