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Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Charlene Lay Obituary

Charlene Jane Lay died peacefully in her sleep on November 19th, 2016, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the age of 85.

Charlene is survived by her three children: Brenda Centeno of Copperas Cove, Texas; Phyllis Nau of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Michael Lay of Denver, Colorado. She is survived by six grandchildren: Kerry Hutt, Stephanie Ronalds, Jamie Centeno, Jennifer Childs, Amanda Lee, and Matthew Lay. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lay, and her brother, Bill Perry.

Charlene was born on October 2, 1931, in Paris, Texas, to Marshall and Hester Perry. In 1947, she married James Lay, an airman in the Army Air Corps, soon to be redesigned as the Air Force. Over the next several years, the couple welcomed three children into their home. They remember her as a caring, kind, spunky, and driven mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. For her grandchildren, she was spirited, tenacious, and indomitable.

Charlene was both accomplished at caring for her children and keeping an organized home, particularly during several

moves around the world to Germany, France, and England, compliments of the military. She was a generous and dedicated Individual who loved seeing and exploring new places.

Charlene's funeral is scheduled for Friday, November 25th at 12:00pm at Swan Law Funeral Home. A reception will

follow at Jim and Phyllis Nau's house. Pastor Laura Whitmore of First United Methodist church will officiate the ceremony.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Charlene's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Nov. 23, 2016.

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Funeral services provided by:

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

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