Charlene Helton

Charlene Helton passed away Tuesday, August 28th in Salem, after a seven year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 64 years old. She was a well-known and respected real estate agent & broker, and long-time businesswoman in Salem and the Willamette Valley.

Charlene was born in Salem, daughter of Charles Howard Rinne and Dora Eleanor (Schobert) Rinne. She grew up in several locations on the West Coast with her two brothers and sister. She graduated from North Salem High School in 1965 and also attended Portland State University. Her early career focused on accounting and office management, before becoming a realtor in 1978. Charlene has had much success, over the years owning and managing several real estate offices, as well as being co-owner of a construction company, two restaurants, and an event facility. She was past president of the Salem Association of Realtors, and won many achievement awards for her efforts in real estate.

Charlene enjoyed hobbies such as spending time with family, sewing, quilting, shopping, writing poetry, gardening, and traveling to the Oregon Coast and Maui with family and friends. She was a motivated and driven person and deeply involved with family, friends and community. She touched many lives and was a truly amazing woman.

Charlene is survived by husband James Helton of Salem, daughters Lacey (Helton) Stark of Salem, Bobbi (Helton) Otis of Sherwood, Jodi Helton of Vancouver WA, son Todd Helton of Salem, brothers Keith Rinne of Redmond OR, Larry Rinne of LaPine, sister Selma-Jean (Rinne) Egli of Phoenix AZ, as well as four grandchildren.

A memorial service is currently being planned. Details are forthcoming. Charitable donations in Charlene's name can be made to Union Gospel Mission or Marion-Polk Food Share. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors.