Charlene Menzies, 74, joined our Heavenly Father in peace on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, after fighting a valiant battle against cancer for the third time. She leaves behind her son Loren and daughter Merri Jo; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and many beloved family members and cherished friends. Born in Toledo, Oregon, Charlene lived in Portland, Oregon through her teens, graduating from Franklin High School in 1958. She later remarried and moved to Carson City in the early 1960’s with her husband Rick Menzies and children Merri Jo and Loren. While her children attended school in Carson City, she found her niche in the education arena, starting as an aide at James Thom School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada over several years of commuting to night school. She retired from the Carson City school district after touching the lives of hundreds of students and their families. Not one to be idle, she and her husband became crafters and traveled all over the western states. Char was always active in the community - through her teaching, through Special Olympics, through her church and as a passionate and caring supporter of others with cancer. She lovingly crocheted hats and shawls that were given to others with cancer. She loved to travel and particularly enjoyed the Hawaiian Islands. Char was devoted to her family and friends and will be most remembered for her infectious laugh and her loving heart - no one who met her was a stranger for long. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Carson City at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to her church or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in her name; www.bcrfcure.org. FitzHenry’s Funeral Home is trusted with arrangements.
