Charlene Ventura Obituary

Charlene Roma Ventura

In Loving Memory of

Chico, CA-Charlene Roma Ventura (nee Cone) passed away on September 13th, 2024 after 73 well-lived years in which she was deeply loved by an abundance of family and friends.

Born to William and Ruby Cone in Salt Lake City, Utah, Charlene enjoyed her childhood with her five siblings, Jerry, Boyd, Patricia, Sherrie, and Clark, particularly their summers in Canada camping, fishing, and exploring the forest.

In Salt Lake City, she attended "Stewart Junior High School" and "East High School" where she made friends that would last a lifetime.

Her adventurous spirit took her, at the age of eighteen, on a winding journey from Salt Lake through Albuquerque and El Paso to New Orleans where she boarded a cargo ship that took her through the Panama Canal to Colombia; Ecuador; and Lima, Peru. It was in Lima that Charlene met Salvador Ventura, the pragmatic-yet-fun Spaniard who became her best friend, life partner, and husband of fifty-two years.

Charlene and Salvador married in 1972 in Salt Lake City, where they eventually settled after travel between Salvador's native Valencia, Spain and Salt Lake City. There, they raised their three daughters: Brandy, Susana, and Ana.

Dedicated very much to her family, Charlene was a nurturing mother who put her husband's and children's needs at the forefront, ensuring they were always well-dressed, well-fed, and well-cared for.

Charlene and Salvador eventually retired in Chico, CA, where they could be closer to all three of their daughters as well as their grandchildren, Monica and Enzo.

Ever the caretaker, Charlene continued to tend to her family into her retirement and, despite her low vision, she found time to make quilts for each of her daughters and grandchildren. Using her tremendous cooking talents, she prepared family dinners with favorites such as lasagna, paella, and empanadas. She also found time to spend countless hours playing with, reading to, and making crafts with her grandkids.

During the last several years, Charlene and Salvador enjoyed their participation in the Chico OLLI program where they found and made strong friendships.

Regardless of life's many challenges, Charlene was always calm, thoughtful, and persevering as she navigated every travail with grace and subtle humor.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Salvador; daughters, Brandy Kristiansen (Svend Kristiansen), Susana Ventura, and Ana Ventura (Adam Avilla); and her grandchildren Monica Kristiansen (17) and Enzo Avilla-Ventura (5). She will remain forever in our hearts and will be greatly missed beyond measure.

In lieu of flowers, Charlene would've wished to encourage people to show tolerance, compassion and understanding to all fellow human beings.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune, The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 17 to Sep. 28, 2024.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/saltlaketribune/name/charlene-ventura-obituary?id=56323512