Charlotte Marie Bothwell was admired for her love and devotion to her family, faith, and community. Even in her final hours, Charlotte was a consummate host and caregiver–comforting visitors who had come to comfort her. Her kind, caring, and steadfast spirit will be missed every day.
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Charlotte passed away peacefully at the age of 81 surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Colman Lutheran Church. The family will be present for visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, also at Colman Lutheran Church in Colman, SD.
Charlotte was born on July 19, 1943, to Carl and Isabelle (Lee) Olson in Flandreau, SD. She grew up in Lone Rock Township with her seven siblings and attended school in Egan, SD. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Bothwell on September 26, 1959 at Lone Rock Lutheran Church. They were blessed with four children; Julie, Todd, Jana, and Michiel. The family lived on a farm north of Colman for 31 years.
She was known as much for her strength as her caring nature. As a farm wife, mother, and main keeper of the house, she made sure the kids were cared for, chores were finished, meals were made, and bills were paid. During this time, she was active in South Dakota Pork Producers and was proud to be the state president of the Porkettes for several years.
Charlotte and Richard were fortunate to winter in Mesa, Arizona, for over 40 years. There she made many life-long friends and hosted winter visits from her family while staying active in the church community, choir, and quilting club.
At age 42, Charlotte bravely fought breast cancer after a grave diagnosis. This important moment strengthened the family and helped us cherish every passing year together. They moved from the farm to Lake Madison in 1990, where she lived until her passing. She and Richard were also instrumental in starting and growing The Lakes Golf Course community.
She was a gracious host and enjoyed cooking and serving others. She always looked forward to hosting family and friends at their Lake Madison home, especially on the 4th of July. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage–making lefse with her sisters every year, a tradition she passed on to her kids and grandkids. Charlotte also had a very special bond with her 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren charming and cuddling them and giving the occasional dose of tough love. They were always happy to join her in singing her favorite song, “You Are My Sunshine,” which she taught them.
She was an avid quilter who loved marking special occasions with homemade quilts for her kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren. Charlotte loved sunny days at the lake chatting with family and friends, gardening, and planting flowers around the house to make it beautiful. She also enjoyed casino trips, golfing, and bowling with friends.
Those grateful for having shared her life include her husband, Richard Bothwell; children, Julie (Peter) Entringer, Colman, SD, Todd (Denise) Bothwell, Lake Madison, SD, Jana (Dan) Miles, Colman, SD, and Michiel Bothwell, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Jarad (Kate) Miles, Derek (Brittany) Entringer, Megan (Rob) Klinkefus, Brady (Sarah) Bothwell, Heidi (Andy) Tonneson, Bethann (Dylan) Murphy, Lane (Lindsey) Bothwell, Molly Miles, Luke (Desarae) Miles, Kyle Entringer, and Hanna (Austin) Hillestad; and 26 great-grandchildren (and one on the way) who each held a special place in her heart; and her siblings Gwen, Marian and Dan (Marda). She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Isabelle; one grandson, Jeremy; two brothers, Lee and Jerry; and two sisters, Carolyn and Margaret.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Madison Regional Health System who lovingly cared for her like family.
