Charlene L. Kubistek

September 26, 1965 - September 15, 2021

Charlene L. Kubistek, 55, of Graham, Wash. passed away Sept. 15, 2021. She was born Sept. 26, 1965 in Grosse Pointe, Mich. to Charles and Regina Maynard. Charlene grew up in Hazel Park, Mich. where she enjoyed gymnastics and was an avid fast pitch softball player. Through her competitive spirit she could still throw a hard strike while playing catch with her family, and she enjoyed coaching her granddaughter with T-ball. Her family moved to Spokane, Wash. in the early 1980s. She met Joe Kubistek Feb. 23, 1985 and after a seven-month, whirlwind, romance they married Sept. 15. Charlene was the family foundation and the glue keeping the family together during seven Air Force assignment transfers, numerous deployments, and countless family separations. Their marriage endured until her passing, on their 36th anniversary, Sept. 15. Even with the challenges of raising a military family and the associated and frequent moves Charlene excelled with her own career in retail sales and management beginning with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. She later worked for a variety of military retail sales contractors supporting service members, military families, and retirees. She quickly developed a reputation as a professional, hardworking, and knowledgeable sales and marketing expert. She was sought out and recruited by several competing companies knowing the competitive edge and professional reputation she provided. What Charlene enjoyed most throughout her career was the opportunity to coach, mentor, and encourage newer employees to help them grow and realize their potential. She was often sought out by fellow employees and competing employees for guidance and advice, which she openly and unselfishly shared. Charlene was a compassionate pet and animal lover. She never hesitated to try and assist a stray dog or cat, or any other animal. She routinely carried a small container of food and water in her car, ready to assist an animal I need. She held a special place in her heart for cats and always tried to provide food, water and temporary shelter for strays passing by her home. Charlene’s truest compassion and love was for her family. Everything she did was focused towards their care, well-being, and love. She never hesitated to stop what she was doing to care for their wants and needs. She was a proud and boastful wife, mother and grandmother, singing the accomplishments of those she unconditionally loved. Charlene will forever be remembered for her vibrant smile, warm, engaging and fun loving personality. She will truly be missed by all fortunate to make her acquaintance. Charlene is survived by her husband, Joe Kubistek, their twin daughters Samantha and Taryn Kubistek, and two grandchildren Cameron and Mila. She is also survived by her sister Cheryl Storey of Georgia, and her brother John (Danny) Maynard of Kentucky. Charlene is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Regina Maynard and her brother and sister Cindy and Adam Stanley. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to For the Love of Alex Inc. to provide emergency funding for life-saving veterinary care at https://donorbox.org/charlene-kubistek-2021-09-15