Charlene Sanders Balls, 76, peacefully returned to her heavenly home on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Soda Springs, Idaho after battling liver disease. She was surrounded by her husband and eight children when she passed.

Charlene was born on January 27, 1950, in Soda Springs to Conrad Anderson Sanders and Gale Whittle Sanders, joining her loving siblings Neal, Linda, Judy, and followed by Lori. Before Charlene was 9, the family moved from Lund to Soda Springs.

Charlene graduated as valedictorian from Soda Springs High School in 1968. She participated in student council, music, and the SSHS Drill Team, where she served as president. She authored the drill team’s Cardette Creed which has been recited by young women for decades. After high school, Charlene attended Brigham Young University. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Once again as a valedictorian, she spoke at the graduation services. Following her graduation, she taught 3rd grade at Sego Lily Elementary in Lehi, Utah for two years.

Although Charlene and Redge had been born in the same hospital only three weeks apart and attended the same small schools for many years, they didn’t “cross paths” until after she had graduated from BYU. They were sealed in the Logan Temple on December 27, 1973.

While Redge and Charlene were living in Utah, their first child, Jonathan, was born. After Redge graduated from college, the small family moved back to Soda Springs. It was here that Daniel, Julianne, Dorene, Michael, Melanie, Matthew, and Cassanda rounded out the family.

Charlene found creative ways to help support her large family. She used the sewing skills she learned as a girl in 4H to do alterations for a local men’s clothing store as well as members of the community. With her musical talent, she taught piano lessons to many children in the community and generations of her own posterity. She also shared those musical talents by playing the piano and organ for church meetings and community performances.

In addition to being a devoted mother, Charlene made a difference in the lives of the many students she taught over her 23 years teaching 6th grade science and math in Soda Springs. In 2001, she was honored professionally by receiving National Board Certification in Science and Early Adolescence. She also served for many years on the local library board.

Charlene was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many local callings and in three different temples.

After she and Redge retired, it was their great joy to travel together to visit, support, and encourage their children and grandchildren in their many activities and life challenges.

Charlene is survived by Redge, her loving husband of more than 52 years, her devoted children Jonathan (Jennifer) Balls, Daniel (Star) Balls, Julianne (Dan) Roberts, Dorene (Nate) Peterson, Michael Sanders, Melanie (Stephen) Reagan, Matt Balls (Max), and Cassanda (Jacob) Morisse, 31 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

Charlene said goodbye to her parents more than 40 years ago and their recent reunion must have been a joyous one.

Services will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center. The family will visit with friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 - 7:30 PM and on Friday morning from 10:30 - 11:30 AM at the church. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs.