Charles A. 'Charlie' Rolph

Charles A. "Charlie" Rolph, 72, of Monroe, passed from this life Monday, February 9, 2009, at Atrium Medical Center with family members by his side.

He has left to carry on his legacy, his caring wife of 55 years, Fay Rolph; his five sons, Charles "Chuck" (Candy) Rolph, Gregory Lee (Judy) Rolph, Jeffery Scott Rolph, Kevin Rolph and David Paul (Christy) Rolph; ten grandchildren, Doug (fiancé Krissy Hayden) Rolph, Heather (Sam) Sears, Greg (Jennifer) Rolph Jr., Amy Rolph, Stephanie Rolph, Joseph Rolph, Tyler "T-Man" Rolph, Aaron Rolph, Chad Rolph and Allie Rolph; four great-grandchildren, Riley Patrick Rolph, Mackenzie Rolph, Charlotte Rolph and Leah Rolph; a brother, Kenny (Sheila) Rolph; a sister, Linda Rolph-Judd; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elias & Lola Rolph; brother, Jimmy Rolph; and sister, Alice Henson.

Charlie was a great father and provider for his family and always made sure their needs were not only met, but exceeded.

Charlie was a High-Priest and life member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and attended the Middletown Ward where he had served as Bishop during the late sixties. He was a businessman and owned Charlie's Top Shop and Charlie's Auto Sales located in Middletown and Angilo's Pizza in Monroe. He came to Middletown to work for Armco Steel and was laid off in the late fifty's. He then started his first business and when Armco recalled him, he talked to his foreman and was encouraged to stay in business for himself and they promised to rehire him if needed. From this he was able to become a successful and respected businessman.
Charlie's life's passion was music and he was blessed with great musical talent from his parents. He was well known as one of the top lead guitar players and singers around. He started playing dog house bass with his father's band, the Kentucky Playboys, when he was so young his father had to stand him on a crate to be able to reach the neck and play. He admired the talent of his older brother playing the guitar and learned to not only play but to master the guitar and this became his instrument of choice. He was part of the Steve Lakes and the Swingmasters country band that played locally as well as the road band for many famous country music stars and acts out of Nashville. He recently had been playing in Germantown with the Rex Patrick Country Music Show and had developed many cherished friendships while doing so. Charlie was involved with local sports, playing softball and basketball in local leagues and he bowled in leagues at Eastern Lanes and Sports Bowl.
Charlie was a man of his word and all his life he worked to honor his good name. He has been in failing health for the past several years, but refused to give up. He chose to leave this life with as much dignity as he had lived his life. We, his family, have many memories and experiences to cherish for the rest of our lives.

The family wishes to thank all of those who prayed for Charlie, those that visited and those that touched his life. We thank Dr. Mark Frazer and Dr. Timothy Wourms and the medical staff and Palliative (comfort care) of Atrium Medical Center for their professionalism and compassion. We especially thank the Nursing Staff of the emergency room, the second and fourth floors of Atrium Medical Center for their genuine compassion, care, kindness and professionalism in caring for Charlie and his family. Your care will never be forgotten. Special thanks to the Monroe Life Squad and Fire Department for their service.

Funeral Service will be held Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 1:00 PM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4930 Central Ave., Middletown with Bishop David Nall officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at WILSON-SCHRAMM-SPAULDING FUNERAL HOME, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown. Interment will be at North Monroe Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Kidney Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, 2200 Victory Parkway, Suite 510, Cincinnati, OH 45206.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044