Charlene Himler, 76, died March 3, 2008, at Careage of Whidbey. She was born Aug. 7, 1931 in Wellsville, Ohio, to Norman and Mary Robinson. She was raised in the area and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1949.

In 1950 Charlene married Arthur Himler, Jr., a marriage that lasted 39 years until Arthur’s death in 1989. From this marriage came Arthur and Charlene’s only child, Nancy, who was born in 1955.

Throughout her life Charlene held several interesting positions in varied companies. Early on she was a secretary for the Pennsylvania Rail Road and later became the manager of a Marriott Hotel. Most recently she worked for Charter Bank in Ohio.

Charlene enjoyed bowling; craftwork, collecting stuffed teddy bears and Precious Moments figurines. She enjoyed traveling, especially her trips to Laughlin, Nev. She was also a member of Eastern Star.

In 1994 Charlene, along with significant other, Robert Bertch, moved to Whidbey Island to be closer to her family. They enjoyed island living for many years before health issues and hospital stays dictated she move to Careage of Whidbey.

Charlene is survived by her longtime companion Robert Bertch at their Coupeville home, her daughter Nancy Jacobs-Oie, with husband Ron of Spokane, granddaughter Jennifer Heneghen of Wenatchee, grandsons Charles Jacobs with wife Lea of Grandview, Wash., and Steven Jacobs of Oak Harbor. She also leaves five great grandchildren: Brenden, Natalie Grace, Chase, Lance and Lynzie, one niece: Kay Lynn Criss, one nephew: Robert Eshbaugh and three grand nieces: Kimberly, Caroline and Sara. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arthur, brother Norman and sister Sarah.

A celebration of Charlene’s life was held at The Oak Harbor Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 8, at 11 a.m. The family has suggested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Shrine Children’s Burn Center in Charlene’s name. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.