Charlene Rae Arruda passed away on June 16, 2023. Her prayers were answered when it was not her cancer that took her from this earth.

Charlene was born in Kingfisher on December 20, 1938 to James (J.C.) and Thelma Jacobs. Her family moved to California when she was three years old. The cute little blonde girl was popular with the soldiers on that train ride. So much so that she could remember the happy experience all her life.

Charlene met Alfred (Al) Arruda while she was still in high school and he was in the Marine Corp. Shortly after meeting they were married in 1956. They had two daughters, Jacquee (Hagans) and Sheila (Arruda-Russell). They moved to Eureka from the Sacramento area in 1970. It was here that the entire family found the miracle of God’s love and forgiveness. Many people’s lives were touched through Al & Charlene’s gift of hospitality. Charlene and Al were able to celebrate 50 years of marriage together and take their dream vacation to Alaska before Al passed away in 2007. Charlene missed being with her dance partner and traveling buddy.

Not only was Charlene a very caring mother and grandmother; but she was also very gifted. She was an excellent seamstress even sewing Jacquee’s wedding dress and able to display her creativity in the many quilts she made and enjoyed many types of crafts and painting. Besides teaching her girls how to be successful, confident women, she taught others as well. Charlene taught a 4-H cooking class, sewing to her children and local great grandchildren, craft projects with her grandchildren, and was a big support when two of her great grandchildren were being home schooled.

Charlene worked most of her life wearing many different hats throughout her career in addition to keeping the books for Al’s business adventures. Charlene was also an active member and volunteer at Bethel Church and Faith Center. She was willing to serve in any capacity needed from being a co-leader, to having a supportive role, and teaching preschoolers. Charlene was a great example of one who walked in forgiveness and with courage. Her loving support will truly be missed.

Charlene is survived by her brothers, Jerry & Bob Jacobs, and sister, Sheila Hoak; her daughters and their husbands, Jacquee & Duane Hagans and Sheila & Kevin Russell; three grandchildren and their spouses, April Hagans & Stephen Jones, Sean & Virginia Hagans, and Matthew & Ashley Russell; nine great-grandchildren: Samahri & Calvin Brice; Nico Hagans; Nolan, Kambria, Hudson & Malia Russell; and Shara and Nathan Jones; and her nephews and nieces whom she loved as well.

On Sunday July 23, 2023 at 3 p.m., a memorial service celebrating Charlene’s life will be held at Life House Church, 2734 Hubbard Lane in Eureka.

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