Charlene Cleona Koster, age 78, passed away Monday, January 26, 2015 surrounded by family and friends.

 Charlene was born July 17, 1936 at her home on Ferry Street in Sedro Woolley to Hiram and Charlotte Powers.  As a little girl, she was blessed with living the simple life of rural Skagit County.  In 1942 her family moved to Seattle where Charlene attended Lincoln High School.  She was married to Melvin Koster on September 25, 1976 at the Cedar Home Baptist Church in Stanwood.  She lived on the shores of Lake Goodwin for 30 years before moving to Sedro Woolley in 1997.  Charlene enjoyed so much of what life had to offer.  She traveled to many corners of the earth, was an accomplished league bowler, artist, and delighted in all of nature’s beauty.  Her compassion for pets was evidenced in the many dogs that shared her love and companionship.  Charlene was a genuine friend to many and treasured her time spent with each and every one of them.

 Charlene is survived by brothers Howard Powers of Lewiston, ID and Charlie Powers of Palm Springs, CA, her children Dale Dahl (Donna) of Bremerton, Dellene Kratochvil (Kevin) of Birdsview, John Koster (Vicki) of Arlington, Bill Koster (Cathy) of Arlington, daughter-in-law Deyanne Koster of Stanwood, 14 Grandchildren, and 24 Great Grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Melvin, sons Darold Dahl and Gary Koster, as well as brothers Wayne Powers and Ron Powers.

 A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 pm followed by a potluck dinner at the North Cascades Christian Fellowship, 118 North Ball Street in Sedro-Woolley.

All are welcome to attend.

 Memorial donations are suggested to the “Playground Project” for the North Cascade Child Development Center, 118 North Ball Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 (360) 856-1861.  Charlene worked at the Child Care Center for many years and will fondly be remembered by children and parents for her welcoming hugs and simply as “Grandma”.