Charlene Penson Carlat, 86, of Sheridan went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.

Charlene was born July 19, 1929 in Sheridan to her parents Charles and Irene (Benfer) Penson. Her early years were spent at the Penson Ranch on the Rosebud Creek at Kirby, MT. Growing up on the Rosebud Creek provided a setting for some unique experiences. One of her favorite childhood memories was riding as a kid with her dad and grandfather Tom Penson for the big cattle roundups on the Cheyenne Reservation, holding herd while they cut out brands. Charlene attended Big Bend School and later boarded in Sheridan for high school.

Charlene met her husband, Bob, at a dance at Big Horn, WY. They married at the Charles Penson Ranch at Decker, MT on December 27, 1948. Together they started their ranch life working on the Yonkee Ranch at Sayle, MT. Later they bought a ranch on Baking Powder Creek near Broadus, MT. Her strength was forged early on as a ranch wife living in a one room dug out cabin for 2 years and making a home for 10 years without electricity and running water while raising their four children, Janice, Dan, Shirley, and Susan. In 1957, Bob and Charlene bought their second ranch on the Powder River near Broadus, MT. In 1966, they moved their family to Decker, MT where they ranched with her parents on the Charles Penson Ranch. From there, they bought a ranch on Pass Creek, near Wyola, MT, where she enjoyed her time spent with grandchildren and learning to bead from her Native Crow friends. In 1991 Bob & Charlene bought the Lower Willow Glen Ranch south of Buffalo, and later retired at their current home on Big Goose in Sheridan.

Charlene was known for her great cooking, and her generous hospitality, as she welcomed anyone into her home. She enjoyed cooking for others, gardening, and keeping up with current events and technology. Charlene was a giving person who loved to socialize and it was said by many that you never saw her without a smile. She was a hard worker and excellent homemaker. She especially loved her time spent with family. Charlene's faith and family were the most important things in her life. She loved her church and attended and served as a board member at Good News Cowboy Ministries. She had a steadfast relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and lived that witness throughout her life. Because of this faith, she was able to rise above her 26-year struggle with MS. She portrayed this strength daily without complaint, with dignity, with a positive attitude, all while putting others before herself. Charlene exemplified the meaning of grace, strength, and beauty. She loved the Lord, loved family, and loved life. Even in her final hours, she told each family member to always remember, "the Joy of the Lord is your strength." "…for the Joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents and son Dan Carlat.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 66 years, her children, Janice (Mike) Feaster of Sheridan, WY, Shirley Bedner of Sheridan, WY, Susan (Matt) Yalowizer of Ranchester, WY, grandchildren, Kerri, Chanda, Cheston, Stephanie, Tyler, Ryan, Janey, Charley, Loren, Eric, Shane, Sarah, along with 27 great grandchildren.

Services for Charlene will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at the First Baptist Church with Barry Moen officiating. Interment will be in the Sheridan Cemetery.

Memorials to honor Charlene may be made to the Dan Carlat Memorial Fund at: Carlat Scholarship Occidental Jam, c/o Helen Jones, P.O. Box 58, Buffalo, WY 82834.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

SheridanMedia.com - Aug. 14, 2015.