Charlene Rae Olson

Charlene "Char" Rae Olson passed away on October 6th, 2025 in Cody, Wyoming. She had recently celebrated her 73rd birthday.

Char was born on September 28th, 1952 in Lander, WY to Charles "Chuck" and Dorothy "Dottie" Jean Thompson. She was the second of two children. Her older brother, Howard Paul had been born on December 23, 1950, the 3-year wedding anniversary of their parents. The family moved to Cody in 1960. Char graduated from Cody High School in 1971 and went on to attend Chadron State College where she met Michael File, her first husband and father of her three boys Michael, Thomas, and Bernard. She moved around the eastern United States while Mike was in the US Army. The two were married in Cody and moved to Juneau, AK where she gave birth to her first son,

Michael, on March 23, 1976. The small family then moved to Cody, WY where her second son Thomas, was welcomed into the world on September 6, 1978, followed by Bernard on February 18, 1981.

After her three boys left home, she took the job as Youth Pastor at the Cody United Methodist church where she met and later married Craig Olson who was the music director of the church at the time.

After her tenure as Youth Pastor, she took a job at Cody Department of Family Services. On July 19, 2008, Craig and Char were married and two families became one. Craig and Char spent a lot of time traveling everywhere from DC to New Orleans, Los Angeles, Washington, Colorado, Mexico, and too many other places to list.

They began simplifying their lives. Sailing was something Char loved. She even had a small sailboat tattoo on her ankle. Along with that came numerous other adventures with nature. Whether it was sailing the San Juan Islands or taking camping and fishing trips, The Olsons were always on the move. They built a beautiful mountain cabin outside of Ten Sleep after she retired from DFS as a supervisor. Char also loved her hobbies. She worked hard on her gardens and flowers and always loved the Fall season. It was her favorite time of year in which she'd spend time making decorations for the house. She immensely enjoyed baking and cooking for family and friends. Anyone who ever had a plate of Char's Christmas cookies knows. Giving cookies away for Christmas was just the beginning of the compassion and kindness she had for everything and everyone in her life. To know Char, was to love her. The smallest things gave her joy. Her smile and laughter were infectious. Craig said upon her passing, "She was the best of all of us." Truer words have not been spoken. She loved painting and decorating cakes of any kind. Her wedding cakes were beautiful pieces of art. She spent countless hours in her yard and loved to play her favorite songs and hymns on the piano.

The most important thing to Char, her foundation, began with her faith. Always unwavering, she loved the Lord. She would start her days with Craig playing acoustic guitar, while she read her devotions. If you were on Char's prayer list, you were in a good place. Char was also an active member of PEO for over 50 years. The sisterhood was very important to her.

2025 began with many medical issues, resulting in numerous surgeries and rehabilitation. Char stayed resolute and optimistic throughout the entire ordeal, which resulted in her life being cut short during a routine medical procedure. She was called home early for what reasons only God knows. Although shortened, Char lived a wonderful life. She was a devoted mother to her three boys and loved them unconditionally. She solved life's everyday problems with beauty and grace. Her soul went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be unequivocally missed by friends and family alike. The journey has just begun, Char. Travel on in love and light.

Char is survived by her husband Craig, her brother Howard (Kathy) Thompson, her sons Michael, Bernie, and Thom (Perrine), her step-children Brian (Carrie), Jennie (Kevin), Kierstyn (Damien), Erik (Elisa), and Sarah (Hud). Char absolutely loved her grandchildren Lily, Jaxon, Brian (Arica), Jake, Drew, Oliver, Lewis, and Isley, and her great-grandchildren Enzo and Elliot.

The celebration of Char's life will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11:00am at Cody United Methodist Church, 1405 Beck Ave. Cody, WY 82414. After the service there will be a luncheon at the church followed by a graveside service at 2:00PM. The service will also be streamed on the Cody United Methodist Church website.

Memories and condolences can be shared on Char's memory page at www.BallardFH.com