Charlene Mary Buyserie Yuranek, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026; and is now in the arms of her loving saviour, Jesus Christ.

Charlene was born April 19, 1934, in St. Paul, Oregon, to Joseph and Esther Buyserie. She was raised on the family farm in St. Paul, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work, family, friends, animals—especially horses—and her faith. From an early age, she learned the quiet responsibilities of caring for others, values that remained central throughout her life.

Charlene married Dale Vernon Yuranek in November 1955 at St. Paul Catholic Church. Together they shared 51 years of marriage and built a strong, faith, family, community-centered life in Woodburn, Oregon, raising their children and deeply involved in their community until Dale’s passing in 2006.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies”. Proverbs 31:10

Charlene’s life was marked by her unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her kindness and compassion shone through as she cared for her parents in their later years, providing unwavering support with patience, selflessness, and grace. She was a very talented stay-home mom, raising her four children, creating a home rooted in love, stability, and quiet encouragement. She created the kind of home where all the kids in the neighborhood wanted to congregate.

In later life, Charlene tenderly cared for her husband, Dale, as he lived with Parkinson’s disease, standing beside him with the same devotion that defined their marriage. Family always came first for Charlene, and she gave generously of herself without expectation or recognition.

She is survived by her four children: Craig Yuranek (married to Shirley), Tammie (Yuranek) Jones (married to Steve), Randy Yuranek, and Daleen (Yuranek) Hesson (married to Dan). She also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Bridget Yuranek Botts, Angie Yuranek Fife, Daniel Jones, Dana Jones, Derek Jones, Jayde Yuranek, Cyan Yuranek—as well as fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Janice Buyserie; her brother, Donald Buyserie; and her husband, Dale Vernon Yuranek.

Charlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her quiet strength, generosity, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor. Though soft-spoken, she loved to laugh and brought warmth and joy to everyday moments. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, card games, gardening, bowling, golf, and taking country drives. She especially loved trips to the Oregon coast, where family time at the beach became some of our most cherished memories. Summers were often spent berry picking, gardening, canning, and enjoying family beach trips that grew into treasured traditions with kids and grandchildren enjoying the most special times of our lives together.

Charlene made a lasting impact on her community through her work at St. Luke’s School in Woodburn. She was deeply loved by students, parents, and staff for her encouragement, and genuine care for families. Charlene was known for quietly helping children and families in need, often without recognition, and remained fondly remembered long after their children had moved on.

Whenever Charlene was out shopping or on an outing in Woodburn, it seemed that not a single day passed without someone calling out, “Mrs. Yuranek! I knew you when you were at my school,” or sharing stories about how she had made a difference in their lives. These frequent greetings showed just how deeply Charlene was woven into the fabric of Woodburn, touching lives wherever she went.

Earlier in life, Charlene also worked for several years at the Woodburn auction, a role she greatly enjoyed. It allowed her to reconnect with her agricultural roots, put her strong organizational skills to use, and remain connected to the farming community she loved.

A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, and an active participant in Bible Study Fellowship, Charlene lived her life and demonstrated her faith through caring, service, and sincere concern for others. In her later years, she faced dementia and Alzheimer’s disease with grace and dignity. Her family is deeply grateful for the loving care she received in her final years with special care from her beloved caregiver Tessi.

Charlene will be remembered for her fun loving spirit, devotion to family, her quiet strength, and a lifetime spent caring for others—her parents, her children, her husband, and the many people in her community whose lives were touched by her kindness.

Join our Celebration of Charlene’s Life on Sunday, March 8th

A private burial was held with immediate family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at St. Paul City Hall beginning at 1:00 p.m.

A light lunch will be served and an opportunity to share stories about Charlene. Please let us know of your attendance or with questions by sending a quick email to her daughter Tammie at joneses08@live.com

Arrangements were entrusted to Simon Cornwell Funeral Home & Crematory, Woodburn. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charlene’s memory to Alzheimer’s research through the Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of one’s choice.