Charlene E. Waddell, 79

Charlene E. Waddell, 79, of Worley, Idaho died on Feb. 9, 2022, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She was born Sept. 9, 1942, in Renton, Wash., to the late Edward O. and Elaine (Toetly) Meredith.

Charlene grew up in Worley, attending college at North Idaho College. She was married in 1958 to Wesley (Dick) Gilbert, together they had three children: Glen (Pud) Gilbert, Lana Sifford and Keith Gilbert. They later divorced. She then married William (Bill) Waddell March 25, 1983.

She started working at the family business, Meredith Repair in Worley, at a very young age. Through the years she accomplished may things including selling and delivering Avon, driving the school bus for over 35 years, and was a founding member of the Worley Ambulance Association from 1972 to 2014 where she was an EMT-A and also general manager. She and husband Bill built and ran the Homested Drive-Inn in Worley in 1985 until they sold the business in 1996 to daughter, Lana Sifford. With a deep love for her hometown, she was appointed to the Worley City Council in August of 1992 and served until July of 1999 when she took over as mayor. She then served as Mayor until present. She also was a notary of the public and performed numerous weddings.

Charlene was an avid reader, who also enjoyed music and playing guitar. She also sang and played in a band. She loved to garden and care for her beautiful rhododendrons; she could be seen somedays caring for the potted plants on Main Street in Worley. She enjoyed helping people with income taxes for many years. Charlene and Bill enjoyed attending Worley Community Church.

Charlene is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Janet Miller and Pat Vens; brother, Glen Meredith; son, Glen Gilbert. She is survived by husband, Bill Waddell; daughter, Lana Sifford; son, Keith Gilbert (Shannon); all of Worley; she had seven grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Charlene will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022, at the Worley Community Church, 30203 S. First St., Worley, Idaho 83876.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials can be made to the City of Worley Cemetery Fund.

Yates Funeral Home entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Charlene’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.