Charlene Jean Ewing, 71, passed away on March 27, 2014 at Phillips County Hospital, Phillipsburg, KS.  She was born on October 22, 1942 in Smith County, Kansas to Burl Hines & Velma Baetz. Velma later married Garold Frase who raised Charlene as his own.

Charlene grew up in rural Smith County and graduated from Kensington High School with the class of 1960 in Kensington, KS. After high school, she attended Brown Mackie School of Cosmetology in Salina, KS. Upon graduation, she relocated to Phillipsburg, KS. to begin her career as a beautician at Kut-n-Kurl where she worked for many years.

Charlene married Leland Ewing September 8, 1962 at the United Methodist Church in Phillipsburg, KS.  To this union, two children were born; Melany Sue (Jackson) & Randy Lee. Leland & Charlene were happily married for 51 years.

Charlene mastered the many duties of a young farm wife & became a valuable asset to the family farm. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting & sewing for family & friends. She was an avid reader who couldn't put down a good book, and also enjoyed watching professional bull riding on television.Saturday nights were always a special time for Leland & Charlene as they enjoyed traveling the area to attend dances with a special group of family & friends. Countless memories were made at the dances & the early morning breakfast parties following the dances. Charlene also enjoyed time spent at family gatherings & taking pictures to record the moments.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Garold & Velma Frase; one brother, Billy Joe Frase, & a brother-in-law, Bob Green.

Survivors include her husband of the home, Leland; daughter Melany Sue & husband Rod Jackson; son Randy Lee & wife Deanna Ewing; grandchildren Shawn & Steven Cotten, & Adam & Savannah Ewing, all of Phillipsburg. Sisters include Darlene Green of Albuquerque, N. M., Barbara & husband Joe Robinson, Clayton, KS., Tammie & husband Roger Wheelbarger, rural Kensington, KS., Mary and husband Bob Hansen, Hastings, NE., & numerous nieces, nephews, & friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillsdale Cemetery, Phillips County.

Visitation will be Saturday from 5 - 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 9 p.m. at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 7 – 8 p.m. Sunday evening.