Charlene Elizabeth Herndon Bozarth, 90, died peacefully at home in River Forest, on Sept. 4, 2025. Born on April 6, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan to Adeline F. and James I. Herndon, she graduated from Sexton High School in Lansing and went on to earn degrees from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University. She was a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Beta Delta chapter.
In 1958, she married Harold Lee Bozarth and they raised four sons, Martin (Carol Anne), Gregory (Shannon), Brian, and Theodore. Their son Matthew passed in infancy. She was the grandmother of Quinn and Emmi, Madeline, Mitchell, Sarah, and Casey, and Matthew and Rachel; and the sister of Abigail Herndon.
A polio survivor, Charlene dedicated much of her life to supporting others who faced similar challenges. She served as chairperson of the Michigan Polio Network and founded and facilitated a tri-county support group for polio survivors in the Lansing area. Her advocacy work encompassed organizing, administrating, speaking, writing, and counseling across the country. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Michigan State University’s Office of Programs for Handicapped Students named her outstanding alumna of the year in 1985-86.
In 1990, she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lived for over 20 years before relocating to California and eventually settling in River Forest. In 2019, at age 84, she published her book, Polio & PTSD: One Person’s Struggle and Triumph over the Psychological Damage of a Major Childhood Illness, sharing her story to help others navigate similar journeys.
She will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others overcome adversity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Adeline and James Herndon; her husband, Harold; and her infant son, Matthew.
A private memorial service will be held.
