Obituary of Charlene Orr

Charlene Stewart Orr returned to her heavenly Creator in the early hours of Sunday, August 21^st.

Born October 10, 1934, to homesteaders Evelyn and Charles Stewart and raised near Idaho City, Idaho, Charlene was the eldest of six and a lifelong caretaker. After following a vocation in nursing, Charlene went on to work for the New York Irrigation District for the rest of her career. Whether working as a nurse, managing an office, tending the farm, or raising her family, she was quick to provide a helping hand and an eager ear to all who knew her.

In leaving her earthly body, Charlene is reunited with her lifelong love, Roy, with whom she had four children who will miss her deeply. Charlene and Roy raised their children between Boise, Caldwell, and Omak, Washington, making lasting friendships in each community. Moving their family multiple times over the years, Charlene and Roy’s relationship was a testament that “home is where your heart is” - and their hearts were always with their family. 

Her love for family and friends was matched only by her fondness for animals and hobbies. From the goats and sheep she tended for friends to the bird farm her family once owned together, you could always count on an introduction to the newest hooved or feathered critter when visiting her farm. Holiday celebrations were sure to include an array of homemade dishes loved by her grandchildren (sometimes with an extra pie made specifically for leftovers). Crafty and creative, Charlene was also skilled at recreating a craft she’d seen and teaching it to her grandchildren to make alongside her. She was always willing to take on a new endeavor or support her family, whether it be traveling for sports or attending a 4-H event. These activities and events will undoubtedly lose some of their lusters without her encouraging smile in the crowd.

Charlene is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, John, Jack, and Joe, and her husband Roy. She is survived by her brothers Jim and Jerry; her children, Kevin (Sally), Valerie, John (Pam), and Kirt (Kim); six grandchildren (Josh, Marcus, Rose, Seth, Kylie, Kirby) and three great-grandchildren (Eli, Tucker, Grace). She will also be missed by the countless friends who were loved as family, including her dearest friend, Donna Watterson

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Flahiff Funeral Chapel.

To honor her prolific admiration of indigenous culture and art, well-wishers and supporters are encouraged to donate to the American Indian College Fund in lieu of sending flowers.