Charlene Mary Ryan-Ulguray

Charlene Mary Ryan-Ulguray, 73, entered eternal rest on March 31, 2026, at her home in Elma, WA.

Her life journey began in Tacoma, Washington, where she was born to Melvin and Charlotte Ryan on May 27, 1952. Charlene was raised in Tacoma until the fifth grade, when the family moved to University Place where she spent the rest of her childhood. She graduated from Curtis High School in 1970.

Following school, Charlene began working in retail, specializing in jewelry and makeup sales throughout Western Washington. Her career spanned several establishments, including Fred Meyer, Best Products in Tacoma, and Kinkade and Sons Jewelers in University Place. Early in her career, she also worked at Merle Norman Cosmetics in Lakewood helping women feel confident and beautiful at the makeup counter.

In April 2013, Charlene embraced a new chapter of her life, marrying Stephen Ulguray. Together, they established their home in Elma, WA where she would spend the rest of her life, with her husband and best friend, Stephen by her side.

Charlene was an accomplished woman who enjoyed dancing ballet, traveling, gardening, and taking long walks. She delighted in the simple pleasures of life—game shows and classic golden era television, moments filled with laughter and warmth, and spending time with her family. Charlene especially loved being involved in her church where she shared her God-given talents as a worship singer in choirs and lent her voice for outreach events. Charlene was a longstanding member of By His Word Christian Center in Parkland, and later Central Park Neighborhood Church. She also enjoyed being part of the Christian Motorcycle Association.

Her life was full of faith, love and good humor, all of which she shared freely. She will be cherished and missed by all who were blessed enough to know her.

Charlene leaves behind her loving husband, Stephen, beloved children: Robert Morton and Heather Wait (David) of Puyallup, WA, siblings: Mark Ryan (Carina) of University Place, WA and Diane Geib of Puyallup, WA, grandchildren: John Jakub, Jazmyne, Malia, and Makai, and great-grandchildren: Jack and Autumn. Charlene was preceded in death by great grandson Liam Birmingham.

Charlene will be laid to rest at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Her life will be honored and celebrated on Saturday, April 18th, at 11:00 AM at the Central Park Neighborhood Church with a reception to follow.

Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.