Kathaleen Waddell

Kathaleen Ruth Chatterson Waddell was born on March 26, 1942, in Pullman, Michigan, and passed away suddenly on May 3, 2022.

She was the second of four children, born to George and Bernice Chatterson, and grew up alongside her older sister Margaret, younger brother George (who preceded her in death), and youngest sister Jackie. She carried a deep pride in her Norwegian heritage and later traveled to Norway with her mother and sisters to connect with relatives there.

On February 1, 1964, she married Gary Ray Waddell. In September of 1964, they welcomed their son, Perry Ray Waddell, and on June 22, 1969, their daughter, Michelle Antoinette Waddell, was born. After Gary's college graduation, the family moved from Michigan to Portland, Oregon. In 1975, his work transferred them to Boise, Idaho. Though the move was difficult at first, Boise became home, filled with dear friendships and lasting memories.

Kathaleen was the heart of her neighborhood. She was the mom who drove kids to Pojo's arcade and to ZipZ's and Delsa's ice cream shops. Other children would ask, "Kathy, can we go to Pojo's today?" and she usually said yes.

When her children were young, she performed as a clown—bringing joy to birthday parties and to residents at the Idaho State Hospital. She later taught special education before she and Gary founded a Toyota forklift dealership, which they operated for 20 years. After selling the business, she devoted herself to Idaho Public Television, first as a volunteer and later as a full-time employee. She loved being on air during fund drives, enthusiastically encouraging viewers to call in and support public television.

In the late 1990s, Kathaleen survived a brain aneurysm and endured a long recovery. Rather than slowing down, the experience seemed to deepen her determination. In 2002, she ran for the Idaho legislature, working tirelessly for causes she believed in. She had long been politically engaged, taking her children to rallies and teaching them to stand up for what they felt was right.

Kathaleen embraced adventure. She and Gary owned a small airplane and flew across the country together—he piloting, she navigating. Through their Toyota business, they also traveled extensively around the world. They shared a passion for collecting Wedgwood and scoured the globe to add to their cherished collection. She loved to drive fast—especially her Toyota Supra—and believed that every car next to her at a stoplight was ready to race. After her aneurysm recovery, she even went skydiving, determined to experience everything life had to offer.

In her later years, she enjoyed visiting the casino—perhaps a little too much—and had a well-known fondness for Pepsi and butter. She loved giving hugs and squeezing hands, a physical expression of the deep affection she carried for those she loved.

Above all, she loved fiercely. She adored her grandchildren—Aidan Waddell Siener, Jillian Antoinette Siener, and Harrison Anker Waddell—and was immensely proud of them.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Ray Waddell; her son, Perry Ray Waddell (Elizabeth); her daughter, Michelle Antoinette Waddell; her grandchildren, Aidan Waddell Siener, Jillian Antoinette Siener, and Harrison Anker Waddell; and her sisters, Margaret and Jackie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Idaho Public Television.

Kathaleen will be remembered for her courage, humor, generosity, and the unwavering love she gave to her family and community.