Submit a PhotoOur beloved Lisa Marie Waddell, known for her infectious smile and unwavering kindness, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the age of 53. Born on October 28, 1972 in Safford, Arizona, she was a cherished daughter of Gene and Ann Waddell.
Lisa attend Kyrene del Norte, Kyrene Jr High, and graduated from Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, where she was a JV Cheerleader. She also attended classes at Scottsdale Community College.
Lisa worked in the family business, Waddell Trading, for several years. She was blessed to have traveled with her father on many trips across the United States participating in jewelry shows at the Buffalo Bill Museum, Indian Craft Shop at the Dept. of Interior, Eiteljorg Museum and the Santa Fe Indian Market, among others. She loved the arts and was an outstanding sales person making her customers and clients into lifelong friends.
She lived a life full of adventure, traveling far beyond her hometown of Chandler, AZ, and making a home where she landed –from to Oakland, CA, along the Pudder River in CO, Red Lodge, MT, Portland OR. Las Vegas, NV and Katy & Fort Worth, TX.
Lisa loved the outdoors and hiking. She was always able to talk her cousins into participating in various 5k runs with her and even encourage her father and mother to walk in one. She enjoyed all music genres and enjoyed going to concerts.
She is survived by her loving life partner & best friend, Chris Ritter and her fur baby, Charlie, her parents, Gene & Ann, sister Laurie, brother Mike, sister-in-law Nat, nephews Jax & Trace, niece Presley, and adopted sister, Nicole Faletti. Lisa was preceded in death by her grandparents, BC & Jean Waddell and Rudy & Clara Faletti. She was adored by all her aunts, uncles & cousins. She brought a lot of joy and comfort to all the friends she met along her journey. She was a giver of her time, love and compassion.
A casual Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E Queen Creek Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297.
“Though you are gone, the love & memories you gave us remains, a beautiful reminder of your presence in our lives”
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Lisa was a joyous light in the life of everyone who knew her.
Lisa had a gentle soul. I will always remember her beautiful smile and her warm and kind presence. I’m so sorry for your loss and hope you all find comfort and peace knowing that Lisa was loved by so many. May she rest in eternal peace❤️
Lisa was a bright light and she continues to shine. Blessings on Gene, Ann, Mike and Nat. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you all, Share
My family sends our deepest heart felt condolences to you and yours. The pain of losing a loved one is truly devastating, though the love and strength that I know comes from the entire Waddell family will surely help each one of you through this. Our love is with you all – while we remember and celebrate the sweet and caring Lisa. ❤️
Our deepest condolences from our family to yours, we hope God gives you the comfort you need during this difficult time and peace in your heart. We are praying and thinking of you.
Lisa had such an outgoing and warm spirit. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued, and her love for animals and the outdoors showed the kindness and joy she carried in her heart. I will always picture her happiest surrounded by nature, doing what she loved. She will be deeply missed, but the light she brought into our lives will never fade. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family during this incredibly difficult time.
Lisa your awesome.. she was always kind and welcoming to me over the years .. meeting Laurie first she was the added bonus of a great and kind big sister .. my love to this wonderful family .. I will miss her and carry her around n my heart and soul..
Lisa and I shared a lot of laughter and fun times together. When we first met, we just automatically connected. She was full of life and a very kind soul. We hiked, we did salt bath floats ,we danced and we talked a lot. My heart is so saddened and my sincere condolences. She will be greatly missed. I love you, Lisa. Thank you for the friendship that we shared.
R.I.P my friend
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing a child, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you love and strength during this difficult time.
The Tanner’s told me last night that Lisa had passed. I was stunned and so sad from your enormous loss. Please accept my families condolences. You are in my prayers and thoughts at this time.
I am stunned to learn of Lisa’s passing and I can only imagine the pain of loosing your child no matter her age. Her absence will profoundly impact your very close knit family and I wish I had the words to comfort you all, but I don’t.
You all are loved and respected by so many who, like me, wish you comfort and peace. And may memories of good times with Lisa carry you through this very difficult time.
The loss of Lisa has rained sadness on us all, but for you, the family, it is, naturally the most devastating. Lisa was a shining light…a gentle, caring, generous person who sensed others’ feelings and had genuine empathy. What a beautiful soul! Bruce and I both just loved her and always will.