Carrie Joan Waddell

Carrie Joan Waddell passed away at age 88 on September 11, 2024, in Salem Oregon after complications from hip surgery. Carrie was born in Vader Washington to Carrie Ann and Joseph Dexter Bowers. Carrie is preceded in death by her parents, and beloved brothers Thomas, Buddy and Gary Bowers.

Carrie went to a variety of schools, eventually graduating from Willamina High School in 1953. Carrie married Lyle Johnson in 1953 and had four children. She later married Huel Waddell in 1982 and they were married for 32 years until Huel passed in 2014. Carrie worked for several doctors in Dallas Oregon, and eventually in Anchorage Alaska. She retired from the State of Alaska in Soldotna Alaska in 2001, after working for the state prison system for over 10 years.

She is survived by her children, Cindy Johnson, Cariesa Johnson and her partner Dave Crisman, Deana Johnson and David Johnson; her grandchildren Ryan (Amber) Bahler; Megan Bahler; Corey Bahler (Taillie); Kaylen Stone (Wayne); Kelly Myers; Riley Johnson and Cody Johnson (Annie); and great grandchildren: Landon, Roman, Marley, Neaveh, Maddie, Waylon, McKenzie, Oakley, Ryder, Keely, Kyann and Emelia.

Carrie is also survived by her cousin, Janice Brewer, who she thought of as a sister; many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly, and many she called her chosen family. Carrie made friends wherever she went and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Johnson Funeral Home, 134 Missouri Ave. S, Salem OR 97302 with Miles Johnson officiating. There will be a reception with refreshments immediately following the ceremony.

The family would like to thank Battlecreek Memory Care for the loving care of their mother during the time she resided there. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association @ https://www.alz.org. 

Carrie’s memory will live on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, remaining family, and many friends.