Charla Faye Wilder

Charla Faye (Pike) Wilder, 88, of Custer, Washington, went home to the Lord and her beloved husband, Willard, on the seventh day of October 2026, while resting at the family home with loved ones by her side.

A lifelong resident of Whatcom County, Charla was born on July 8, 1938, in Bellingham, Washington, to Elmer and Edna Pike. She attended Meridian Schools, graduating in 1955.

On June 17, 1955, Charla married Willard Wilder, beginning a partnership rooted in their deep love for each other, the land, and their animals. Together, they operated the family dairy farm until 1990, after which they devoted more of their time to raising their beloved horses and Angus cattle, as well as enjoying their growing family of grandchildren.

Charla genuinely loved horses all her life. As a teenager, she traveled throughout Washington State with her racehorse, and this passion would grow into a lifelong devotion to the equestrian community. Over the years, the Wilder family raised Shetland ponies for their children, and in 1968, Charla and Willard fulfilled a longtime dream of owning a six-horse hitch of Percherons. What began as a shared passion became a cherished family affair that continues today, with four generations of the Wilder family having raised and shown Percherons throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.

Throughout her life, Charla held a variety of positions, from waitress to assistant Washington State Brand Inspector. She was also an active member of her community, serving as a Whatcom County 4-H leader and participating in numerous agricultural and equestrian organizations, including the Northwest Dairy Association, Darigold Federation, Northwest Washington Fair, Washington Draft Horse and Mule Association, and International Plowing Association. She was a proud member of the Percheron Horse Association of America for 58 years.

Above all, Charla’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her love extended well beyond her immediate family. Charla will be remembered as “Grandma Wilder” by all the kids in the draft horse barns and as a familiar and beloved presence in the community she held so dear.

Charla was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Willard; her parents, Elmer and Edna Pike; and her brothers, Greg and Wayne Pike. Charla is survived by her five children: Vicki Lewis, Curt (Terrie) Wilder, Cheryl (Tom) Lallas, Craig Wilder, and Ken Wilder. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Jason (Michelle) Lewis, Judy Margeson (Jon Copenhaver), Pam (Adrian) Santangelo, Patrick (Kim) Wilder, Mary Catherine Kahle, Jim (Jacky) Kahle, and Whitney Wilder; and eight great-grandchildren: Heather and Gavin Santangelo, Lucas and Henry Wilder, Lauren and Tegan Lewis, and Carlee and Jake

Margeson. She is further survived by her sister, Judy Boxx, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Whatcom Hospice for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Charla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Charla Wilder Memorial Fund, to be established at Banner Bank. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.