Charlene Kay Williams

Charlene Kay Williams, 82, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. Born on October 16, 1943 to Charles and Ruth Strong in Omaha, Nebraska, she lived a life brimming with love for others and hospitality that was unmatched.

She married Ron Williams on July 15, 1969 and they welcomed four daughters who were the light of her life. They moved their young family to Clarinda, Iowa in 1977 and ran the Baker’s Motel side by side for many years.

Second only to being a wife and mother, Charlene found her true vocation as a nurse in 1985. Her decades long career included work at the Clarinda Regional Hospital, Page County Public Health in Clarinda and St. Anthony’s Home Health and Hospice Care in Carroll, Iowa where she touched countless lives. A gifted hospice nurse, she found the perfect endcap to her career at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care where she worked for another decade after relocating to the Kansas City area in 2007.

Charlene was always quick with a smile, a homemade treat or handmade craft. She leaves a beautiful legacy of love and care to her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Ruth, in-laws Jack and Mary Williams, sisters Paula Disterhaupt and Patricia Poledna and brother-in-law Jack Williams.

Those who will carry on her legacy of love are her loving husband of 56 years, Ron; daughters, Mary Williams of Overland Park, Marcia (Herley) Valera of Olathe, Kansas, Deanna Lawson of Forest Hill, Maryland, and Ronda (Jeff) Cade of Clarinda; her grandchildren who adore her, Katie (Melissa) Williams, Ashleigh (Jordan) Dammann, Chance Cade, Salvador Valera, George Lawson, Vivian Lawson and Mason Cade; as well as six great grandchildren who brought her so much joy. She is also survived by her sister Jean (Tommy) Biles, brother Charles Strong, brother and sister-in-law Mick and Earline Williams and many nieces and nephews who cherished their aunt.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at St. Luke’s MSTICU and the Kansas City Hospice House for the loving care provided in her final days.

Memorial services are set for Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel in Olathe, with a reception and time of visitation following at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care.