Evelyn Charlene Gaetjens

Evelyn Charlene Gaetjens, known affectionately to all as Charlene, embarked on her final adventure on July 23, 2025, leaving a trail of laughter and love in her wake. Born on September 21, 1944, in the small town of Globe, Arizona, then growing up in Ajo Arizona, Charlene's zest for life was evident from the get-go. She was the kind of person who could find the humor in any situation, a gift she generously shared with everyone around her.
Charlene was a true renaissance woman, graduating from Arizona State University before diving into a career that spanned decades at Honeywell. True to her character, Charlene prioritized her family above all else, ensuring that her children, Kimberlee and Steven, were raised in a home filled with family values and generosity.
She was a devout Christian, but her faith never dampened her humor. In fact, she would say, borrowing from the great Dolly Parton, "If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." Charlene lived by these words, always looking for the silver lining and ready to dance in the storm.
Charlene's love for music knew no bounds. Whether it was tapping her foot to the latest hit or getting lost in the melodies of a Broadway musical, she believed life deserved its own soundtrack. And let's not forget her lifelong dream of becoming a bush pilot in Alaska! She may never have taken to the skies over the Last Frontier, but her adventurous spirit soared to new heights with every tale she told of the wild escapades she would have had.
Her legacy lives on through her beloved family: her daughter Kimberlee and son-in-law Christopher Kvaale, her son Steven Kittel, her grandchildren Drake (and his wife Katherine) and Nicolette Kvaale, and her great-granddaughters Aleena and Rynlee Kvaale. Each of them inherits her adventurous heart and her innate ability to find joy in every corner of life.
Charlene was the embodiment of love, adventure, and generosity. Her laughter was infectious, her spirit indomitable, and her heart as vast as the Arizona skies she grew up under.
As we say farewell to this extraordinary woman, let's remember the words of another comedic genius, Bob Hope: "I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap." Charlene, we know you're somewhere out there, refusing to feel old, probably skipping the nap, and instead, chuckling at the rest of us for thinking you might.
So here's to Charlene, a woman who lived fully, laughed freely, and loved deeply. Her memory will be cherished, her stories retold, and her laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew her, forever reminding us to embrace the joy in our own lives. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel, and though we miss her dearly, we take comfort in knowing she's probably up there right now, charming everyone with her wit and preparing for her next grand adventure. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Evelyn Charlene Gaetjens, please visit our Tree Store.