Charlene Shaw King

Laura Charlene Shaw was born on November 11, 1932, in her grandparents' homestead house in rural Camas County, Idaho, to her parents, Mannie and Lucile Shaw. She spent her childhood on her parents' farm, attending the one-room Corral School until she began junior high. In her early teens, she moved to Boise, where she attended North Junior High while living with her grandmother, Laura Barron. During that time, she enjoyed being her grandmother’s companion, was able to get braces, and continued her piano lessons. She graduated from Boise High School in 1950 and remained lifelong friends with her classmates, affectionately known as the YaYas.

Charlene married Robert W. Barber in 1950 at the tender age of 17, and together they started a family. After his untimely death, she married Rudy Javenick in 1963, and they shared 37 years together until his passing in 2000. At the age of 79, Charlene married Robert E. King, a longtime friend and neighbor she had known for many years. They enjoyed their years together until his passing in 2024.

Charlene had a lifelong passion for gardening. Whether tending colorful flower beds, carefully shaping her landscaping, or nurturing plants until they flourished, she found peace and purpose in creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Every home she lived in reflected her love of flowers, beauty, and God's creation. One could not visit her without a tour of her garden.

After Bob King's death, Charlene was able to remain in her home thanks to the loving companionship of Tina Toops and her dog, Tucker, who faithfully followed her from room to room. Tina shared Charlene's love of gardening, and the two quickly became dear friends.

A devoted Christian, Charlene's faith was the foundation of her life. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and faithfully served the churches she attended throughout her life. Whether through music or acts of service, she found great joy in using her God-given talents to bless her church family.

Charlene will be remembered for her steadfast faith in the Lord, her boundless love for her devoted family and cherished friends, her gentle spirit as a peacemaker, and the laughter she brought to those around her simply by being herself.

Charlene is survived by her three children, Leslie (Gary) Beck, Donna (Leo) Lemmelin, and Lonnie (Kitty) Barber; her grandchildren, Aaron (Melissa Osgood) Beck, Emily (Jim Slaugh) Beck, Katherine (Christian) McKenna, Olivia (Kurt) Kristiansen, Jacob (Ashley) Lemmelin, Sabina Barber, Nicole (Bryan) Hodges, YaJenne Javenick, Alex Terrell; her great-niece, Alyssa (Jason) Mealer and her children Macie and Camden, her great-nephews, Malik and Naim Haji; her great-grandchildren, Jack Lemmelin, Bayli Hodges, Zoey Hodges, Claire Hodges, Josh Hodges, Kozmo Javernick-Pender, Malachi Javernick-Pender; and many beloved extended family members.

In addition to her husbands, Charlene was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Whittington.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel.  A luncheon will follow at Life's Kitchen, 8574 W. Fairview Ave., Boise, Idaho, 83704, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.