Obituary of Charlotte Karen Selves

Charlotte Karen Selves passed away at her home February 17, 2024 with family near.  She was 85 years old.  Charlotte was born to Margaret and Glenn Skeers in Cheney, Kansas on March 28, 1938.  The oldest of five children, she spent her childhood years in Kansas until her family moved to Washington then settled in Middleton, Idaho.  She graduated from Middleton High School and married Roy Selves in 1957.  

Roy and Charlotte moved their young family around the Treasure Valley, following work. They purchased a farm near Ontario where their small family grew to include seven children.  While on the farm, Charlotte worked diligently. She ensured the cellar had plenty of canned fruits and vegetables and the freezer was stocked with meat, grown and raised on their farm.

Having to travel to find work, Roy was in Wyoming living in a small fifth-wheel trailer. The family was visiting Roy when their farm house burned to the ground. The trailer became their home for the next five years, with the family living in Wyoming, Boise, Washington and Alaska. The family moved to New Mexico and eventually returned to the Ontario area.  

Charlotte and Roy made a good team, making sure the family’s basic needs were met.  At times Roy worked three jobs at once, providing for the family. Charlotte ran the farm, preserved food, sewed the family’s clothes and even canned salmon while living in the trailer.  She not only cared for the home but also worked part-time jobs to help make ends-meet. Throughout these travels Charlotte was resilient and always ready for the next adventure. 

Widowed in 1989, Charlotte became self-reliant, returning to the workforce full-time.  She worked as a CNA in the Ontario area before retiring.  Charlotte was an avid reader, enjoyed puzzles and spending time with her children and grandchildren.  

Charlotte is survived by her children Donald Selves, Ronald (Tracy) Selves, William Selves, Victoria (Frank) Shelley, Theresa (David) Peters, Rebbecca Selves and Raymond (Denise) Selves, fifteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death her husband Roy Selves, and by one great-granddaughter. 

Services will be at Shaffer-Jensen Funeral Home in Payette, Idaho on Monday, February 26th at 11:00 AM.  A gathering to share and reminisce will be held at the Portia Club in Payette directly following the service. Private interment will follow at a later date.