Clara Lee Elder Waite

Clara Lee Elder Waite broke the tape and crossed the finish line in the early morning of July 19, 2026. She was 88 years old.

Clara Lee was born on July 22, 1937 in the small mining town of Tooele, Utah. She was the second child and only daughter of her parents, Charles Milton Elder and Carrie Edna Gililland Elder. She adored her older brother, Charles Lloyd.

Clara Lee contracted polio at age 4 that left one leg nonfunctionable and presented physical challenges for her the remainder of her life.

She loved and was protective of her family. She was a daddy's girl. She was so proud of her brother and uncles who served in the military. Two of her uncles were survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941.

Clara Lee’s parents did not attend any church, but they gave her their blessing and she was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age 11. She was a faithful and active member her entire life.

In 1958, Clara Lee was a student at BYU in Provo. Around that time, she was corresponding with an LDS missionary. One day, she received a letter from that missionary's companion. The companion’s name was Warren Waite. After Warren completed his mission, he went to Casper, Wyoming to meet Clara Lee in person. Then, as they say, the rest is history.

Clara Lee married Warren on January 6, 1960. They were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. She soon became a military wife and they traveled to Germany and, later, to some stateside bases.

Clara Lee learned some of the German language and was known to volley German phrases at those she felt needed correction. "Macht du stille!" (Be quiet!) has been directed to many.

After her husband left the military, Clara Lee and their kids followed Warren to his hometown in Meridian, Idaho. Clara Lee loved and embraced her new extended family and home.

After their youngest child had entered elementary school, Clara Lee began to work as a legal assistant. She worked for more than 20 years before retiring.

Clara Lee served in many church callings, but seemed to enjoy teaching the most.

She appreciated the beauty of nature. She liked flowers and all animals. She especially loved dogs. There was a special place in her heart for each and every one of her loyal, canine companions.

Clara Lee loved watching many sports. She enjoyed the Olympics, especially ice skating. She looked forward to the Kentucky Derby and other famous horse races. She was a big Boise State fan, too.

Clara Lee was a good cook. She liked Snoopy and Jolly Ranchers. She was a talented artist and loved music. She worked on many projects including painting, pastels, charcoal, embroidery, and dried flowers, to name a few.

She was an avid reader of all sorts of books. Her children remember being regularly sent to the Book Mobile to retrieve her books on loan.

She had a pretty voice and performed many times while growing up. She liked many types of music including: opera, soul, pop, and Celtic. She even had a love for bagpipes.

Clara Lee was a big supporter of her kids' sports endeavors. Rain or shine, she cheered at hundreds of wrestling matches, basketball games, football games, and track meets.

Although Clara Lee was known to be feisty at times, she liked various types of people and made and kept friendships that lasted for many decades.

Clara Lee and Warren are parents to five children:

Laura Kay, Charles (Lana), LeAnna Thomas (Randy), Brian (Holly), and James. At last count, they have 18 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren.

Clara Lee loved her children, but it was no secret that she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren even more. They lit up her life, especially in her last few years.

Clara Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Warren A. Waite, her parents, Charles and Carrie Elder, her brother, Charles Elder, and many, many more loved ones.

We are thrilled Clara Lee is now free of all physical impairments and is inundated with joyous reunions on the other side with many family and friends. Party on, Mom!

We so appreciate all those who assisted Mom in recent years and in her final days:

Longtime caregivers Bonnie Vassilaros and Tiffani Sharrai.

The Homewatch Caregivers team of Victoria, Veva, Faun, and Aiysha.

Special appreciation to Candice Adams, DNP, Mom's in-home health care and hospice provider.

Saturday, July 25, 2026:

Viewing will be from 9:30 to 10:15 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel at 1560 N Ten Mile Road, Meridian, Idaho.

Funeral services will follow at 10:30 am.

Burial will follow at Cloverdale Cemetery, 1100 N Cloverdale Rd, Boise, ID 83713.