Jan. 31, 2010

Charlene Doreen (Matousek) Nance, of Lake Havasu City, passed away Sunday of natural causes. She was born in Chicago, to Emma and Charles Matousek. Her older sister was Lorraine, whom is now deceased.

Charlene married Robert W. Nance, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, in Chicago, in June 1944. They moved to Miami, Fla., in February 1946 with their infant daughter, Mary. They lived for several years in Silver Court Trailer Park, making many lifelong friends. Bob became a building contractor and they experienced the ups and downs of life, and had two more children, Bette and Bob Jr.

She touched everyone around her in marvelous ways, from Girl Scout leader, Red Cross life saving instructor, and Small Craft Safety instructor, to working for the State of Florida in Florida Crippled Children’s Commission and Disability, working for more than 25 years before retiring. Charlene had been a resident of Lake Havasu City since 1993.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. Nance and her eldest child, Mary C. (Nance) Mann. Charlene is survived by her daughter, Bette C. (Nance) Rasco, of Lake Havasu City; and her son, Robert W. Nance Jr., of Portland, Ore. She has been the cherished grandmother of Arthur J. (Hanna) Rasco, Mary K. Nance and Michael T. Nance and great-grandmother of three great-grandchildren, Elise, Emma, and Jonathan Rasco.

She will be cherished and remembered for her humorous spirit, kindness, and joyfulness. She has been joined on her journey by her sister-in-law, Opal, who also passed away on this day.

A celebration of her life will be held 2 p.m. on Friday at 2042 Donner Bay in Lake Havasu City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Lake Havasu Senior Center, 450 S. Acoma Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.

Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefrazefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.