Charlene Pilcher was born on January 10, 1936 to Marjorie and George Pleyer in Broadus Montana. During her early childhood she lived on a ranch near Bitter Creek, close to the Montana/Wyoming border. The Pleyer Family moved to Sheridan in 1944 where Charlene graduated from High School in 1953. Following graduation Charlene moved to Casper and was employed as a secretary at Standard Oil. There she met and married Wayne Lesher and to this couple were born a daughter Dianna in 1955, and a son Lloyd in 1958. Charlene and Wayne were divorced and she moved to California to work, where she met and married Franklin Hardee. Their son, Jeff Hardee was born in 1963 and they lived in Tennessee for several years until moving back to Sheridan Wyoming. They were divorced in 1970 at which time Charlene moved with her children to Jordan Montana. She worked as a ranch cook until she purchased the Garfield Hotel in 1976. Charlene met Bud Pilcher in Jordan and they were married on May 18, 1980 at the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale. They operated the Garfield Hotel together until 1988, at which time the motel was sold, and they moved to Laurel, Montana. After Bud was disabled by a stroke, Charlene cared for him at home for many years until he moved into the Billings Rehabilitation Nursing Home where he lived until his passing in 2005. Charlene continued to live in her home in Laurel until 2012 when she moved to the South Forty Apartments in Billings, where she lived until her passing on December 8.
Charlene was a volunteer in the Women’s Prison Ministry, the Laurel Methodist Church, and Faith Evangelical Church. She worked at the Sunshine Academy Daycare
where all of the children called her “Nana”. For many years they would run to hug her when she was out and about in Billings or Laurel. Charlene was a proficient gardener, taking great pride in her yard, and growing roses five feet tall and as big around as saucers. Charlene was a great cook; catering meals from family gatherings, wagon trains, church dinners, and the Laurel Rotary Club. Bud was the primary recipient of many handmade western shirts that Charlene made. She crocheted many afghans throughout her life, mostly for babies. Charlene loved to be needed and appreciated and was loved by many. Throughout her many struggles in life, both in personal hardship and poor health, Charlene persevered. She always strived to do her best at everything and never gave up on anyone.
Charlene is survived by her children and their spouses; Dianna and Dan Murnion of Forsyth Montana, Lloyd and Joni Lesher of Casper Wyoming, Jeff and Fran Hardee of Frenchtown Montana, stepson Jay and Susan Pilcher, her sisters Sally McGary and Zudie Martin of Sheridan Wyoming, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family expresses gratitude to Charlene’s extended family and friends who have supported her in her walk through life.
No funeral services are planned, per her request. A celebration of her life with family and friends will be held at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Jana (Isaacs) Hance says
Thoughts and prayers out to Charlene’s family. I knew Bud & Charlene as a kid. Great folks as I recall.
Diane, Dan and family says
Diane, Dan and family
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can help you with. please don’t hesitate to ask. My heart aches for you all.
Ron & Becky Stanton says
Diane, Dan and family Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can help you with. please don’t hesitate to ask. My heart aches for you all. – Sorry for the above mistake.
Bev & Wade says
Diane and Dan and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Charlene. I feel blessed to have had her in my life while she lived in Jordan and went to church with us. God bless you and help you through this time of sorrow.
Bev
Candy Murnion says
My best friend of over 30 years met God yesterday and I will miss her forever!
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Diane, Dan and family,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Charlene. May you find comfort in the memories you share of her. It is so difficult to lose your loved ones. Hugs and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.
Diane and Gerry Hewett
Laurel Noland says
Thank you so much for the phone call yesterday Diane. Your Mom was like family to mine and we loved her dearly. She has her wings now and no more pain and suffering. You will remain in our prayers through this difficult time of loss and grief.
Laurel Noland and family
Irene Keyes says
Diane & Dan. so sorry for your loss. Revelation 21:4 says”He will wipe out every tears from our eyes, death no more nor sorry or pain anymore.” I look forward to that time. My prayers and love are with you.
Pat & Bob Corbin says
Diane, Dan and family,
So sorry to hear about Charlene. It is so hard to let our loved ones go but comforting to know that she is no longer sick and in pain. May to Lord hold you close during this time. Hugs to all.
J.D. and Mary Alice Murnion says
We are sorry you have lost your Mom, but happy for her because she has it all behind her and is suffering no more, and is basking in God’s everlasting light. May she rest in peace.
Terry and Deanna Murnion says
Diane , Dan and Family, Your are in our Thoughts and Prayers.
Bob and Jane Engdahl says
So sorry of your mothers passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you folks.
Michelle Berry & Big Sky ~ Tupperware says
Hello Diane, Dan & the entire family. We are all so sad to hear about Charlene. She was an amazing person! Always had a BIG hug for everyone. She will be missed by all. Our prayers are with you all.
Pam and Paul Kercher says
Dear Diane, Dan and family. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your mom was one of the strongest and most caring woman that I had ever met. She was a true friend to me and my family and a person that I was proud to call my beloved friend. I will miss her and her loving advice and friendship. You are all in my prayers.
Frank & Rose says
Diane, Dan and family–you are in our thoughts and prayers. Charlene will be missed by many. May God comfort you in your time of loss.
Dodie & Neal Paxson and family says
Dan Diane and family, We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was an amazing person with a big heart who loved kids. My boys loved to go to her house with Ben! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Hugs!
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Charlene Pilcher – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Pilcher. God did not purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12) and has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). The Bible promises a resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). The Paradise that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be fulfilled and will include God’s “will being done as in Heaven also upon Earth” (Matthew 6:9, 10). Please be comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Elayne Hinther says
Dan, Diane & Family, I was very sorry to hear that Charlene had passed away but knew that she had been in poor health for several years. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Dan,Diane and Family, Sorry to hear about your Mom, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lori Wheatcroft says
Dan, Diane and Family: Sorry to hear the news about your Mom. My deepest sympathy goes to you and all your family. Take care.
Laurie Stovall Noonkester says
Both Bud and Charlene hold such dear places in the heart of my family and I. We are so blessed to have shared a lot of laughter, a few tears and of course great meals with such wonderful people. Charlene never left us without a word of encouragement or giving God due praise. We will cherish her gift of friendship forever!
Peggie from Outpatient Rehab says
Am so blessed to have meet Charlene! She was always upbeat and encouraged all to smile and meet each day with courage. Will miss her but have so many happy memories to remember. She was a true friend!
Judy Coldwell says
To Diane, Dan, & all who loved Charlene,
I am praying that you will be comforted by the memory of her loving hugs & electric smile.
No one could leave her presence without feeling uplifted.
Karen Mseman says
To Charlene’s family, May you be comforted in knowing she is with the Lord.
My Grandchildren attended Sunshine and they loved her dearly as did all
those that knew her. I thank God for knowing her and seeing her wonderful
smile on the days I would pick up Nate and Danny.
Much love and God Bless as you celebrate a life well lived.
Cathy Byron says
Diane and family –
It is difficult to say goodbye to a parent, and even tougher during the holiday season. Focus on the memories and her legacy – that’s where the healing lies. Holding you in thoughts and prayers …
Doug and Ann Berg says
Sorry to hear of Charlene’s passing. Our parents, Earl and Darlene, lived next door in Laurel. She was such a wonderful neighbor and friend.
Our thoughts are with you.