Charlene Lavonne Speer of Scottsbluff died peacefully just short of her 92nd birthday at The Residency Care Center on February 22, 2022. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Charlene’s name directly to Salem Congregational Church, 2001 7th Ave, Scottsbluff, NE 69361. A celebration of Glenn and Charlene’s lives will be scheduled later this year. Online condolences may be made by viewing Charlene’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Born March 21, 1930 in Broadwater, Nebraska, Charlene was one of six children of Teddy and Edith Hutchinson (Rodgers). After graduating Bridgeport High School, Charlene worked for the Scottsbluff Star Herald, Hiner Implement, and at Western Regional Hospital. Charlene married Mitchell farmer Bob Abel in March 1957 and three boys, Rob, Rick, and Randy were soon added to the family. After Bob died in a car accident in 1962, Charlene moved into town and raised her boys with the help of the extended Abel family. Glenn Speer asked for her hand in marriage in March 1968 and they were married for 53 years until his death in October 2021.
A lifelong resident of western Nebraska, Charlene had dozens of cherished friends, relatives and acquaintances. Charlene grew up with the goal of being a homemaker and wife, winning the 4-H canning champion of Morrill County, regularly winning awards at the Morrill County Fair for her baking, serving in leadership roles in social organizations, and working on quilts with friends. When Bob’s death put Charlene in the position of becoming the breadwinner for the family and she learned to balance work and raising her three boys. Working and volunteering at Western Regional Hospital for over 30 years, Charlene formed supportive relationships with hundreds of other families as well. After retirement, she enjoyed more time with friends and relatives, regularly attending Red Hat Society luncheons, water exercise at the pool, card games and dessert at friend’s houses, group meals at local restaurants, family reunions and picnics, sporting events, and family vacations. Family, friends and delicious food were the center of Charlene’s life. Her smile never stopped, and we all knew she could organize anything!
Charlene is survived by her siblings June Meyer, Joyce Gysin, and Leonard Hutchinson; sons Rick Abel (Lori), Rob Abel (Crista), daughter-in-law Kathy Schneiders Abel, and stepdaughters Ginger Huber (Steve) and Cathy Squires (Ron). Charlene’s grandchildren include Carly Abel, Macy Abel, Whitney Fazio (Angelo), Zach Abel (Kaitlin), Nick Squires (Holly), and Kelley Stumpf (Tim), with great grandchildren Lincoln Squires, Liberty Squires, and Faith Fazio.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands (Bob Abel and Glenn Speer), youngest son Randy Abel, sister Maxine Queen, and brother Don Hutchinson.
The family will be forever grateful to staff at Helping Hands Stay at Home Care and the Residency Care Center for their professionalism, support, and never-ending love in Glenn and Charlene’s final years. Support from her friends who visited her and sent cards in her final months meant so much to her as well.
