Charlotte was a Portland Rose City Princess (we’d like to think she was 1st runner-up). Jobs Charlotte held before becoming a homemaker included a telephone switchboard operator (“your number pleeeaaassseeee”-think Lily Tomlin), shoe sales, waitress at the Lonely Hearts Club, magician’s assistant, and turkey herder (on horseback).
Charlotte loved all of nature and was a long-time student and enthusiast of geology. She even flew over Mt. St. Helens just 5 days before it finally erupted. She knew it involved risk but said, “If this is how I go, what a way to go!”
She and Leo Carlisle Kendrick met at Whitman College in Walla Walla and later married in Washington D.C. just before the war (the Big One). They settled in Yakima after Leo’s return from service and after his law school studies at the University of Washington.
Here they raised their 3 children, Robin Klay, Kip Kendrick and Kelly O’Hanley. Charlotte enjoyed her children, loved her grandchildren, and was absolutely silly over her great-grandchildren. We will always be grateful for her parenting style. In contrast with “helicoptering,” she said, “I believe in you. Go for it.”
Charlotte and Leo were a wonderful pair: as a couple, as parents, as friends to others, and as active members of their community.
Charlotte was a founder of the local League of Women Voters, and she was proud of her involvement in many other local organizations.
Among her often-used expressions were: “Nice work if you can get it.” “The first liar doesn’t have a chance.” And “Be as good as your word.”
Charlotte thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds, foods and fashions of her extensive world travels. Charlotte loved playing bridge, wine, Asian art, and hiking. She adored her friends and made hosting every social event look easy. She was adept at drawing people out, and she had a delightful sense of humor.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Carlisle Kendrick, and a son, Rock Raymond Kendrick.
We are planning a Celebration of Life for Charlotte on May 5, 2018. Please contact Kip Kendrick for more details.
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