Charlene Rich, age 66, of Richey formerly of Billings passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the Billings Clinic in Billings.
Charlene was born April 24th, 1951 in Jordan Montana to Charles and Pohney Rich. She attended the Mosby and Calf Creek grade schools in Garfield County. Charlene graduated from Garfield County High School in 1968. She attended MSU Bozeman then transferred to Macomb Illinois living with her Aunt Kay and Uncle Jack Hill while she attended Western Illinois University. Graduating in 1972 with a BS. Later she returned to MSU Bozeman graduating in 1986 with a MS in economics. She also did post graduate work at Cornell University in 1988. Charlene married John Garoutte while in Illinois. Together they had 2 sons Brandon and Jay. They later divorced. She taught junior high school in Keokuk Iowa from 1972-1981. She moved back to Lewistown Montana with family in 1981 and went to work with Fergus County Extension from 1983-1992. She started with the Montana Beef Council as Executive Director from 1996-2012. At this time, she met Larry Switzer who would later become her husband. Charlene and Larry married on May 11th, 2012. She left the Beef Council in 2012. Charlene continued her involvement in the Ag community with Northern Ag Network after leaving the Beef Council. She deeply enjoyed her positions at both the Beef Council and Northern Ag. She earned respect from people in the beef industry and maintains these relationships to this day.
Charlene was a member of the 4-H club in both Mosby and Sand Springs taking lambs and sewing. Later in life she starting showing cutting horses with daughter-in-law Cindy Garoutte. She acquired a love for driving horses in 2000 when she got her draft horse Mick. She drove horses for many years around home and in numerous parades and competitions, winning several awards. She encouraged her grandchildren to share her love of horses with her.
Charlene had great respect for her father and they shared a special bond. She loved the ranch at Sand Springs, spending lots of time there with her kids and family. She was also very grateful for Larry’s compassionate and loving care during her time of illness. Charlene has left a lasting impression on our hearts and she will be deeply missed by all.
She is survived by her husband Larry Switzer of Richey, MT; her mother Pohney Rich of Lewistown, MT; son Brandon (Cindy) Garoutte, grandson Jace, of Columbus, MT; son Jay (Megan) Garoutte, granddaughters Carlynn and Loralee of Lewistown, MT; stepsons: Tate (Dawn) Switzer, grandsons Koen and Tegan of Richey, MT, Trey Switzer of Richey, MT; step daughter Kaci (Seth) Jansma, granddaughter Seeli Rae of Fromberg, MT; sister Bonnie Jessen and son Cruz of Scottsdale, AZ; brothers Alvin (Denise) Rich of Nye, MT and Kenny (Linda) Rich of Sand Springs, MT and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Charles Rich.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 13th Street W., Billings, Montana. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch or ALS Association.
Rick Haines says
I have never known anyone with more style and grace. She was like a velvet rose wrapped in barbedwire who defended the cattle industry, loved her land, and adored her family! We morn for our loss and know God called her home to tackle a new project or pave the way for those who follow!
Sue and Shawn FitzGerald says
I’m richer for have known Charlene. My most heartfelt sympathy to family and friends. I’ll
Cindy Ingraham says
Love Hugs and Prayers to you all. It’s been many years but Charlene was a special person ❤️Cindy
Ekwortzel Ranch says
Always enjoyed being around Larry and Charlene. What a classy striking couple that carried their heads high through this last tough year. Larry, their kids involved and the Rich family can hopefully find comfort in the memories of Charlene along with peace in the knowledge …….all is well again. ✝️??✝️
Duane and Terri says
Such a lovely lady. Please know our sincerest condolences to all if the family our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Love,
Duane and Terri
Beth Ann & Lyle Hodgskiss says
Charlene was my very first babysitter….not too many to choose from in the Sand Springs community! Especially one that would take on the four wild Brown kids! We were good friends with her family. She was a woman of grace and beauty and will be missed by many people across the state of Montana. My heart goes out to her family and to the Rich family of Sand Springs! Love, Beth Ann and Lyle
Gene Surber says
Charlene, always the epitome of elegance and beauty, a class act. She will be missed by many but find memories will stay with all who privileged to know her. May all the family pain of her loss be eased by knowing she had a positive effect on most everyone she met.
