Charlette Jean Haynes

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charlette Jean Siirila Haynes, 77, of Powell, Wyoming. Charlette passed away on May 19, 2025, in Billings, Montana, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Charlette touched countless lives with her quiet strength, dry wit and unwavering love.

Charlette was born on March 30, 1948, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Arne and Elynor (Popko) Siirila. She spent her early years in Michigan before her family relocated to Saratoga, Wyoming, where she graduated from Saratoga High School. On Oct. 9, 1971, she married Weldon Haynes in Wheatland, Wyoming. Together, they created a life rooted in love, family and shared values.

Charlette worked for many years at Woolworths in Rawlins before moving to Powell with Weldon and their children. There, she took a job at North Park Transportation, and later joined Y-Tex Corporation, where she remained for 21 years until her retirement. She was a hard worker and a dependable presence both in the workplace and at home.

Those who knew Charlette will remember her love for the little things that brought her joy — puzzles, her “circle books,” a good western (even the ones she’d seen a thousand times), and any excuse for a picnic. She loved boating and fishing and passed that love down to her children and grandchildren, who she adored with all her heart. Every year, she enjoyed planting flowers with her grandchildren, nurturing both her garden and her family with equal care. She was also a devoted George Strait fan, knowing every one of his songs by heart and proudly attending one of his concerts — a memory she cherished deeply.

As George Strait once sang, “Life’s not the breath you take, but the moments that take your breath away.” Charlette’s life was full of those moments — of laughter, love, family and quiet strength. Even when facing her own health challenges, she always put others first. Her strength, kindness and generous heart were the foundation of her family.

To her daughter Janet, she was more than a mother — she was her rock and her soul, the one she turned to for everything. That bond was deep, steady and irreplaceable.

Charlette was preceded in death by her parents, Arne and Elynor, and her sisters Gertrude, Pearl and Julie.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Weldon Haynes; her children Janet (Brad) Erickson, Joe (Amy) Lawrence and Don Haynes; stepdaughters Tina (Jose) Lara and Connie Haynes; and her cherished bonus daughter Cheryl Adams of New Jersey. She is also survived by her sisters Irene (Glen) Olsen of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and Chris Hughes of Rawlins, Wyoming; and her brother Arnold “Butch” Siirila of Worland, Wyoming.

Charlette was a proud and loving grandmother to Skyler (Mati) Erickson, Morgan Erickson, Trey Erickson, Dakota Erickson, Sabrina (Tones) Jones, Michael (Chrysta) Lawrence, Anthony Lawrence, Ericka McKenzie, Tim Tschacher, Weldon Tschacher, Matthew Thull, Preston (Chattem) Haynes, Holly Lyon, O’Randy (Roy) Dunlap, Joshuah Russi, Jacob Russi, Randy (Danielle) Haynes, Misti Hicken, Karl (Amanda) Haynes, and Dustin Kant — and a cherished great-grandmother to more than 33 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Powell, Wyoming. All are welcome to join the family in honoring and remembering Charlette’s remarkable life.

Light lunch refreshments will be served following the service at the Park County Fairgrounds.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to take a quiet moment to enjoy nature, share a picnic, or watch an old western in her honor — just as Charlette would have loved.