June Charlene Watern

Age 89 of Kettering, Ohio, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10 Wilmington Place. Charlene was born October 8, 1936 in West Liberty, Kentucky. Her parents John Wade and Bessie Lou Davis, her son, Newell Hamilton, and her 7 siblings, Jewell Davis, Helen Clevenger, Jean Patrick, Rella Whitt, Drexel Davis, Betty Adams and Louis Mae Morland all proceeded her in death.

Charlene spent a good part of her childhood growing up on the family farm. “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.” Charlene often referred to herself as a Kentucky farm girl and she used those homesteading skills throughout her entire life.

Charlene relocated to Fairborn, Ohio as a teenager. She grew up learning the value of hard work and worked hard throughout her life at various different jobs including her most important ones, a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a homemaker.

Charlene married the love of her life, Don Watern, November 27, 1981 and they spent 44 wonderful years together. Charlene was also a stepmother to Don’s 6 children, Steve Watern (Celeste), Don Watern (Karen), Julie Dotson, Diane Watern, Kathy Rose (Lavannes) and Mike Watern. She loved them dearly and they all loved her. Charlene held a very special place in her heart for each of the children as they also held for her. Charlene and Don shared 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They were all her favorite and she was definitely theirs. Charlene is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children and she was very close to all of them.

Charlene loved the Lord, Jesus Christ and that love was exemplified in the love, kindness, and meekness she showed to all. She was especially known for her gift of hospitality where she really shined and created memorable gatherings in the hearts of all those she loved. Charlene was loved by all who were fortunate to know her and she will be missed immensely.

Services for Charlene will be held at Tobias Funeral Home -Belmont Chapel at 648 Watervliet Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. A visitation service will be held on December 2, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be on December 3, 2025 at 11:00 am. Condolences may be made to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.