Charlene Ruth (Tanner) McDowell

Charlene Ruth McDowell, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 13th, 2026, at Auburn Community Hospital. Born on July 1st, 1945, in Auburn, NY, Charlene lived a life full of love. She grew up in Skaneateles, NY, and graduated from high school there. She was a former member of First Baptist Church (now Cornerstone Baptist Church) of Skaneateles.

She found the love of her life, David, and married him on August 2nd, 1975. She became a mother, which was one of the things she loved most, but she loved being a grandmother even more. She taught us to value people over materialistic things and to always look out for others before yourself. She did this unconditionally, often putting off things she needed to make sure her family was taken care of. She was the most loving and selfless person you’d ever meet. While there is an empty place in our hearts, knowing she is no longer in pain or suffering gives us peace, and our faith reassures us we’ll see her again.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, David; her children Timothy, Tammy (Kevin), Thomas (Kristen), and Todd (Ashley); her sisters Beluh Tanner and Sarah “Sally” (Joseph) Tidd; her grandchildren Christopher, Justin, Ashley, Mackenzie, Haleigh, Hunter, Thomas Jr., Mason, and Madison; her nieces Angie, Joanna, Jessica, Holly, Michelle, Tonya, Penny, and Candy; her nephews Eddie, Andrew, and Howard; and many close friends whom she considered family. She almost always knew what to do, and if she didn’t, she would say, “Everything will work itself out, right? Right.”

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 17th, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at Bush Funeral Home, 120 E Main St., Elbridge, NY, 13060, followed by a short prayer service. A Celebration of Life will be at a later date. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charlene Ruth (Tanner) McDowell, please visit our floral store.