Charles “Charlie or Choo-Choo” Lester Sanchez Jr. left this world on January 23rd, 2026, at 39 years of age. He was born on April 12th, 1986, in the beautiful state of California. He lived most of his life in California, Washington, Nevada, and Montana. He passed away from terminal illness in Helena, MT.

He was born to Charles Sanchez Sr. (whom they share the same birthdate) and decedent mother Sondra Velvet Hart. He leaves behind many family members and friends including his sisters, Tidonna Hart, and Jody Hawley. His nephews, Raymond Hart, Calvin Hart, and Donald Erickson Jr. His niece Lilianna Erickson. His closest friend and peer support Mark Nay. He also had a vast extended family through marriage and life and will be missed by all. This includes Donnie Spiller, Aprill Spiller, and Nicole, Jesse, and Evelyn his nieces and nephew through marriage, and his mother-in-law Paula Spiller. He is also survived by his wife, Amy Sanchez.

He married Amy Spiller at the young age of 21 years old. They had met when she was beginning high school in Nevada and he was in the middle of high school. He truly was the “Boy Next Door”. Amy fell head over heels for him the moment they met one another in the space under the lamppost that divided their houses. Charles and Amy moved to Washington and married February 1st, 2008, with immediate family present at the local courthouse where a snowball fight occurred post marriage in all the fun it sounds like. They were inseparable from the word go. Through all the light and darkness as the years passed on, they became the best versions of themselves from the support from one another and the support of all who loved them. He made Amy become a strong woman who is going on to achieve life and career success through his values of “Put your boots on and push forward. NOTHING can stop you but you!”

His favorite quote was “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘WOW! What a Ride!’” by author Hunter S. Thompson.

He will always be missed, until we can meet again my love. I will end with memories from his loved ones, who miss him so dearly:

“Charlie was a little rough around the edges, but his love and caring for family and friends always superseded all other characteristics. Being a man that puts family and others fist made him a special kind of individual. He will be missed”-Donnie Spiller

“You just had to see mom in heaven first, I guess? My only brother, my best friend, I will always love you and miss you until we are all reunited one day”-Tidonna Erickson

“When my daughter, Amy, started hanging out with Charlie I wasn’t sure what I thought about him. As time went on, I witnessed how he and Amy were with each other and how their relationship grew. I knew that they had fallen in love with each other and it would be love that would last forever. I over the years of getting to know him also fell in love with him for who he was and how he took care of Amy. He made me laugh when we were all together and he always opened doors for me and would get mad if I did it myself. I would laugh because we would sometimes butt heads together over something so little. Overall, he would take care of me too, when I was with Amy and him. He was always a great guy. He wasn’t perfect, but he was very easy to build a relationship with of some kind. He truly will be missed by all. Rest in peace Charlie. Amy, I pray for peace and strength for you too. This is not an easy time for you but you are strong and have faith so you will get through this. I am always here for you no matter what.”

-Love Mom (Paula Spiller)

“It’s a little bit of a sad memory, but a good one. I remember when you and Charlie were leaving to move back to Montana. Before you guys left he gave me the jacket he was wearing and wanted me to keep it to remember him by. I will never forget that. I’ll miss you Charlie.”

-Nephew Jesse

“When I think of Charlie, the first thing I see is that smile. It was constant. Whether things were going perfectly or everything was falling apart, Charlie was smiling. He taught us that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop playing. Charlie, thank you for the smiles, belly laughs, and for showing us that life is better when you’re a little bit goofy. We’re all going to miss that grin of your.”

-April Spiller

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”