Charlene Bickel

Charlene Prather Bickel, 79, of Ballinger passed away Saturday, September 1, 2012 at Ballinger Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born October 27, 1932 in Snyder, Texas to Charlie Marion and Hattie Lee (Hart) Prather. Charlene and James A. Bickel were married November 19, 1950 in Muleshoe, Texas. She was a faithful member of the Ballinger First Baptist Church, serving as secretary there for 17 years.

Charlene was very active in both church and community activities and was a member of the Carnegie Library Restoration Committee. She loved garage sales, antiques, and restoring furniture. She had the well-deserved reputation of being a great party hostess and was especially known for her coffee cakes. She was full of kindness and graciousness and was always thinking of others.

Charlene is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jim Bickel of Ballinger; son, Stan Bickel and wife, Gayle, of Ballinger; and daughter, Charlsa Franz of Burleson, Texas. Bunka/Bonka, as she was lovingly referred to, leaves seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Jennifer, Dave, and Charlie Sturgeon of Vail, CO; Ashley Franz and CJ, Justin, and Toby of Ft. Worth; Brian, Megan, Cole and Cooper Bickel of Savannah, GA; Brett Bickel of Atlanta, GA; Brad Bickel of Ballinger; Jessica Franz and Mark of Burleson, and Ali Franz of Ft. Worth. Also surviving is a sister, Fern Green and husband, Gene; and two brothers, Tim Prather and wife, Pattie, and Rex Prather and wife, Brenda.

There will be a time of visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, September 5 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger.

In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the Carnegie Library or the charity of your choice of Ballinger.