Charlene “Char” Dolores (Deaver) Patnode, 80, of Vancouver, WA, passed away peacefully with her loving husband at her side on July 28, 2026, after a short time in hospice care.
She was born August 8, 1945, to Albert and Alice (Arrestouilh) Deaver in Colville, WA. The family later moved to Grandview, Washington, where she attended school and graduated from high school in 1963.
She attended Yakima Valley College and Central Washington University, focusing on business and accounting. She had additional training in computer and management education as part of continuing education.
Her work history included bookkeeping, payroll, and physician’s assistant for Drs. Clevenger and Dierdorff in Sunnyside; insurance clerk for Kennewick General Hospital; pharmacist assistant and full-charge bookkeeper for Kurbitz Pharmacy Medical Center in Yakima; corporation secretary and treasurer for Patnode Hops; owner-operator selling race programs at the Yakima race track; owner-operator of Patnode Plastics, Patnode Hardware, and Sub-agent Dept. of Licensing; manager at Catholic Credit Union in Ellensburg; operations specialist at Washington Corporate Credit Union in Bellevue; executive administrative assistant and telecommunications financial administrator for David Evans and Associates in Portland, OR; payroll and reports for Bird Boys in Woodland and Vancouver for six stores. “Char’s perseverance, tact and attention to detail contribute to her ability as a troubleshooter.” This common theme describes her at work and home throughout her life perfectly.
She was a giver, and serving her community included (Len & Char) Riel Retreat Teams in the Yakima Valley and St. Philip’s Finance Council in Woodland. She also did financial work for a Seattle women’s homeless shelter home, and she was active in the Chamber of Commerce in Grandview.
Like her father, she was a whiz with numbers and often would challenge her granddaughters with math games, always jotting the figures down with paper and pen to keep her mind sharp, teaching them the value of money and spending wisely.
Char married Francis Patnode, the love of her life, on June 26, 1965, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grandview, WA. They were married for 61 years. They had two children, Michael and Maureen, and three grandchildren, AJ, Elisabeth, and Katharine. She loved her family fiercely and is remembered for her unending support, love, and encouragement. Often hosting a large family get-together for holidays, especially the year she wore a sparkly Christmas sweater and every time she hugged anyone, they had been “sparkled” by Aunt Char. She enjoyed a dressed table and all the touches of special serving dishes, each with a family history to share. The family table was non-negotiable; it was at the heart of many a fine meal.
Char was guided by her faith throughout her life. A devoted Catholic, she lived by faith in action, with encouraging, assisting, and “checking in” being routine for her. Countless new friends were made through this generous act. She was always willing to help where she could.
She could often be seen puttering in her garden, planting her favorite blue or pink flowers or working on a craft project such as her handmade cards that she loved to make and share with friends and family. In tune with detail, she enjoyed creating diamond dot prints for friends. She created a family history of several volumes using Forever, a photo-story program. She diligently undertook the whole process of scanning and creating pages to the finished project. Several copies were made for extended family. She continued making photo books for family and special friends over several years, commemorating events and accomplishments of the recipient. She always went the extra mile to make things “just right” in her attention to detail.
Char never met a stranger. She could often be seen making new friends in line at a grocery store. She loved calling on her dear friends and getting together for lots of laughter and entertaining on their lake home patio or pontoon boat. She excelled at showing support to those in their time of need. The recipients were always grateful for her outreach that came at just the right time. She helped organize many travel adventures with the neighborhood group. For several years, she and her friends enjoyed Red Hat Society lunches and dressing up in classic red and purple attire. She would host meals for the local priests and would soon become a second mom to them. She loved getting to know and helping people, reflecting on her life lessons and offering hope to others.
Special acknowledgement to her caregivers Claudia, Eveline, and Eveline Manahan, and to her other caregivers, thank you so much for your care and compassion.
Numerous visitors and family surrounded Char in her last days, and the hugs and "I love yous" were numerous. She felt the love, well wishes, and stories shared.
Thank you to everyone who has walked with her through the years. She truly knew each and every one of you, and your friendship meant so much to her.
Charlene is survived by her husband, Francis Patnode; son, Michael (Loree) Patnode; grandchildren, AJ Patnode, Elisabeth Patnode, and Katharine (Mason) Knight; sibling, Shirley (Doug) Arnold; siblings-in-law, Peggy (Tom) Roy, Lou Ann (Denny) Desgrosellier, Les (Caroline) Patnode, Maury Higuera, Nancy (Dave) Greene, and Darline (Marc) Charbonneau; nieces and nephews, John (Kyla) Perela, Gina Greer, Chris (Nicole) Roy, Tim (Caroline) Roy, Dana (Jake) Johnson, Deanna Roy, James (Emma) Noble, Rebecca Ungren, Peter (Ciara) Noble, Jon (Misty) Patnode, Lisa Patnode, Amanda Patnode, Mindy (Ryan) Hallsted, Shirley (Matt) Hawkinson, Rob (Kerri) Greene, Bill (Rachel) Greene, Dan (Jessica) Greene, Ryan (Erin) Charbonneau, Jeff (Monika) Charbonneau; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Maureen Patnode, in 2009; parents, Albert and Alice Deaver; brothers-in-law, Doug (Shirley) Arnold, Denny (Lou Ann) Desgrisellier, and Dave (Nancy) Greene; and sister-in-law, Shirley (Ron) Foster.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Brookside Funeral Home in Moxee (500 W. Prospect Way, Moxee, WA 98936). A graveside service will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Moxee.
Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at brooksidefuneral.com.
