Betty "Charlene" Plowman

Betty Charlene Plowman, the daughter of Albert Malon and Laura Blanche (Wallace) Ellerman, was born December 22, 1927 at Alley Springs, Missouri.  She passed away peacefully on December 26, 2020 in Summersville, Missouri at the age of 93.

Charlene was united in marriage to Jesse Earl Plowman on January 19, 1946 and they enjoyed 58 years of marriage until Jesse’s passing.  They were blessed with two daughters, Phyllis Nadine and Brenda Charlene.

She attended the West Eminence Christian Church and was saved at a young age and made her public profession of faith in 1966. After high school graduation she worked in a medical supply distribution center in St. Louis during the war.  As her daughters were growing up she served as a homeroom mother and helped with teaching sewing, cooking and home economics while they were in school.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse; her daughter, Brenda (Plowman) Hawkins; her parents, Bert Ellerman and Laura (Ellerman) Stevens; her step-father, Frank Stevens; brother, Leslie and Loeta (Asplin) Ellerman; sister, Nadine Ellerman; sister, Juanita and Loyd Files; sister, Maxine Fry; Danny Terrill; sisters-in-law, Nellie and Joe Barton, Ida and Dexter Chilton, Ocie and Dewitt Branson and George Couch; brothers-in-law, Walt and Elsie Plowman; Reuben and Sophie and Elizbeth Plowman, Wally and Reba Plowman, Harry and Mona Plowman and a nephew, Allen Strain.

She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Nadine Barnes; sons-in-law, Kenny Barnes and Roger Hawkins; sister-in-law, Gladys Ellerman; brother-in-law, Jim Fry; grandchildren, Tiffany Green, Barry and Susanne Barnes, Jessica and Matt Raulston, Amanda and David Gray, Casandra and Phil Hamilton, Kristina Terrill and Jennifer Terrill; great grandchildren, Katelyn and Zac Alcorn, Gavin and Mikayla Green, Tanner Barnes, Duncan and Jazlyn Green, Colton Hamilton, Lauryn and John Cervantes, Ciera Hamilton, Saxton Green, David, Dawson and Devon Gray, Danni Root, Brendan Barnes and Carly Hamilton; a great great grandchild, Averie; nieces and nephews, Gary and Kathy Ellerman, Pat and Jerry Moritz, Sandy and Mike White, Wendell and Cheryl Ellerman, Frankie and Brenda Strain, Mike and Cindy Fry, Wayne and Kelly Fry, Norma Jean Poindexter, Verna Mae and Tony Custer, Gloria Plowman, Leslie Plowman, Benny Chilton, Dorothy Plowman, Lorraine (Tubby) Plowman and Claude and Danny Files.

Charlene loved being surrounded by family and friends.  She enjoyed making her famous blackberry cobbler, chocolate pie and homemade ice cream.  Horses and riding were her lifetime loves.  Her sweet hands crocheted all her family and friends afghans and doilies.  Charlene and Jesse’s huge gardens kept her busy and the cellars and freezers full.  Charlene always shared and helped with anything anyone ever needed, from a hug and cup of sugar to a place to stay with a home cooked meal.  Charlene and Jesse’s was the place to be.  All the kids wanted to spend time there, from the oldest nieces and nephews down to the great grandkids and now great great little Averie.  There was always a card game going, music playing, visiting, working, memory making, laughing and always lots of our favorite homemade food.

Charlene was strong and independent. There wasn’t anything she could not do.  She had a giving, loving and selfless way that made everyone feel taken care of.  She never expected anything in return.  Charlene and Jesse were a team, from taking care of the home and farm to raising their beautiful daughters in the church.  They followed their kids and grandkids around the country wanting to be a part of every sweet moment.  After Jesse had his accident, Charlene was going to keep him home with her, what ever it took.  She made him the priority and loved and cared for him until he met his Father in Heaven.  The love she had for her family had no limits, mothering was her life.  She was taking care of her family right up until the very end.