In loving memory of

Charlene Boll
March 15, 1936 - June 18, 2017

Charlene Mae Boll, age 81 of Ames, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017. She was born to Ralph Ulrich and Bertha Peterson Ulrich on March 15, 1936. The family will receive friends Monday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a 12:00 p.m. Celebration of Life service at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way Ames. Interment will follow at Gethman Cemetery in Gladbrook, IA.

Charlene graduated from Garner High School, Simpson College, and University of Northern Iowa. She was an elementary school teacher in Gladbrook and retired in 1998.

In 1958, Charlene married L. Keith Boll. In addition to raising two children and teaching, she enjoyed singing barbershop with the Heart of Iowa Chorus in Marshalltown and had a special sisterhood with these lovely ladies.

After retirement, Charlene moved to Ames. She was happiest spending time with family and friends, and her many church activities with Unity of Ames. She volunteered at Nevada and Gilbert schools for several years, and also at the City Hall in Ames.

Charlene is survived by her children, James (Mynita) Boll of Maricopa, AZ, and Barbara (Mark) Schultz of Pleasant Hill, IA; her grandchildren Keith, Serraya, and Ashlee Boll, and Lindsey and Brenna Schultz; her brother Robert Ulrich; and sister Phyllis Phillips.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to her church, Unity of Ames, 226 9th St, Ames, IA 50010.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Tributes

Marie Edwards wrote on Jun 27, 2017:

"I met Charlene at the Ames band concerts. She was always one of the first ones there and was always sitting and reading a book. We shared a love of books and a love of singing since we were both Sweet Adelines. I will miss seeing her smiling face on Thursday nights. Marie Edwards"

Nancy Earney wrote on Jun 26, 2017:

"Dear Jim & Barbara,. Your Mom was one of the sweetest, energetic, caring people I've ever known. I became aquainted with her in the 80s when we both attended a weekly meeting re: spirituality and enlightened living. She always had a valuable anecdote or suggestion to add to the evenings discussion. Even tho I only saw her 2-3 times a year since she moved to Ames, it was always such a joy to see her and hear about what she was up to. ?. She was an inspirational person in my life and will be long remembered. Bless you both and may your precious memories bring you peace, comfort, and joy.. Nancy Earney."

Marlys Garber wrote on Jun 25, 2017:

"Barbara and family gym and family such a shock I have such fond memories of carpooling to Sweet Adelines with your mom for 20 years Barbara and family gym and family such a shock I have such fun memories of carpooling too sweet outlines with your Mon for 20 years love and sympathy Marley's Garber I lived on highway 96"

Effie-Alean Gross wrote on Jun 22, 2017:

"Charlene and I first met when her son, Jim, and my daughter, Mynita, were engaged (1988). She was so accepting of our entire family. We had a great time getting ready for the wedding. Charlene was of a gentle spirit and her son Jim is a lot like her in that respect. Since I moved to Arizona soon after our children were married, we didn't get to do many things together. If we had lived closer, we would have done a lot together. She had that ready smile and loved to be active in the community, especially with singing in Sweet Adelines. We were both teachers and so we had that in common, too. I know that she was a good mother, because she raised Jim to be a wonderful son, husband, and father. Charlene always kept in touch with me. I'm so saddened for her children and grandchildren that they will miss her so much. I pray for comfort and that the love and peace of God will sustain those who are grieving. Many blessings to her dear family. Charlene left a legacy in her two children, Jim and Barb. Charlene will be missed. ~~Effie Gross"

Mona Cook wrote on Jun 22, 2017:

"Mrs. Boll was my second grade teacher, a year of many accomplishments for a young child. My foremost memory is her voice; it was kind and gentle yet was able to convey seriousness to a rowdy child when needed. I loved story time and how she used her tone change with the characters. It inspired me to love reading books and still do. Blessings of peace."

Rev. Deb Hill-Davis wrote on Jun 21, 2017:

"Charlene was one of the true stewards of Unity Church of Ames. Wherever you looked, there she was quietly taking care of things, locking the doors, getting the mail, sending out birthday cards, singing in the choir, being a chaplain on Sunday and a platform assistant. And most of all, welcoming everyone, smiling, teasing and joking with all of us. She has a big place in our hearts and she leaves really big shoes to fill at Unity Church of Ames. Charlene didn't just talk about Unity principles, she LIVED them each and every day! We will miss you so very much, Charlene.... "we hold you in our hearts forever".....Love you, Charlend"

Teresa (Ulch) Chasse wrote on Jun 21, 2017:

"So sorry to hear this. She was a lovely lady and one of my favorite teachers "

Dee Dunham wrote on Jun 21, 2017:

"Charlene was a fellow teacher at Gladbrook School and one of the first to welcome me to my new teaching position in 1975. She had a remarkable love for her students and a work ethic that was second to none. Her love for family was evident and I am a better person for having known her. Rest in peace, friend. You will be missed."

Debra (DeWitt) Johnson wrote on Jun 21, 2017:

"Mrs Boll was my first grade teacher and the main reason I became a teacher and taught the last 34 years. She was an inspiration to many. God bless her and your family. "

Heather Fleming Wagner wrote on Jun 21, 2017:

"Mrs Boll was my neighbor for many years growing up and my first grade teacher. Prayers to her family."

Cindi Readout wrote on Jun 21, 2017:

"Heart of Iowa Chorus have suffer a great heartfelt loss, Charlene spent just short of 40 years as a very active Chorus member. Her love, laughter and kindness will be so very much missed. She was truly an inspiration to us all, a great friend and mentor not just to me but the entire Chorus. We loved her so much."

Lindale Hedberg wrote on Jun 20, 2017:

"Our hearts are breaking at the sudden loss of Charlene. She and I went to the Ames Municipal Band concerts on Thursday nights for about 15 years I would guess. I loved her so much. So kind, loving and funny. We had so many wonderful talks. Got great advice. Charlene was my friend and mentor. I am blessed to have known her. "

Sherry Bradley wrote on Jun 20, 2017:

"We at Unity are feeling such a terrible loss with Charlene's passing. Her easy smile, great sense of humor, and love for all she met will stay always in our hearts. I will miss her so much but feel blessed to have known her "