Charla Donnine Pantoja passed away at home on February 24, 2021. Donnine was born January 16, 1959 at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Wilford Eugene and Charla Joye Benson and Don Merrick.
Donnine graduated from Elgin High school, Elgin, Oklahoma in 1977. She later continued her education at Cameron University where she earned her bachelors degree in accounting.
Donnine was a proud and loving military mother to three children; Michelle Satterfield, Jeremy (Sophia) Boetjer, and Felicia Pantoja. She has four grandchildren whom she absolutely adored. Robert Satterfield, Jayden Boetjer, Ava Boetjer, and Arya Giovannucci. She married the love of her life, Felix Pantoja, on February 18, 1995 and recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary.
Donnine was a dedicated employee of the US Forest Service. She began her career in Payson, UT and also held positions in Alamogordo,NM , Elkins, WV, and Rio Rancho, NM. She loved her job and her coworkers dearly.
Along with her parents, Donnine was preceded in death by her brothers Blake and Steven Benson.
She is survived by her husband, daughters, son, grandchildren, as well as her brother, Brian Benson, and sisters Michelle McCord, Linda Benson, and Terra Merrick.
She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received through this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in memory of Ms. Pantoja Mayo Clinic for transplant research.
· Donations can be made by phone, online or by mail.
• By phone - call 1-855-852-8129 to talk with a Gift Processing Associates who can take a donation securely over the telephone.
• Online -
o Under “tribute information” please indicate the gift is in memory of Ms. Pantoja
• Mail - Checks can be written directly to Mayo Clinic and mailed to Mayo Clinic Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905
o In the memo line of the check or on a separate please indicate that the donation is in memory of Ms. Pantoja
Visitation service will be held at Scenic Chapel Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 6pm.
Graveside service will be Monte Vista Cemetery Thursday, Marcy 4, 2021 at 11am.
Due to the COVID Pandemic, occupancy at the visitation is limited to no more than 5 people at a time. Further, attendance at the graveside is limited to 5 people as well. Please practice social distancing at all times. Thank you for adhering to the Department of Health mandate.
The Pantoja family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the funeral services.
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