Charles “Bones” Bartley was born Jan. 2, 1945, in Morton, Washington, to Chester A. and Agnes E. (Stinson) Bartley. He left us for new adventures March 11, 2022, from his home in the neighboring town of Mossyrock. His family lived up on Swofford Hill until he was about 1-year-old, when his dad built the 76 station and they moved to the now submerged town of Riffe, Washington, located just a few miles east of Mossyrock. His family also owned Chet’s Market in Riffe, where, as Charles said, he “grew up.”
He attended school in the area, and was a logger from age 16 to 20, when he joined the United States Army. He spent much of his service time in France, returning to the states in 1967. Once home, Charles went back to the woods as a logger, retiring in 1989 after an injury.
Though life was hard on him, he remained a hard worker, tinkering around in his shop or doing DIY projects at home. He served on the Mossyrock City Council, beginning his term in 2009. During that time, he was active in the Mossyrock Area Recreation Committee (MARC) and the planning of the Klickitat Prairie Park. He was also in charge of the Lewis County Gleaners from 2010 to 2021.
Charles loved the outdoors. Camping was a big part of his kids’ early years, and later, he did a lot of fishing with his wife and grandsons. He was honest and very outspoken. He lived life on his terms and what you saw was what you got. He was genuine and one of a kind. He found his faith at the Shoestring Valley Church and was baptized in July of 2018.
Charles loved his family so much. He had two girls from a previous marriage, Cheryl and Stacey. He met his future wife, Mary E. Vernon, in March of 1986. Through Mary, he gained bonus children, David Vernon and Maggie Jara, whom he took in and also raised as his own and loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Agnes, and siblings Jerene and George.
He is survived by his loving wife Mary; children Cheryl (Jason) Quick, Stacey (Jesus) Andrade, David Vernon and Maggie (Jim Workman) Jara; granddaughters Amanda Vernon and Emma Workman; seven grandsons Jason Quick, Jr., Aaron Quick, J.C. Workman, Logan Quick, Martin Andrade, R.J. Workman and Austin Andrade; great-grandson Ryker; and siblings Barbara Pearson, Linda Pickering and Allen Vinup.
Inurnment with military honors will take place at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Doss Cemetery. Following the graveside service, all are invited to the Mossyrock Community Center for a potluck celebration of his life. Please bring a favorite dish and share memories of this special man.
