Services in her honor will take place at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80 E., Haughton, LA on Sunday, March 10, 2024 beginning with a Visitation between 1:30 to 3:00, followed by the Funeral at 3:00 pm. Interment will take place the following day, at noon, Monday, March 11, 2024 within the Garden Of Memories Memorial Park, 5205 S First St, Lufkin, Tx.
Charleene graduated with top honors, from Lufkin High School in 1958. Charleene went on to a fulfilling career at Barksdale Federal Credit Union. She ended her career as Senior Vice President/CAO with responsibilities including human resources, funds investment, and facilities. Continuing her service to the credit union, Charleene was appointed to the Supervisory Committee in 2006 and was Chairman, prior to her appointment to the Board of Directors in 2010. She helped oversee the credit union grow in assets from $5 million to over 41.2 billion and from the small, original facility located inside the base, to twenty branch locations. She was active in several business organizations throughout the years. During these years, she attended LSUS and BPCC and completed the Certified Credit Union Executive program.
Upon her ultimate retirement, Charleene served over 50 years, with an incredible work ethic. Through her unwavering commitment, she became a role model and a gracious mentor, developing strong bonds and friendships to many people, always displaying an endless devotion to her company and to her family. She single handedly raised four children, managing the household – at times juggling multiple jobs, all to meet each of her children’s needs, yet still going on to a storied career. Charleene was an avid reader and after retirement, greatly enjoyed traveling with her husband, Bill, and their dog, Sam, in their "Motorcoach".
Preceding Charleene in death were: mom, Lillyette Hawthorne Defee; father, James Blakey Murdoch; son, Ricky Kimes; and sister, Jan Dempsey.
Left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are: loving husband, Lt. Col. Bill Ringler; son Kyle Kimes and Paula; daughters, Melanie Bond, and Ginger Smith and Mark; grandchildren, Joshua Kimes, Devon Monsour and Paxton, Adam Smith; along with great-grandchildren, Avery Kimes, Collins Monsour, and Charlie Monsour.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Charleene's honor to: Tunnel To Towers Foundation, www.T2T.org, 2361 Hylan Blvd,Staten Island, NY, 10306.
May her beaming light of inspiration, forever burn brightly, as we will miss her greatly !
