In Memoriam

Charlene Rae Keller Caldwell
March 10, 1946 - March 16, 2017

Charlene Rae Caldwell, 71, passed away March 16, 2017. She was born March 10, 1946, at home in Ronan, Mont. Charlene is survived by her husband of 51 years, James Caldwell; daughter Kelly Green; son Matthew Caldwell; son-in-law Thomas Green; daughter-in-law Tania Caldwell; siblings Jack Keller; Donna Mae Baldwin; Mildred (Millie) Keller; Mindy Bergquist and her husband Wayne; Linda Rilatos and her husband David; grandchildren Morgan Seed (husband Dan Seed), Riley Brennan; Mattalyn Caldwell; Emily Hicks; Mason Caldwell; and Tommy Green; great granddaughter Lucy Seed; several step-grandchildren; Jacob Green, Marlayna Hicks, Taylor Keith, Bryson Caldwell, and Jordan Green; as well as many nieces and nephews that were all so special to her.

Charlene was proceeded in death by parents, Charlie and Mildred Keller, as well as two of her older siblings, Barbara Arends and Norman Keller.

Charlene spent most of her childhood in The Dalles, Ore., attending The Dalles High School and in the first senior graduating class at Wahtonka High School. After high school, Charlene married James and started her family. She was a wonderful mother, who encouraged and supported her children in several activities, including horseback riding, swim team, Little League, and school sports, where she made many lifelong friends along the way. Charlene also enjoyed a long career in the fruit industry, mainly working for Duckwall-Pooley for over 33 years before retiring in 2014. She was especially proud of breaking the record for packing 300 boxes of pears in a single day, which resulted in an article in the Hood River News and still hangs in her home today.
After raising their family, Jim and Charlene spent several years traveling overseas for his career, living in American Samoa, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Ireland. She enjoyed the adventures and seeing other parts of the world, as well as bringing back many treasures for her friends and family.

Charlene spent most her free time with her family, especially her sisters, whom she considered her best friends, as well as lots of time with her children and many grandchildren. She found much of her joy in helping others and was always there with a helping hand for anyone in need. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Services will be held on April 29, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles. Contributions or donations can be made to the memorial fund in Charlene's name at any Columbia Bank branch.

http://www.thedalleschronicle.com/obituaries/2017/apr/16/charlene-caldwell/