RICE, Charlene (Rowlette) age 65, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 9, 2013. She was born in Hamilton, Ohio on November 22, 1947, the daughter of Bess and Raymond Kramer. She was a graduate of Ross High School and received a nursing degree from Tampa College in 1982. She married Richard Rice Sr. on June 4, 1966 and they were blessed with two children. Charlene made many friends through the various places she worked—Cincinnati Bell, Miami Valley Cable, St. Petersburg, Florida Police Department, Bick's Driving School, Journal News for 18 years, and she retired from Avon.

Charlene was devoted to spreading the word of God's love and handed out thousands of window decals that stated "Look who Jesus loves." Charlene fought a long, courageous battle with cancer for 8 years and survived two brain surgeries. She was an inspiration to many people and was asked to speak at the opening of the Gebhart Center at Fort Hamilton Hospital.

She is survived by her children, Richard "Rick" Rice Jr. and Michelle (Hank) Reid, both of Hamilton; a step-daughter, Aimee Chasteen and family of Cincinnati; three grandchildren, Codee Rice, Laura Rice, and Doug Reid; one great-grandchild, Raelynn Marie Williams; two brothers, Larry (Harriet) Rowlette of Millsboro, Delaware and Ron Rowlette of Hamilton; a sister, Bonnie (Doug) Crothers of Hamilton; nine nieces and nephews; and many devoted friends. She will be greatly missed by all these loved ones. Mom, we will always remember the red bird, Ricky and Shelly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, James Rowlette; and her fiancé, Jerry Chasteen.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave. with Pastor Shawn Chrisman officiating, followed by burial in Millville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 pm Thursday in the funeral home. Online register book available at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com