Charlene Lamb's Obituary
Charlene Lee (VanNoy) Lamb, age 74 of Centerville, Iowa passed away Saturday, February 21, 2015 at home.
She was born to Homer and Pauline (Lee) VanNoy in Albia, Iowa on July 20, 1940. Charlene graduated from Centerville High School in 1959.
Following high school graduation, she attended the Iowa School of Beauty in Ottumwa, Iowa. Charlene moved to Des Moines upon completion of beauty school. She spent many years working as a beauty operator in the Des Moines area.
While residing in Des Moines, Charlene met and eventually married Charles ""Chuck"" Lamb on December 19, 1965. Chuck and Charlene were living in Boone, Iowa when their only son, Mike, was born. Charlene survived a battle with breast cancer when Mike was an infant. She later moved back to Centerville and was employed with Job Service of Iowa for several years.
Later in life, Charlene was employed with the Don Elen Motel. Through her many years of work at the motel, Charlene developed a special relationship with Gene and Lillian Aldrich. In fact, Charlene developed a deep-rooted bond with many of her neighborhood friends near her East Franklin Street home in Centerville. She would often help with errands or house sit for neighbors while they were out of town. Over the years, Charlene felt a sense of purpose by providing care and assistance to her parents, as well as several friends and neighbors during times of need.
She cherished every moment she spent with family and friends, especially her granddaughter Megan. She was a doting grandmother to Megan; always quick to pull pictures out of her purse, or talk of their most recent after-school adventure or craft project. Charlene enjoyed genealogy, knitting, sewing, gardening (being outdoors in general), and being with her little dog Teddy.
She is survived by her son, Mike (Ronda) Lamb of Centerville, Iowa; granddaughter, Megan Lamb of Centerville, Iowa. Charlene is also survived by numerous cousins and dear friends.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; and her former husband, Chuck Lamb.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Reverend Lloyd Johnston officiating. Interment will follow in the Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville. A visitation will be held on Tuesday at Lange Funeral Home from 10 AM-8 PM, with the family greeting friends from 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to either the Appanoose County Historical Society or to the Drake Public Library and may be sent to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
February 24, 2015 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Funeral Service
February 25, 2015 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
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