Charlene E. Knowlton

Charlene E. Knowlton peacefully passed away in Bellingham, WA on September 11, 2022, a month after celebrating her 91st birthday. Charlene was born to William and Amalia Kirschman in Garden City, Kansas and moved to Whatcom County when she was five years old.

Charlene graduated from Mt. Baker High School in 1949. That same year she married the love of her life, Kenneth Knowlton, whom she had met while roller skating at Wickersham.

In 1961, Charlene graduated from Bellingham Business College and was hired as the secretary for Western Washington University's Physical Education Department. She dedicated 25 years to her position at the university, retiring in 1986.

Ken was a scout master for Boy Scout Troop 23 for many years and Charlene was a very active participant. The highlight of their scouting years, besides raising three Eagle Scouts, was camping on the beach in Hawaii with the scout troop. The scouts delighted in playing tricks on Charlene and she was such a good sport.

After many years of camping, hiking, and fishing with their family, Ken and Charlene traveled the world in retirement, especially enjoying their time in Maui, Hawaii. In recent years, Charlene loved keeping in touch with family and friends on social media.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Ken Knowlton, brother Walter Kirschman, and sister Marie Stuart. She is survived by three sons, Howard (Susan) Knowlton, Gerald “Jerry” (Marianne) Knowlton, and Ronald (Jane) Knowlton, seven grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, sisters Lorraine McMonagle, Rita Miller, and Jeannette Kirschman, brother Jim Kirschman and sister-in-law Betty Kirschman, as well as many nieces and nephews.

At her request, no service will be held.