CHARLENE ROSE COOK- BALLINGER 11/04/1936 09/15/2023 A viewing will be held on Saturday October 7th, 2023 from 9-11 a.m. followed by a Funeral service at 11a.m. at Brusie Funeral Home. Dear Charlene died Friday, 9/15/23 of natural causes and breast cancer. She was the second of four children, born to Charles and Isabel Cook of Chico. She is survived by- 3 daughters; Kelley (Ballinger) Stagner of N. Tustin, Ca, Pamela (Ballinger) Bryant of Rathdrum, Idaho, and Andrea (Ballinger) Killingsworth of Durham, Ca. - Many, many grandchildren and great grandchildren from all her daughters. - Brother; Charles Cook II of Redmond, Oregon - Sister; Dianne (Cook) Furco of Dunsmuir, Ca. There have been a number of close relatives and a spouse who have pre-deceased Charlene. - Spouse; Noble "Bud" Ballinger - Daughter; Teri Ballinger of Chico - Parents; Charles and Isabel Cook of Chico - Sister; Dorothy (Cook) Bush of Paradise Charlene was a loving Mother, homemaker and wife. She retired after many years at Victor Industries (a manufacturing company on Park Ave. in Chico), where she had many friends. Charlene loved pets and had through the years, many cats, dogs, chickens and birds. She had 3 bird feeders lining her front porch and would frequently share her bed with a dog or 2. Gardening was a favorite task. But many times, her beautiful flowers would get run over by her husband on the lawn mower or the dogs would chew up new plants in the backyard. She was always so thoughtful of other people, bringing food to neighbors who didn't have enough or for those that were alone on Holidays and couldn't cook for themselves. Charlene was a very active member of the Chico Eagles Club for many years. She helped with crafts, sewing and prepared so many meals for people that needed to know someone cared about them. Her husband "Bud" loved the outdoors and camping. So she, as the supportive wife, did what was needed to make those trips a success. The outdoors frequently included stays in Butte Meadows. A family cabin (Cooks Hideout), a motorhome, a tent or under the stars were all considered a nights rest. Nourishment and friends could always be found at the Outpost. Later in life, a property purchased in the forest near Chester became a new favorite to "rough it". Her Brother, Charles Cook, can still remember when Charlene was a little girl. "To me, she will always be that darling girl in the mid-calf length, plaid skirt, bobbie sox, saddle shoes, a brightly colored hair scarf, with her riding in Bud's (husband) custom convertible, with the rapping exhaust pipes. Love, Chuck" Charlene will be laid to rest at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.brusiefh.com
Published by Chico Enterprise-Record on Sep. 26, 2023.