Dates
For months, Charlene looked forward to going home, and although for several weeks she had been resting at her longtime residence outside of San Angelo, Tx., she still had a desire to “go home.” On Friday, April 8th, 2022, Charlene went home. Her life will be honored with a Rosary Service Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 p.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall, and a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 13th also at St. Ambrose.
Charlene Marie Book was born on July 19th,1939, in San Angelo, Tx. To Ben and Viola Book. She graduated from Wall High School in 1957. Charlene was active in several activities while attending WHS like playing women’s basketball and being the first twirler for Wall High School. Charlene graduated from San Angelo College with a degree in Education where she went on to be a school teacher and librarian before she married Andrew Wilde in 1960. She became a cherished Wife, Homemaker, and Mother and remained so until her last day. She enjoyed farm and ranch life and was an integral part of the family farm with her husband Andrew. She hauled countless cotton trailers, grain trucks, and stock trailers while raising four children.
Charlene was an active member in the Wall community and St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Wall, Tx. Her lifelong service was being the chair of the Church decorating committee as part of the St. Helen’s Altar Society. She served as the chairlady of the committee for 43 years. During that time, she helped hundreds of newly married couples with the flowers and decorations at their weddings. Charlene became the first woman to be elected to the St. Ambrose Church Council and went on to serve as President of the Council. She served two terms in the St. Ambrose Church Council as well as serving on the building committee and liturgy committee.
Charlene was a Parish Festival Chair Lady and served as the chair of the festival decorating committee. She was also active in numerous organizations within the community such as Meals for the Elderly, Tom Green County 4-H, Wall FFA, Carmelite Sisters Lady of Grace Ministry and St. Ambrose Lifeteen. In 2006, Charlene was named as the Region II Conservation Homemaker of the Year by the Tom Green County Soil and Water Conservation agency. In 2006, she was also named as an Honorary FFA member by the Wall Chapter of the FFA.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Viola Book, and younger brother, Joseph Book who died as an infant. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Andrew Wilde. Four Children: James Wilde and wife Christine, Ben Wilde and wife Betsy, Connie McCrea and husband Jeff, and Chris Wilde and wife Amy. Charlene and Andrew were blessed with numerous grandchildren who all loved the time they were able to spend with her: Kate Barnett and husband Travis, Grant Wilde and wife Emily, Meridith Harris and husband Colton, Ashley Wilde, Grady McCrea, Grace and Chandler Wilde. Six great grandchildren: Claire and Trey Barnett, Zachary and Kara Wilde, Weston and Avery Harris. She is also survived by her three siblings: Viola Mae Book, Cheryl Book, Larry Book and his wife Nancy. The family would also like to thank Charlene’s own special care Angels who helped to make her last weeks with us more peaceful: Laura from the High Plains Senior Care and special care givers: Lenora, Helen, Kristle, and Latonya.
Charlene’s family was the joy and love of her life. She attended thousands of events to watch and support her children and grandchildren in school and extra-curricular activities. She was a loving and dedicated Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend to all who knew her. One of she and Andrew’s most treasured project, was the dedication of the “Angel Garden” in the St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery. Dedicated to honoring the lost graves of migrant farm children who died while traveling to work the fields with their parents. Up until her last days on earth, those children were so important to her. We eventually came to know that she was important to them as well, as she kept telling us that there were “little children playing around her bed.” She was concerned that we should get them home. Little did we know, they were there to bring her home!
The family asks that memorials be made to the Monsignor Alvin Wilde Seminary Education Fund, the St. Ambrose Lifeteen, or favorite charity.
Rosary
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
6:00PM
St. Ambrose Catholic Church
8602 Texas Loop 570
Wall, TX 76905
Funeral Mass
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
10:00AM
St. Ambrose Catholic Church
8602 Texas Loop 570
Wall, TX 76905