Charlene Ruenheck

Charlene Elizabeth Ruenheck, 94, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2012, at her home in Colorado Springs. She was born July 23, 1917, in Lone Wolf, Oklahoma to Charles and Viola Jerome. She was married to Leo Mueller who passed in 1939, leaving his wife and young son, Jerome. Charlene married Wil Ruenheck on February 14, 1943.

She lost her husband Wil in 2008 after 65 years of marriage, is predeceased by son Jerry Ruenheck, brother Delmar Jerome, and sister Evelyn Smith.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Walker and husband Jeff of Colorado Springs, grandchildren Robin (Russ) Faber, Justin Walker, Jeremy (Beth) Walker, Joshua (Amy) Walker, Lara (Zach) Tait; and great-grandchildren Jade Faber and Aiden Wil Walker; and brother William Jerome, niece Carol (Tom) Brown and nephew Dee (Lyn) Jerome.

She attended Clausen High School in Oklahoma City, graduated from Blair Business College. She was a model for the Eileen Ford Agency and later started the first modeling school in Orlando, Florida called Flamingo Model Agency. During WWII she moved back to Oklahoma and worked at Tinker Field Air Force Base. She met Wil, a young Captain, fell in love, married and began her career as a homemaker, mother and officer's wife.

Charlene was a member of the Eastern Star chapter in Orlando, Florida. She attended the First United Methodist Church soon after she and Wil made their home here in Colorado. An avid bridge player, she helped start two Colorado Springs bridge clubs. At the Air Force Academy, she was active in the Officers Wives Club, and with a group of friends started the Academy Thrift Shop, using the proceeds for charitable causes. Charlene loved Colorado Springs and was honored to serve as a member of the Red Cross board, believing strongly in this wonderful organization. As a volunteer at Goodwill for many years, she developed the "Pieces of Eight" section, and was awarded Volunteer of the Year. Goodwill was a charity close to her heart. Charlene loved quilting, entertaining, horseback riding and was a member of the "Saddle Bags".

Charlene lived 94 years full of family, friends, and accomplishments in her life. She will be remembered for her kind heart, service to others, remarkable sense of adventure, devotion to family, and her wonderful sense of humor. She left us all with cherished memories, and a smile in our hearts when we remember her. Family and friends will miss her dearly.