Charlene M. Boyd

Charlene M. Boyd, 91

Charlene Maryann Boyd was born in Wallace, Idaho, to Mary and Wylie Gardner. Her father (Pappy to us grandchildren) was a hard-rock miner, and her mother (Grammy) was a homemaker. Mom grew up in Wallace and Silverton with her brother, John (Jack), and spent five years before World War II in Marysville, Montana, where her dad was the supervisor of the Bald Butte mine.

She was a talented musician who played the piano and the baritone saxophone in high school, worked as a lifeguard at the Wallace Swimming Pool, and was an active member of the Camp Fire Girls, cherishing her time at Camp Sweyolakan on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Mom left for Washington State College after high school to pursue a degree in Nursing. While attending a Christian youth group event on Lake Coeur d'Alene, she met a fellow Coug who had driven a load of other students to the event. Claiming she got car sick, Mom placed herself next to the driver, Gene Boyd, our dad, for the drive back to Pullman. That was the start of 67 years of marriage and a family of six children.

Mom and Dad married in 1953, and while Dad was serving in the Army, Mom completed her nursing training in Spokane. When Dad returned, he began a 15-year career in sales with Phillips Petroleum, starting in Spokane, then moving to Great Falls, returning to Spokane, and back to Great Falls, then a final transfer to Moses Lake. During this time, Mom worked as a nurse in local hospitals and doctors' clinics. She took great care, energy, and humor to manage the household while Dad was away traveling through the Northwest for Phillips. She ensured that all of us were involved in some activity, such as piano, band, swimming, and social groups. According to Mom, this was part of our proper upbringing.

In 1971, Mom and Dad took a leap of faith, encouraged by their friend Terry McMahon, to buy a home near his and purchase a small petroleum construction and service company called Coeur d'Alene Service Station Equipment. This marked the beginning of their partnership and long journey to become successful business owners, raising six children, and maintaining their home overlooking Hayden Lake.

We were latchkey kids before the term was invented, and we often created mischief and grief for Mom and Dad at times. They worked tirelessly to put food on the table and a roof over our heads, but found time to ensure we attended Sunday school, got educated, and gave us the fortune of swimming, boating, and skiing on Hayden Lake, as well as time for family and friends.

Mom had a passion for reading, music, theater, and impromptu dancing. She and Dad would cut a rug to big band music in the living room and at wedding events. It was a sight to see them dancing.

They traveled throughout the US, Canada, and Alaska in their 5th wheel and camper, visited the UK and France, and went on Mom's bucket list cruise through the Panama Canal. We were fortunate to spend many years RVing with Mom and Dad to several of their favorite parks in our area, as well as the annual trip to Wallowa Lake.

After moving from their home of 50 years to a retirement home in Post Falls, Dad's health continued to decline, and when he died in 2021, Mom carried on with grace and humor with her signature joyful smile until she died in early December 2024.

Mom had a remarkable ability to find joy and maintain a positive attitude through life's challenges, especially during her final months, which was truly a gift. During her life, she uplifted those around her, offering a compassionate smile, a simple song, or a clever message to guide her husband, children, friends, family, and colleagues.

In her passing, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Mom's legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.

She is survived by her six children, Lori (Larry) Holstein, Don (Connie) Boyd, Linda (Dave) Robinson, Jon (Maree) Boyd, Paul (Sandra) Boyd, and Phil (Shelly) Boyd. Her grandchildren, Andrea, Wylie, Emily, Hannah, Rachael, Kelsy, and her step-grandchildren Jennifer, Chris, Chet, and Erich, as well as her brother Jack's children, Natalie, Patty, Debbie, Becky, Keri, JayWylie, and Matthew.

Don't worry, Mom. We will drive safely through the canyon, take a plug from the square bottle-in moderation-and continue using those words that show our lack of intelligence.

With admiration and gratefulness for being our mom, we are using your signature sign-off: "Bye-bye for now, love you."

A private service will be held in the "Valley" to honor her life at Greenwood Cemetery in Kellogg on September 13 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following at The Brooks in Wallace from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Friends and acquaintances are welcome to attend.