Lisa Marie Waddell

Our 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”