Charlene Strickhouser, January 23, 1950 – January 3, 2023

Charlene J. Strickhouser was called home by the Lord and reunited with her beloved late husband on Jan. 3.

Charlene was born to Charles McFall and Mary Jane Bente on Jan. 23, 1950, in Burbank, California. She was the oldest daughter of five children. Years later, she was blessed with two additional siblings to share love and life with.

In 1968, Charlene graduated from John Burroughs High School in Burbank. That is where she was introduced to her high school love, Ray Strickhouser, all thanks to their very close mutual friend, Rob Nylander. Charlene and Ray were married 45 years. They had two children together, Alvin Strickhouser III and Moreen Strickhouser, who blessed her with five grandchildren.

Charlene adored spending time with her grandchildren and made sure to make precious memories with them by doing craft projects, teaching them cooking skills, or just catching a movie together! She was also a faithful member of the church and enjoyed fellowship and worshipping the Lord. Charlene felt very close to her church family and loved to sing. She blessed those around her with her cheerful singing, her big warm hugs, and her smile.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Charles McFall, Mary Jane Bente and Wayne F. Bente; her loving husband, Ray Strickhouser; their son, Alvin Strickhouser III; as well as her brother, Lynn McFall.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Moreen Strickhouser-Monzon, and husband, Julio Monzon; their three sons, Nicholas, Brandon and Christopher Monzon; their grandsons, Alvin Strickhouser Jr., and Nathan Strickhouser; Charlene's loving family, including her sisters, Rachel Giliberto, Linda Curtin, Laurie Roan, and Vicki Williams; her brother, Michael Bente; as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins and all her friends from church!

A Celebration of Life will be held at her church, Heirs with Christ Family Fellowship, on Feb. 25th in Mojave, California. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting all charitable donations be made to the Have a Heart Humane Society in Tehachapi. Their mission is to rescue, provide sanctuary and ultimately re-home abandoned, stray and neglected dogs and cats from Tehachapi and the surrounding cities.

Ruthie, a good friend of Mom's, recently told me her vision to always keep Mom alive is the quote from the movie E.T., "I'll Be Right Here." Love more, hug more, and cherish family more!

Wood Family Funeral Service has been entrusted with her care. For condolences, please visit http://www.woodmortuary.net.