Charla Jeane (Wagner) Nelson was born in Sheridan, Wyoming in 1956.The family (including an older brother,Steve) moved from Sheridan to Lovell in 1960, where she attended elementary, middle and high schools. She was an avid reader and because she spent so much time at Lovell Library she began working there during the Summer of 1969. She lettered in Music her Jr. and Sr. years, where she sang in the concert choir, a double mixed quartet and the Girl's Choir. She was active in and served as President of Future Nurses of America, served on the Student Council, the Graphic Arts team and was a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout her high school years, she worked at the Hyart movie theatre, The Lovell Chronicle and as a sales clerk at Busy Corner Pharmacy. She graduated from LHS in 1974 at the age of 17.

Charla went on to attend Billings Business College in Billings MT. Upon receiving her certificate of completion, she returned to Lovell, was married, and accepted a position as the payroll clerk for Georgia Pacific. She moved into the banking industry in 1977, working as a bank teller and accountant. She was active as organist for St.John's Lutheran Church, where she also taught Sunday School, sang in the adult choir and directed the children's choir.

Her son, Aaron, was born in Lovell in 1978. In 1986,they moved to Cheyenne, where she pursued her career in banking. In 1993, she applied her banking experience to a new career as the Bank Accountant for the State of Wyoming in the Treasurer's office, where she worked for 10 years. She was also active at Trinity Lutheran Church, where she served as organist, Sunday School teacher, adult choir member and director of the children's choir.

In 1996, she became a member/mentor of the Laramie County Community College choir and Cantorei Singers, where she scheduled and organized tours for the choirs, which Aaron was also a member of. During the next 4 years, the choir toured annually and performed at Carnegie Hall in NYC (twice) and Italy.

Charla and Bob met in 1999 and were married in 2003. Together, she and Bob have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. They currently maintain residences in Cheyenne and Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they've established two art galleries and two jewelry stores. Together,they are even more passionate and supportive of the arts, serving as proud sponsors of the Cheyenne Symphony, Cheyenne Chamber Singers, All-City Children's Chorus, the Santa Fe Symphony and Desert Chorale.

She shares Bob's passion for all things Western and is honored to hold a position on the Museum Board, where she serves as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. She also works full-time as Director of Manitou Galleries in Cheyenne.