Charlene Elsie Rill Thomas

Charlene Elsie Rill Thomas, age 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 27, 2025 while in assisted living hospice care in Surprise, AZ. Charlene was born in Heppner, Oregon on January 20, 1934 to Leonard Hiram Rill and Ninon Elizabeth Huston Rill and was raised on the family farm with her seven siblings. Charlene moved after high school to Phoenix, Arizona where she worked as a bank clerk and met and married in 1953 Luke Air Force Base Fighter Pilot Donald Eugene Thomas of Gettysburg, SD. She became a dedicated military wife and together they had four children: Holly, Travis, Kindal and Brian. They divorced in 1971 and as a single Mother in Phoenix she raised four children, attended college and received her real estate license. She became a top selling realtor for the Del Webb Corporation while in Sun City, AZ and was promoted to Del Webb’s Las Vegas, NV division in 1988. She had a very successful career, enjoyed meeting and helping people find their dream home. Charlene was a devoted mother to her four children, a cherished grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She lived in Henderson and Las Vegas for many years until moving back to Sun City in 2015. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Noel Rill, Evan Rill, Cecil Rill and Lynn Rill. She is survived by her older brother Myron Rill of Othello, WA and younger sister Sharon Trout of Universal City, TX, her four children Holly Burke of Ypsilanti, MI, Travis (Shelley) Thomas of Jensen Beach, FL, Kindal (Cheryl) Thomas of Browns Summit, NC, and Brian (Karen) Thomas of Iceland. She has 10 grandchildren Robert Brown, Denise (Eric) Avila, Heather (Nick) Thompson, Kayla (Kris) Van Boven, Nathan (Miriam) Thomas, Starr (Kelly) Friesen, Joshua (Tosha) Zimmerman, Egill Lynn (Ebba) Thomas, Lilja (Sigurour) and Karel Thomas; 22 great grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, cousins and nieces and nephews. Charlene was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Surprise and enjoyed Bible studies led by her Pastor John Sprain. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support shown during this time of remembrance.

Charlene Elsie Rill Thomas

January 20, 1934 - May 27, 2025