Charlene Marie Morrison

Charlene Marie Morrison (Anderson) passed away peacefully May 2, 2022.


Charlene was born in Portland, OR, April 15, 1941, to Vaughn and Mae Anderson. She attended Portland Christian School, Harmony Grade School, Milwaukie High School for two years and Clackamas High School for two years where she graduated in 1959.


Charlene met the love of her life, Kenneth Morrison, at a church youth group function in 1958. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1959 and he came home on leave to marry Charlene May 29, 1959. They soon relocated to Richmond, VA, while Ken was serving at Fort Lee. Daughter Cathy was born on base in August 1960. Charlene worked in the insurance industry in Virginia while Ken served his country. While in Virginia, she witnessed many key moments in history with the Civil Rights Movement. Ken was discharged in 1961 and headed home as fast as he could for Oregon with Charlene and their baby girl.


Charlene made a home for her little family back in Milwaukie, OR, on Ruby Drive. Daughter Vickie was born in July 1962. The family bought property in Clackamas, OR, and built their first home. Daughter Lori was born in September 1968. They lived off Sunnyside Road for 30 years. When her children entered high school, Charlene returned to work in the insurance industry and retired from United Grocers in the late 1990's.


Charlene's passion was teaching Sunday School. She started teaching at age 12 and continued over 60 years until her stroke in 2017 made it impossible for her to continue. She shared her gifts of story, art, and song through the children's ministries at Harmony and Valley View Evangelical Churches in Clackamas County and Grace Brethren in Goldendale, WA, during her retirement years. She impacted countless lives through her ministry to children.


In 1990, they purchased property in Goldendale, WA, and built a vacation home. In 1998 they started construction on their dream log home and relocated to retire. While in Goldendale, Charlene became active in the community and participated in church activities, car club, community art scene, farmers market and local parades.


In 2017, they sold their dream home to be near family in the Portland area. Life had other plans and health challenges with both Ken and Charlene meant a move to Assisted Living. Charlene spent the last four years at Deerfield Village. Before a second stroke in 2018 she continued to teach watercolor classes for the residents.


Charlene was a wonderful wife, mother, and teacher. She was a "super mom" before Pinterest made it cool. She was a prolific artist, and loved gardening, sewing, and baking. She will be greatly missed but we take comfort in knowing she's had a glorious reunion with her beloved family members in Heaven!


She was preceded in death by her daughter, Vickie Kimmel in June 2018; and her beloved husband, Ken in September 2019.


She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Gidley of Oregon City, OR; daughter, Lori (Greg) Specht of Gladstone, OR.; her sister, Estle Harlan of Lincoln City, OR.; her grandchildren, Matthew Kimmel, Amber Gidley-Berg, Cassi Gidley-Belding, Hailey Specht; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.


A private burial will be held Thursday, May 12, 2022, at Willamette National Cemetery where she and Ken will rest together for eternity.


A public memorial service and reception will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Valley View Evangelical Church, 11501 S.E. Sunnyside Road, Clackamas, OR.



In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity in memory of Charlene.