Charity Janelle Rench

Charity Janelle Rench, a beloved educator, mother, and devoted wife, left this world on August 1, 2025. At the age of 44, Charity passed from this life surrounded by her family in her home after a long battle with cancer. Born on September 5, 1980, in Wellston, Oklahoma, Charity enriched our lives with her presence and left a lasting impression through her unwavering faith and vibrant spirit.

A 1999 graduate of Free State High School, Charity furthered her education at the University of Kansas, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 2005. Her passion for teaching found its way into the classrooms of Kennedy Elementary School, Cordley Elementary School, Veritas Christian School, and McClure Elementary School, where she influenced the lives of countless children, instilling in them a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them.

Charity was much more than a teacher; she was a warrior, fighting through life's challenges with determination and strength. Those who knew her witnessed her ability to live life with love, warmth, and creativity. She had a genuine passion for singing and playing guitar. She achieved the remarkable distinction of a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Her love for Star Trek, movies, reading, and baking brought happiness to everyone around – family and friends alike.

Family was of utmost importance to Charity. She leaves behind her husband, Daniel Rench, and her cherished children: Eliana Harris, Abigail Harris, Gabriel Harris, Olivia Renesmee Rench, River Rench, Tucker Rench, Devean Harris, and Christian Hanson. Charity also leaves behind her father, Rick Haught, and her siblings, Aaron Arnold and husband Paige, Janon Rausch and husband Derek, Joshua Haught and wife Stephanie, and Doug Speight and wife Christine. As well as, brother-in-law Warren Pratt Jr., grandsons, Landon and Noland Brookens, and her 15 nieces and nephews.

Charity was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Brown; her sister, Christa Pratt; her miscarried twins, Benedict & Michaela Harris; her niece, Calyn Rausch, and her nephew, Luke Rausch.

Charity's legacy continues through the children she treasured and nurtured, the lives she touched as a teacher and foster mother, and the music she shared with others. Her selfless love shone brightly, even as she endured through her fight with cancer, she taught, she served in worship, and she kept a diligent faith in the Lord, reminding us all of her resilient spirit, depth of character, and her enduring faith in the Lord. Yet, it was her love and dedication to her family that resonated most deeply, echoing through the lives of those she touched.

In remembering Charity, we honor the melody of her life that played brightly in the hearts of all who encountered her. Let us hold her memory close, celebrating the beautiful life she lived and the countless lives she inspired. For those fortunate enough to have known Charity Janelle Rench, her spirit will forever remain a cherished part of their lives.

A Visitation for Charity will take place on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be at 10:00am Friday, August 8, 2025 at First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044.

To leave a message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.