Obituary of Charlene Lou Simons

On Saturday, January 13, 2024, Charlene Lou Simons, 75, died at Spanish Trails in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Charlene joins her mother, Thelma Foster Simons, as well as her beloved dogs, Preacher, Jakey, Sunny, Roscoe, and Tuffy. Charlene fiercely loved dogs and other animals, feeling most at home in their company. She was also a voracious reader, particularly enjoying works by Tony Hillerman, P.D. Woodhouse, and James Herriot. Her love of reading fed her passion for words—she knew the definition of and could spell virtually any word in the English language, as well as in Latin. If there were no time-limit, Charlene was guaranteed to beat any opponent in Scrabble—though be prepared to play all day…or all week! Charlene was also an avid amateur archeologist, joining digs at Fort Craig, New Mexico. Her interest in archeology also encompassed geology, and her extensive reading on these subjects, which included scientific journals, made her an encyclopedic resource on the subjects. Her love of and facility with language was singular. Charlene loved turquoise and silver jewelry; John Denver, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash; her mama; and, most especially, her dogs. Charlene’s love of animals brought her to embrace vegetarianism, and she strived to do no harm to other living beings. Charlene was gentle, fiercely independent, and committed to living life on her own terms. She loved her family very much, in her own way, and on her terms. Charlene was a good friend to Javier Rodriguez and his family, and they, in-turn, were wonderful friends to her.

Charlene is survived by her sister, Renee Martinez, and her brother, Chuck Simons, their spouses, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico, www.lapdogrescue.org, 505-934-2202.

The family is planning a memorial for Charlene in the spring at Fort Craig. If interested, please contact the family for details: 505-289-0580.