"God looked around his garden and found an empty space. He then looked down upon this earth and saw your beautiful face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest, God's garden must be beautiful because he only takes the best." -excerpt from D.W. McConway's poem God's Garden

Our Mother, Charlotte Marie (Hoffmann) Rabe, went home to God's garden on Monday, March 19, 2018, after a short illness. Born December 30, 1928, Elgin, Illinois, The only child of Henry Arthur Hoffmann and Theresa Rudolphine (Goldenstein) Hoffmann. She married her beloved husband, Clarence Rabe, on May 23,1953 and had 4 wonderful children. Dale (Candy), Joan, Alice and Paul (Kimberly). Charlotte is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Proceeded in death by both her parents and her husband. Charlotte and Clarence moved their family to the Boone County are in the early 1970's to their Dairy Farm where they raised their children. Charlotte also worked at Edwards Apple Orchard for 36 years until having to reluctantly retire. Charlotte was also a member of the original Merri Milk Maids organization whose presence is best known for the fabulous ice cream booth at the Boon County Fair. Charlotte served with them for 43 years after turning the reigns over to the new group of Merri Milk Maids in 2016. She was also a member of the Boone County Farm Bureau and served on several committees for the local area Dairy Breakfasts. Charlotte will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday March 23, 2018 at Evangelical Covenant Church, 220 E. Harrison St, Belvidere, IL 61008 with Rev. Scott Nellis officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00 till 8:00 p.m., Thursday March 22, 2018 at the church and a visitation from 10 till 10:45 a.m. prior to service, please use the parking lot doors. Burial in Highland Gardens of Memories. Memorials to the family to establish a memorial at a later date.