Charlene Crabtree

Charlene Crabtree, 74, of Salem passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, MO. She was born on May 20, 1951, in Centralia, the daughter of Dorothy (Harding) Crabtree and Robert W. "Bob" Crabtree.

Survivors that will remember Charlene's sweet smile and positivity include her daughter, Tammy Crabtree of Centralia; grandson, Brayden Robert Calvin of Centralia; siblings, Robert Crabtree, Richard Crabtree, Charlie Crabtree, Connie Friend, Jeanette (Chuck) Schultze, and Robin (Vance) Thompson; special nephews, Jason Crabtree, and Dustin Crabtree; and many more nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Charlene was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy (Harding) Crabtree; father, Bob and Doris Crabtree; siblings, Cliff Crabtree, Ronnie Crabtree and Sherry Crabtree (Johnson); and niece, Breanne Crabtree.

Charlene truly filled every room she walked into with friendliness, compassion, kindness, and grace. She was determined and hardworking. She will be remembered for the amazing meals she prepared while a cook at The Green Grill in Centralia, under the original owners. Charlene was an encouragement to everyone while working at Kaskaskia Workshop for twelve years, and she also cleaned homes and made her clients' days while working for DORS. She was genuinely loved by everyone who knew her. Charlene was a great conversationalist as she could talk easily with everyone. Those that loved her knew she never met a stranger, and she had the wonderful talent of making all feel welcome. Charlene's daughter, Tammy was grateful to have had a Mom who modeled these qualities of how to love others unconditionally. Tammy is proud to continue these loving pieces of her Mom's legacy. Charlene will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia, IL. A visitation time for friends and family will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia at 10:00 a.m. till time of service. A benefit will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Arizona Joes in Centralia, with all proceeds going toward Charlene's funeral services. Memorials may be made in Charlene's honor to Irvin Macz Funeral Homes, to assist with funeral services. Online condolences and memories of Charlene may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.