Dr. Charlene Seely Ragsdale Chess

DR. CHARLENE SEELY RAGSDALE CHESS, 90, of Cat Spring, Texas, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024, in Brenham, Texas.

She was born February 15, 1934, in O’Donnell, Texas, the daughter of Bill and Eva Mayfield Seely.  Charlene grew up and attended schools in the Temple area, graduating from Temple High School in 1952.  She earned a B.A. in English and History in 1971, from Texas A&M University.  Charlene was one of the first 200 women to graduate from A&M.  In 1975, she earned her Masters M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M.  Charlene was united in marriage to Ronald Chess, Sr., on April 2, 1983, at Lake Conroe.  They made their home in Cat Spring and were active members of First United Methodist Church in Sealy.

A few years passed and Charlene decided to dive back into her studies and earn her PH.D. in Education in 1991 from The Union Institute in Cincinnati, OH.  She taught high school World History and English at Bryan and Spring High Schools.   Charlene also served as Associate Headmaster and as founding Dean of Academics at Episcopal High School, Houston.  During her travels abroad, she served as a consultant for academics and curriculum for a new school in Kuwait.  During her travels, Charlene deeply researched the Holocaust.  She became a Speaker and Lecturer across the US on the subject that is so dear to her.  Charlene also authored 2 books on the Holocaust survivors and their story: Living Longer than Hate and The Song of the Sparrow.

She was a member of the Eastern Star and several Honor Societies.  Charlene served as a 4-H project leader in Brazos County.

Charlene is survived by her husband: Ronald Chess, Sr.; children: Cheryl Ragsdale Fickey and her husband, James, Cathy Ragsdale Chitwood, James Ragsdale, Ron Chess, Jr. and his wife, Sherry, and Amy Hebert and her husband, John; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Bill and Eva Seely, and her grandson: James Ross Ragsdale.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to either The Alzheimer’s Association, Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087-1005 or to Amedisys Hospice, 226 South Live Oak Street, Bellville, Texas 77418.