Charlene B. Reeder

Charlene Bengoechea Barnhart Reeder, passed away on August 09, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Charlene Bengoechea Barnhart Reeder was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on April 17, 1943 To Aniceto and Alma Wamboldt Bengoechea. She attended St. Edwards Catholic school through the 8th grade and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1961. Charlene was the first of four children, followed by Ernest, Joe, and Lita. Following high school, Charlene attended dental hygienist school in San Francisco, California. She worked in several dental offices until her mother called her back to Twin Falls to help run the Bengoechea Basque boarding house. In July of 1965, Charlene married Donald Barnhart and moved to Pocatello, Idaho. Together they had two children, Anthony and Paula. After the children started school, Charlene attended Idaho State University and graduated with a teaching degree. Charlene taught at Tendoy Elementary school in Pocatello. In 1986, the Barnhart family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho and Charlene started teaching at Lincoln Elementary school. While teaching at Lincoln, she became the Title One Reading Specialist, and supervised seven para educator’s. She also had reading workshops at several smaller local schools in Southern Idaho. In 1996 Charlene’s husband Don passed away. One cold snowy day in January 1999, Charlene had a coffee date with Richard Reeder. They had dated in high school and not seen each other for 39 years. They were married in June 2000. Charlene acquired three more children, Camille, Danielle and Ben. After five hectic years of Charlene teaching all fall, winter and spring, with Richard flying helicopters on fires all summer, they both retired. To celebrate retirement, they went to the Basque Country for one month and lived the good life where Charlene’s father was born. In 2007, Charlene and Richard started vacationing in Mazatlàn, Mexico, which they did for 10 years. They drove to Mazatlán every year except when Richard drove his motorcycle, on those trips, Charlene flew down. They had many great memories from their trips in the car with friends. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents Aniceto and Alma Bengoechea, and husband Donald Barnhart. Surviving Charlene is her husband Richard, son Anthony (Lori) Barnhart and daughter Paula (Dan) Hasbargen; her grandchildren Randy (Whitney), Brandon (Jentell), Kable, Ellie, Emma, Davis, Ryann Abigail, Tyler Charlie and Max and great grandson Monty. Graveside Funeral services will be held at Twin Falls Cemetery on August 24, at 11:00 A.M. for family and close friends. Interment will follow in the Twin Falls cemetery Basque section. Special thanks to Mary Melendez, Shawna Wasko and the wonderful staff of Hospice Visions for their help caring for Charlene during her illness. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to The Gooding Basque Association, St. Edwards School, Lincoln Elementary in care of Twin Falls School District or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on her memorial webpage at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com