Clara Lee Elder Waite broke the tape and crossed the finish line in the early morning of July 19, 2026, just three days shy of her 89th birthday. Her family rejoices in knowing she is now free from every earthly limitation and joyfully reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.
Early Life
Clara Lee was born on July 22, 1937, in the small mining town of Tooele, Utah, to Charles Milton Elder and Carrie Edna Gililland Elder. She was the second child and only daughter in the family and adored her older brother, Charles Lloyd.
At just four years old, Clara Lee contracted polio, leaving one of her legs permanently impaired. Although she faced physical challenges for the remainder of her life, they never defined her determination, strength, or joyful spirit.
She deeply loved her family and was especially close to her father. She was immensely proud of her brother and uncles who served in the military, including two uncles who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Faith
Although her parents did not attend church, they lovingly supported Clara Lee's decision to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of eleven.
That decision became the foundation of her life, and she remained a faithful, active member of the Church throughout her lifetime.
Marriage & Family
In 1958, while attending Brigham Young University, Clara Lee was corresponding with an LDS missionary when an unexpected letter arrived—not from the missionary, but from his companion.
That companion was Warren Waite.
After completing his mission, Warren traveled to Casper, Wyoming, to meet Clara Lee in person. As the family says, "the rest is history."
They were married on January 6, 1960, and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple.
As a military wife, Clara Lee accompanied Warren to Germany and later to several stateside military assignments. While living in Germany, she learned enough of the language to become known for humorously correcting family members with phrases like, "Macht du stille!" ("Be quiet!"), words that many who loved her heard over the years.
After Warren's military service, the family settled in Meridian, Idaho, where Clara Lee embraced both her new hometown and her extended Waite family.
Together they were blessed with five children:
- Laura Kay
- Charles (Lana)
- LeAnna Thomas (Randy)
- Brian (Holly)
- James
Career
Once her youngest child entered elementary school, Clara Lee began a career as a legal assistant.
She faithfully served in that profession for more than 20 years before retiring.
Talents & Interests
Clara Lee possessed many talents and interests that brought beauty into her life and the lives of others.
She appreciated the beauty of nature and especially loved flowers, animals, and most of all, dogs. Every canine companion she owned held a special place in her heart.
She was a gifted artist who enjoyed working in painting, pastels, charcoal, embroidery, and dried flower arrangements.
Music was another lifelong love. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, she performed often while growing up and appreciated a wide variety of musical styles, including opera, soul, pop, Celtic music, and even bagpipes.
An avid reader, Clara Lee was a regular patron of the local Bookmobile, often sending her children to retrieve stacks of books she eagerly anticipated reading.
She also loved watching sports. The Olympic Games, especially figure skating, the Kentucky Derby, other major horse races, and Boise State athletics were among her favorites.
She was known as an excellent cook and had a fondness for Snoopy and Jolly Ranchers.
A Devoted Mother & Grandmother
Clara Lee enthusiastically supported her children's many activities.
Whether it was wrestling, football, basketball, or track, she faithfully attended hundreds of games and competitions, cheering them on through sunshine, rain, and everything in between.
While she loved her children deeply, everyone knew her greatest delight was found in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Their visits, accomplishments, and laughter brought tremendous joy to her life, especially during her later years.
Faithful Service
Throughout her life, Clara Lee served faithfully in numerous callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Of all her opportunities to serve, she especially loved teaching, sharing both her testimony and her love for the gospel with others.
Survivors
Clara Lee is survived by her children, Laura Kay, Charles (Lana) Waite, LeAnna (Randy) Thomas, Brian (Holly) Waite, and James Waite; 18 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Warren A. Waite; her parents, Charles and Carrie Elder; her brother, Charles Elder; and many other cherished family members and friends.
A Lasting Legacy
Those who knew Clara Lee will remember her determination, quick wit, artistic talents, unwavering faith, and fierce love for her family.
Though she could be delightfully feisty, she was equally loyal, compassionate, and generous, building friendships that lasted for decades.
Her family finds great comfort in knowing that she has now crossed life's finish line, free from every physical burden, surrounded by joyful reunions with those she loved.
As they lovingly expressed:
"Party on, Mom!"
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bonnie Vassilaros and Tiffani Sharrai, the Homewatch Caregivers team of Victoria, Veva, Faun, and Aiysha, and Candice Adams, DNP, for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion during Clara Lee's final years.
Funeral Services
Viewing
Saturday, July 25, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Funeral Service
Saturday, July 25, 2026
10:30 a.m.
Location
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1560 N. Ten Mile Road
Meridian, Idaho
Burial
Cloverdale Cemetery
1100 N. Cloverdale Road
Boise, Idaho 83713
