Samuel Franklin Charlo

Samuel Franklin Charlo, age 48 of Ronan, passed away on December 11, 2025, in Ronan, MT.

Sammy was born on February 17, 1977, to Christine Ewing (Hewankorn) and Francis Tenas. He was the first born of their 7 children. Sammy was legally adopted and raised by his grandparents, Tony & Helen Charlo. He was raised in Elmo with his many cousins, who knew him as their brother. They spent much of their summers on the powwow trail.

Sam graduated from Two Eagle River School in 1996 and on December 13, he welcomed his first-born Daughter, Maklit Ellen with Belinda Assiniboine.

Sam was a skilled mechanic and expert Tint & Sound Engineer; whose ride could be heard from down the block.

In 2007, Sam married April Jorgensen in Elmo, MT. They set up their household in Ronan and went on to have 6 daughters: Zoey, Brooke, Mackenzie, Erica, Kiya, & Jayla. They enjoyed traveling and making memories as a family.

Sam attended Salish Kootenai College and received his Certificate in Heavy Equipment. Sam went on to get his CDL and drove semi all across the country. He finally settled home and got a job with Flathead Irrigation.

Sam enjoyed spending time with his family and friends doing his many hobbies: car maintenance, audio, & tinting; playing basketball; going on bass cruises; hunting with his brothers; and teaching his girls his odd lessons of life.

Sam is preceded in death by his mother, Chrissie; parents, Helen & Tony; infant brother, Francis Ewing; Sister, Cissy Johnson; nephew, Jerrell Tenas; and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his children, Maklit Charlo of Polson, Zoey, Brooke, Mackenzie, Erica, Kiya, and Jayla Charlo of Ronan; wife, April of Ronan; father, Frank Tenas of Elmo; siblings, Vic Charlo of Dixon; Nicole Eneas of Pablo; Francis, Byron, Colleen and Tony Tenas of Big Arm; Chris Tenas and Jacinda Kenmille of Elmo; many nieces and nephews; and his many friends and family.

Services will begin on Monday, December 15 with rosary at 8:00 pm. Final viewing will be at 10:00 AM on December 16, with funeral services at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the Dayton Cemetery.