Charlene K. Bushur (82) of Watson

Charlene K. Bushur, 82 of Watson, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Since Charlene was a retired Unit 40 school bus driver, her family requests that donations go to Effingham Unit 40 Education Foundation for a scholarship to be named in her honor.

Charlene was born December 26, 1942 in Effingham, the daughter of Charles and Gertrude (Hardiek) Kreke. She married Richard L. Bushur on August 11, 1962. Charlene dedicated all 82 years of her life to the farm. Alongside Rich, she bought a farm in Watson where they raised their children, and the farm became a place filled with love, laughter, and hard work. Charlene found pure joy in spending time there with her children and grandchildren, especially when caring for the baby calves she so dearly loved. Known for her beautiful flower gardens, Charlene also took great pride in ensuring her hummingbirds were well-fed. She loved watching Illinois basketball games and Chicago Cubs baseball with Rich and their loyal dog, Murray. Charlene was also a skilled seamstress, often found in her sewing room, mending clothes and creating quilts for her family. A lover of ice cream, she also delighted in baking angel food cakes with peanut butter icing, always ensuring no one left her home hungry or empty-hearted. Though she has left this world, Charlene’s memory lives on in the love and warmth she shared with everyone. She never met a stranger, always offering kindness and making people feel valued. Charlene will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Donna (Steve) Ruholl, Daniel Bushur, Diane (Rob) Arnold, Cindy (Daniel) Hallam, Lisa Bushur, Lynn (Kory) Wolff, Vickie Bushur, Glen (Mandi) Bushur, and Gail (Trevor) Irwin; brothers, Dick (Lois) Kreke and Michael (Barb) Kreke; 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; son, Doug; and infant grandson, Wyatt Arnold.