Charese René Windes was born Oct. 1, 1974, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Thomas Robert Windes and Claudette Saathoff Windes. She passed away peacefully at the age of 50 in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 26, 2024.

The family moved from Missouri to Anchorage, Alaska, and then to Boerne, Texas. Charese graduated from Boerne High School in 1993. She attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1997.

She loved all things Baylor and was a strong supporter throughout her life, continuing to be involved as an alumnus, attending events and games. After graduation, Charese moved to Houston, where she got a job with Simmons and Company International. She worked for Simmons until 2018. Charese also worked with Experience Houston.

Charese loved family, friends, good food and traveling. She enjoyed going to music venues and concerts. She met her husband, Shaun Lewis at a Gin Blossoms concert at the House of Blues in Houston. Their first date was the next day, Valentine’s Day 2018. She also enjoyed visiting wineries and breweries with Shaun.

Charese loved animals, especially their cat, Oakley. She took up running and cycling for a time and even participated in the Boulder 10k in 2009.

Charese was kind and generous. In 2015, she began sponsoring a young girl in Zambia, even putting her through high school. She traveled to Zambia with Family Legacy, participating in their Camp Life summer programs in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Charese was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Robert Windes of Cameron, Missouri. She is survived by her loving husband, Shaun Lewis of Houston, her mother, Claudette Saathoff of Boerne, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Charese lived and loved with all her heart; she made a big impression on everyone she interacted with. Her contagious laugh and bright smile could light up a room. She has left behind a big hole in the lives of everyone who knew and loved her.

Her celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. The service will be at First Baptist Boerne, 631 S. School St, Boerne.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to https:// gofund.me/efd28314 to help Shaun with funeral and medical expenses.