Charlene Sweeten

Charlene Harriette Sweeten was born on August 15, 1927 to Ella and Ward Phillips in Lucas, Iowa. She had an older sister, Wardella Rose (husband, Marvin). She later had a sister, Wanda Marie, who passed from a terrible rare disease. Charlene had three younger brothers, Ron (wife, Adina) , Maynard (wife, Christine), and John (wife, Shirley). The family later moved to Des Moines where she met Loren Sweeten and it was love at first sight. Loren told her on their first date that they would be married. Six months later, they eloped. Charlene and Loren had a son, Loren Phillip Sweeten, Jr. “Larry” and, nine years later, a daughter, Lana Kay (husband, Mike). Charlene loved the outdoors, flower gardening and being in the sunshine. She and Loren went on many trips and had lots of fun. They went to Hawkeye football games and horse races in Omaha, and they danced at the Val Air Ballroom. Charlene and Lana spent time at the Camp Dodge pool where she enjoyed lying in the sun. While at the nursing home, she was known as "The Bingo Queen." She enjoyed having fun and enjoyed listening to country and gospel music. She also loved her Hershey bars. Charlene was a very Christian woman and Christmas was her favorite holiday because it was Jesus' birthday. She had such a deep faith in the Lord and lived a Christian life. Charlene had four grandkids: Jason (wife, Heather), Josh, Lasey (husband, Jeremy), and Josee. She also had two great-grandkids, Makenna Rose and Ava Lauren, and one on the way. Charlene loved them all so very much and she was very close to Mike (Lana's husband) and loved him like a son. We end by saying she was a kind, caring, loving, Christian woman, the best mama, grandma, and wife. She loved pretty things, pretty jewelry, purses, and was a very beautiful soul. She will be deeply missed by all of us.