Charlotte Bradford

When thinking of Charlotte, “Shorty,” “Charlie,” “Chuck,” “Ma,” or “Mom,” many will think of the large collection of frogs she held dear.  Anytime she received a new frog her eyes would light up and a smile would spread across her face. She loved all the new additions people would find her. Others may remember her with a book next to her side, a game show or Hallmark movie on the tv, eating ice cream or enjoying peanut M&M’s. It also wasn’t unheard of for her to be working on her next artistic masterpiece, making yearly homemade Halloween costumes, or swiftly creating her newest idea—crotchet hook in hand.  Those things aside, everyone remembers her love, her compassion, her acceptance, and—most of all—her strength.  Charlotte could cut off the head of a snake (which she was deathly afraid of) with a shovel quicker than the snake could realize she was there, and this is how she faced life: head on. No matter what picture anyone could imagine of “Shorty” (or any number of the loving nicknames she went by), she can always be remembered by the love she offered all people with which she crossed paths. She will be greatly missed but will forever be a part of every person she knew; her memory will carry on because of her beautiful presence on this earth.

Even though Charlie was confined to a wheelchair for the last 30 years, she still lived an abundant life.  She spent time as a cook for School District #51, where not only could she cook (one of her passions), but also, she could provide for children, another of her loves.  After her own children were old enough to start helping more around the house, she attended night school to gain her Associates Degree in accounting.  She worked tirelessly all day, went to school all night, and still provided for her family; she was simply amazing!  After obtaining her degree, she secured a job with the phone book company and enthusiastically worked there until her diagnosis of M.S. It was  in 1996, when she and J.D. gathered themselves in the truck and went on the road together.  These would be some of the most remarkable- and happiest times for them both: Shorty navigated and J.D. drove.  Being able to share so much intimate and memorable time together was one of her most treasured memories.

She and J.D., her husband of over 50 years, shared a love that most people can only hope for in their lifetime, and together their strength created a beautiful family. She is survived by her husband, JD Bradford; her sister, AJ George; her children, Gina (Rich) Jenkins and Mistie “Sam” (Jeremy) Woods; her grandchildren, Kaela Jenkins, Zach Jenkins, AJ Jenkins, Logan Jenkins, Sidnee (Colton) Dubbel, Nathanel Akens (Kamryn Monroe), Jessie (Derek) Rowbotham; her great-grandchildren, “Ash,” “B”, Camber, Faith, and Hope; her mother-in-law, Clestine Bradford; and several nieces, great-nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in her journey to the Lord by her parents Stanley and Zelda Hill, her father-in-law, great-grandson, two brothers-in-law, a niece, and two nephews.

To honor the life of Charlie, an Open House celebration will be held on November 21, from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., at 2987 Fenwick Lane, Grand Junction, CO 81504.  We understand that with COVID many people will not feel comfortable attending this event, but it will be Open House event so people may come and go as needed and in hopes that large crowds will not be an issue.

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”  ~Rum