Charla Louise Warner, 81, of Bonaparte, passed away at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL on September 8, 2025. Charla was a remarkable woman whose life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and community service.
Born on May 26, 1944, in Argyle, Iowa, to Kenneth and Virginia Schroeder Carson, Charla’s early years were marked by frequent moves around Iowa, following her father’s work. She graduated from Denmark High School in 1962 and soon after began working at the Penitentiary in Fort Madison. Charla married Lyle Williams on May 30, 1964 and they later divorced. Charla found love again with Kenneth C. Warner, whom she married on September 16, 1979, in Farmington. Together, they built a life in Bonaparte.
Charla’s career was diverse and fulfilling. After her time at the penitentiary, she took several years off to raise her children. Once they were old enough for school, Charla re-entered the workforce, holding positions at the Van Buren Leader Record, State Central Bank, and the doctor’s office in Bonaparte. Her professional life was just one facet of her dedication to her community.
Charla was a pillar of her community, serving on numerous boards and associations. She was the current president of the Bonaparte Cemetery Board, the Bonaparte Historical Association, the Tea Leaf Club, and the Township Store. She also contributed to the former Bonaparte Main Street Association and the Rathbun Rural Water Association Director. Volunteering was not just a pastime for Charla; it was a passion. She believed in the power of community and gave her time generously to make Bonaparte a better place.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Charla had a zest for life. She enjoyed traveling with friends and cherished the camaraderie of Thirsty Thursdays at the Hotel Manning. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charla’s love for her family was evident in everything she did, and her legacy of love and dedication will live on through them.
Charla is survived by her son, Alan Williams (Cortney) of Somerset, WI; her daughters, Susan Hines and Lori Loyd (Steve) of Bonaparte; her brother, John Carson (Jessie) of West Point; her sisters, Barb Rockhold of Mercer, MO, and Margaret Moeller of Fort Madison; her grandchildren, Jordy, Colten (Taylor), Jacob (Madison), Andrew, and Brady (Ashley); her great-grandchildren, Camden, Kinzley, and Kaden; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charlie, brothers Jim and Dick Carson, and sisters Pam Carson and Judy Huprich.
Charla’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, with Ellis Andrews officiating. Visitation with family present will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday September 14, 2025 at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua. Burial in Bonaparte Cemetery will follow the service. Memorials in Charla’s honor to the Bonaparte Cemetery may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 37, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com
Charla’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her dedication to her family, her community, and her friends will be remembered and cherished forever.