Charlene S. Carter, 74, of Grand Island entered into heaven on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Society in Grand Island.

Services will be at 11:00 AM Friday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bishop John Henderson will officiate. Burial will be in the Shelton Cemetery at Shelton, Nebraska. Apfel Funeral Home of Grand Island is in charge of the arrangements.

Charlene was born January 5, 1939, at Shelton to Charles and Irene (Bentley) Sorensen.

She grew up and received her education at Shelton where she graduated from Shelton High School. She then began working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Charlene was with the telephone company for 29 years, retiring as District Office Supervisor in 1986.

Charlene married Gary Piel on September 29, 1959. The couple had two children, Craig Piel and Lyn Piel.

She married James Carter on June 23, 1983; they made their home in Grand Island.

Charlene had served as president of the Nebraska/South Dakota Chapter of Telephone Pioneers from 1986 to 1987, served as president of the Hall County Extension Club for 11 years. She also was named Master Canner and Cherry Pie Baking Champion in Buffalo County two years in row. Charlene was deeply loved by her family and will be missed by all.

Survivors include her husband, James Carter of Grand Island; one son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Margaret Piel of Denver, CO; one daughter, Lyn Piel of Snohomish, WA; one brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Geraldine Sorensen of Shelton; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Charlene was welcomed into heaven by her parents: Charles & Irene Sorensen and her grandmother, Hope Bentley who held a special place in her heart.

Published in The Grand Island Independent on January 23, 2013