Leo and Luci Dutton says
Sending our love and sincere sympathy to the entire family. She will be greatly missed.
Sue Anderson says
Charlene was a neighbor of mine in Billings….I found out she went to high school with my brother in Jordan who wasn’t raised with me and who had died in a car accident…after that we had a special bond. She was one classy lady. So sorry for your loss!
Sue Anderson
Heidi (Gasser) Thomas says
My love and prayers to all Charlene’s family members! I am so sad for this loss. I knew Charlene since grade school and 4-H days in the Mosby/Sand Springs area, and we were in the same graduating class in high school. I wish I could have gotten together with her again in recent years, but it didn’t work out. She will be missed.
Wendy (Owens) Vance & family says
Brandon, Jay, & family: I remember Charlene from 4-H and interacting with you boys in school & whenever we visited my aunt (who lived by you). She was a very classy person inside & out & will be remembered by many people. I hope the knowledge that so many people are thinking of you in this time will help in some measure. Hugs & prayers to you all!
Ron & June Tibbetts says
Charlene will be greatly missed.. Sweetest & neatest Person…We are very thankful to call her a Friend. She will be greatly missed. Prayers for all her Family. God be with you through this difficult time…
Maureen Cremer Schaak says
I knew Charlene many, many years ago when wenfirst met at.the Calf Cteek grade school! I was a little younger, but she was about the prettiest, kindest person I’d ever met. She always looked out for us younger kids in those days. I did get to see her off and on over the years, and she never changed. Always the epitome of integrity, honesty, grace, and humble elegance. We always picked up right where wed left off and no matter what was going on, she made time for me and renewing our friendship. I, and the world, will sorely miss you Charlene. I send with you peace and serenity as you ride over that last ridge dear friend. Set the gates for us! I’m sending strength, compassion, and love for all her family and friends she leaves behind to grieve her loss. Bye my friend!
Maureen Cemer-Schaak
Eubanks family says
Today, I learned that your family is mourning the loss of your beloved Charlene. Please accept my condolences and be assured that almighty God is certainly aware of your painful feelings. May God comfort and sustain you to get through this day and others to come (Isa 41:13). Wishing your family all the best at this most difficult period.
Sonya miller says
Charlene sweet lady you will be missed! Rest in pease! I enjoyed every minute of our visits! Land , cattle , horses and ranch families knew they were in great hands when you were in charge! God must need an organizer because he took the best best home !
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Condolences to Charlene’ s family. She will always hold a special place in our hearts. Lillian and I were so blessed to have her at our table when she was recognized at stock growers. Heaven has gained a special angel.
Judie Swan says
Brandon and Jay…Bruce and I would like to extend our condolences to you and your families. Charlene was always so fun when she came into Country Corner. She was one of our favorite customers.
Bruce Krug
Judie Swan
Jim and Mae Rittal says
Larry and family, Jim and I extend our sincerest condolences. May the Lord keep you and strengthen you in this time of loss.
Fred & Gwen Wacker says
We would like to extend our condolences to Charlene’s family. She was a gracious lady and a wonderful dancer. She will be missed at Stockgrower events. Charlene was a true advocate for the cattle industry. Sincere Sympathies at this time of loss.
David Maplethorpe says
Charlene was a good friend to me and the previous Rex restaurant. We will all miss her constant goal of improving the Beef industry. She was a stalworth for the cattle industry. She will be missed by all of us who enjoyed her and her personality.
Bonnie & Dan Holbrook says
We met Charlene & Larry when we were operating a bar, restaurant and bowling alley in Circle, MT. Every once in a while they would stop in on their way through town. Charlene was always a delight to see. Such a special person and a shining light to us all. We are so saddened to hear of her illness and passing. Our prayers and sympathy to family and friends. Heaven has a new angel watching over us all.