Charlene Sue McComas passed away peacefully at her home in Ontario, Calif., on Sunday, July 13, 2008.

She was born Nov. 8, 1947, in Wadsworth to Clyde and Viola McComas, the oldest of five children. She was a 1965 graduate of Medina High School and a 1969 graduate of Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She moved to Upland, Calif., in 1981, and worked for Pomona College in the publications department. Charlene was considered to be a highly talented writer and editor throughout her career, and she also held positions at Pomona Valley Hospital, and for more than 15 years of her life, as an editor for Southern California Edison Co. in Rosemead, Calif. She fought a valiant eight-year battle with breast cancer and taught all those who knew and loved her the true meaning of courage and humility. She will be in our hearts and souls forever and we will all miss her wit, humor and generosity to others.

She is survived by her mother, Viola McComas; sisters, Carla (Rex Willis) Riley and Claudia (Roy) Barnhart; brothers, Kevin (Nancy) and Chad (Michelle) McComas; and seven nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clyde McComas.

Visiting hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the home of Kevin McComas, 958 Hidden Valley Drive, Wadsworth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Center.