Charlene was born on February 22, 1959, to Frank and Monyeen Ollenberger. She was their third born daughter. Early in her childhood she was nic named ‘Mickey’ and that name stuck with her throughout her childhood and adult years. Charlene passed away on April 6, 2014, in the Fort St. John Hospital, at the age of 55.
Charlene’s childhood was like that of many of her friends and other families growing up in a small rural community. She was raised in Rolla, B.C. She spent time in 4-H, the Girls’ Club, attended Sunday School, was active at the Rolla Curling Rink, skated in the winter and enjoyed her childhood friends, Arlys Anderson and Darlene McNeely. Many times were also spent staying with Grandma Yaeger. She attended elementary school in Rolla and later attended junior high and high school in Dawson Creek. Charlene married Randy Miller on April 23, 1977 and they had 2 children. Tyler was their first born, then a daughter, Krystal joined their family.
She loved nature and anything that meant being outdoors. She enjoyed camping, a weiner roast, berry picking, setting out her trail cameras to capture wildlife photos. In particular, she had a passion for all things related to bears. Black bears, grizzly bears, cubs…..her home was adorned with wall hangings, furniture, linens, all of bears. Her other animal love was her dogs. She was also very artistic and creative; she spent many years crafting and operating a small home based craft business. She was also interested in travel. Randy and Charlene took their young family to Germany to visit relatives and she enjoyed several trips to Las Vegas. Charlene is predeceased by her husband Randy, father Frank, sister Darlene, nephew Chad, mother-in-law Wilma. She is survived by her son Tyler (Sarah), grandsons Jaxson and Bentley, daughter Krystal (Matt Austin), mother Monyeen Ollenberger, sisters Marlene (Brian) Backus, Brenda (Terry) Fraser, brother Calvin Ollenberger, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved dogs, Joe and James. Another very important person in Charlene’s life was her dear friend, Tracy Jonsson and Tracy’s mother, Eva, who so graciously helped and cared for Charlene these last few weeks of her life. Mickey was cremated and a ‘Memorial Tea’ was held at Tower Lake Community Hall, Tower Lake, British Columbia on Saturday, April 12, 2014. Mickey’s eulogy was shared by her sisters Marlene Backus and Brenda Fraser. Expressions of sympathy may be made in memory of Mickey to the ‘Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Fund’ c/o Fort St. John Hospital Foundation 8407 – 112th Avenue, Fort St. John, British Columbia V1J 0J5
Memorial arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral services & Crematorium Ltd.
please visit www.bergeronfunerals.com for Mickey’s complete eulogy.