Marjorie Arlis 'Marge' Chadderdon, 88

Marjorie Arlis “Marge” Chadderdon, 88, passed away peacefully May 4, 2026, with the quiet strength that defined her life. She grew up on a rural farm in eastern Montana with her two brothers and three sisters, where life demanded grit, resilience and heart. As a young girl, she helped her mother feed the hired hands from an ox-powered chuck wagon — an early lesson in hard work, service and caring for others that shaped her entire life.

Determined and ambitious, Marge earned an associate degree from Great Falls Community College, where she studied to become a nurse. Her desire to care for others guided her early path, but her life took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Keith Chadderdon. They married Nov. 30, 1957, beginning a partnership rooted in deep friendship, devotion and shared purpose. Together, they raised their family, built businesses and made their home in Coeur d’Alene, where they worked side by side until Keith’s passing in 1993.

Marge was a woman of remarkable strength and resilience. She survived breast cancer twice — first in 1974 and again in 2011 — meeting each challenge with courage, toughness and unwavering faith.

From 1967 to 1996, Marge served as Secretary-Treasurer and co-owner of C & S Textiles and Carpet Center, a business she and Keith operated together for nearly three decades. Her work ethic, business acumen and commitment to customers earned her deep respect throughout the community.

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. As a devoted member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, she lived her beliefs through action. She volunteered for numerous organizations and dedicated herself to community service for more than 60 years.

Marge was deeply involved in civic and service organizations, including:

Soroptimist International (member since 1982), P.E.O. (member since 1984), Beta Sigma Phi (member from 1965 to 2010), Cancer Community Charities (3Cs) (member since 1965; president 1983–1984), Catholic Daughters, Kootenai County Fair Board (served five years) Founding member of Kootenai County Republican Women (established 1997), State Treasurer, Idaho Federation of Republican Women (2000–2004). Her dedication to service and community leadership was recognized when she was named Coeur d’Alene Citizen of the Year in 2009 by the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce.

Marge’s commitment to public service extended into elected office. She served on the Fernan Village City Council in the early 1980s before being elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 2004. She served four terms representing District 4, where she was known for her fairness, civility and ability to work across differences. Her legislative work focused on reducing taxes, strengthening education, improving transportation infrastructure and bringing more technology into Idaho’s public schools. Community leaders described her as part of the “solid core of Coeur d’Alene,” a steady, principled voice who always put people first.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Marge poured her heart into raising her four children, celebrating every milestone and, later, cheering on her nine grandchildren — all of whom are proud graduates of the University of Idaho, a point of pride she shared with everyone she met. Her 11 great-grandchildren brought her endless joy and kept her spirit young.

A celebration of Marge’s life will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Hagadone Event Center beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Children’s Village, Cancer Community Charities or St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Her legacy is one of love, resilience, faith and service — a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

    Chadderdon