Charlene Thomson

December 14, 1949 – June 23, 2026

Charlene (Blamires) Thomson, 76, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on December 14, 1949, in Lehi, Utah, to Vernon and Betty Blamires. Charlene grew up in Lehi, where she excelled academically, graduating in the top five of her class from Lehi High School. She went on to attend Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Education. She graduated summa cum laude in 1972. Following graduation, Charlene moved to Southern California and began her career with The Walton Company. Through decades of dedication, integrity, and exceptional leadership, she rose to the position of Chief Financial Officer before retiring in 2019 after nearly 50 years with the company.

In 1972, Charlene met the love of her life, Jim Thomson. They were married on March 9, 1974, and shared a loving and devoted marriage until Jim's passing in 2013. In 1976, they purchased their home in Glendora, California, where together they transformed the backyard into a beautiful "secret garden" that reflected their love of beauty, peace, and home. Charlene remained in the home they built together until 2025, when she moved to Iowa to be closer to her nephew and his family.

A lifelong lover of books, Charlene was rarely without a novel in hand. While romance was her favorite genre, she enjoyed many kinds of literature throughout her life. She was also a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served for many years as an organist. Her quiet faith and unwavering testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ, were evident in the way she lived—with kindness, humility, and steady devotion.

Charlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Thomson; her sisters, Larraine Blamires and Ann Moon; and her parents, Vernon and Betty Blamires. She is lovingly remembered by her niece and nephews, Chad (Emily) Moon, Sean Moon, and Aarika (William) Moon, as well as her cherished great-nieces and great-nephews: Lea, Jarek, Melanie, Annie, Ammon, Teancum, David, Bryan, Rebekah, and Ellie. Charlene's gentle spirit, quiet strength, and steadfast love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Though her family mourns her passing, they find comfort and joy in knowing she has been reunited with her beloved Jim.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oakdale Memorial Park, 1401 South Grand Avenue, Glendora, California.