Charlotte Ann (Russenberger) Waddle passed away on February 3, 2025, in Searcy surrounded by her beloved family. Born on July 25, 1941, she was the firstborn child of Ernest and Margaret (Kenney) Russenberger, and big sister to twelve siblings. She grew up in Little Rock, graduating from Mount St. Mary’s Academy in 1959.
She married James Eugene Waddle, the love of her life, travel buddy, and husband of 66 years on July 11, 1959. They created a beautiful legacy in their five children: Douglas Waddle, Julie (James) Works, Donna (Danny) Smith, Carla (Anthony) Robeson, and Anthony (Carol) Waddle. They were blessed by eleven grandchildren (Amanda, Cheyenne, Reggie, Mel, Aziza, Andrea, Megan, Andrew, Ashlynne, Brycen, and Caleb), eight great-grandchildren (Lane, Alexis, Brandie, McKenzie, Madison, Walker, Rania, and Hatcher), and one great-great-grandchild (Grayson). Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Tim, Dan, and Kenneth Russenberger. She is survived by her five sisters, Phyllis Patrick, Janet Russenberger, Peggy McKinney, Mary Kay Jones, Diane Taylor, and four brothers, Pat Russenberger, Frank Russenberger, Mark Russenberger, and Chris Russenberger, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Charlotte was a baker by trade and managed a bakery in McCain Mall for several years. She had many interests, but nothing compared to her love of water which was evident to all who knew and loved her. She spent many hours on Lake Ouachita with James and the kids by her side along with the bevy of family who visited them on their houseboat. She loved nothing more than catching a mess of crappie or bream and sitting at the lake soaking up the sun. She found a love of cruising later in life, having sailed on over twenty cruises where she and James visited more than 50 ports of call. Her fondest memories were having her family accompany her and James on a special 50th wedding anniversary cruise and again on their 60th wedding anniversary. They traveled the world with her sister Phyllis and her late-husband Raymond by their side.
Charlotte spent many a Sunday afternoon watching NASCAR and loved watching football with one of her beloved dachshunds by her side. She was an avid reader and was always on top of the latest events by reading the paper every day. Other hobbies included gardening and sewing. She enjoyed hosting family events and was happiest when her kids were all under one roof. There was nothing as satisfying as putting your feet under Charlotte’s table while you enjoyed a good meal, especially her homemade rolls and pies, surrounded by family.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11th at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church located at 700 W. Moore Avenue in Searcy. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Jeremy Darden officiating the service. Interment will be at Henderson Cemetery in Pangburn after the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to Temple Baptist Church would be appreciated.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
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