Charlene Grell Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Buchanan Funeral Service on Aug. 22, 2025.
Charlene Hoffman Grell was born on March 9, 1939, in Farmers, Texas. She spent her childhood in the small town of Olney, Texas. She passed away peacefully and was reunited with her Lord and Savior on August 15, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.
Charlene was proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years Ronald Grell, her two sons, James Carlton Strawn and Frederick Wayne Roberts, her parents, James Charles Hoffman and Avis Carrell Hoffman, and her precious sister, Ann Dilchred.
Charlene grew up a girly girl, but she also loved playing basketball and spending time outdoors in nature - joys that stayed with her throughout her life. She carried those same qualities of balance, determination, stubborness and strength into adulthood, where she was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. She married Ronald Grell on June 2,1979 in Artesia, New Mexico and that was the start of many adventures that they would share over the next 35 years of marriage. Ron and Charlene eventually settled in Tyler, Texas and enjoyed cooking, gardening, and brewing beer out of their kitchen at home. They were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Tyler, Texas. You could often find them volunteering their time in many various ministries around the church. Charlene was a cherished founding member of the "Trinity Ladies' Pie Ministry", a beloved tradition where she and her dear friends joyfully baked 1,200 pies each year for the Texas State Fair. Through their hard work and dedication, they not only raised vital funds for the church but also shared love, fellowship, and faith with the community. After Ron's passing in 2014, Charlene moved to Lubbock to be closer to her beloved sisters. They affectionately called each other 'the Golden Girls", and she found immense joy in their company. The sisters could often be found sharing meals, watching TV, or enjoying a day of shopping together. Charlene was always up for an adventure and embraced life with energy and enthusiasm, only slowing down in the past few years.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted sisters, Jerrie Fontenot, Barbara Kay Harrington (along with her son, Chad; granddaughter, Heather; and great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Noah), and Vada Lois Barton. She also leaves behind her cherished grandson, Derick Strawn, and his wife, Breanne, as well as her three treasured great-grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, and Jessalyn Strawn. She is remembered with love by her dear niece, Kimberly Morrow, and her daughter-in-law, Barbara Haberthur Strawn. In addition, she is survived by many other beloved family members and lifelong friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
Charlene had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved, and her warmth touched all who knew her. A woman of faith and resilience, she carried herself with grace through life's joys and hard challenges. Her legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will live on through her sisters, grandson, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she so deeply influenced.
A service to honor Charlene's life will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church of Tyler, Texas with burial to follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Tyler, Texas. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Charlene's life.