Charlene Kay Godbey

Charlene Kay Godbey, mom and grandma, age 69, died on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Liberal, Kansas.

She was born on February 28, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas to Kenneth and Fannie (Grant) Russell.

In 1975, Charlene completed her studies at Sublette High School in Kansas. She was the loving mother and grandmother. Charlene worked at the local drugstore in Sublette, then moved on to positions at Good Samaritan Nursing Home and Walmart in Liberal. Charlene will be missed by her friends and family.

Charlene Kay Godbey was well known in Liberal by many. Living in Liberal for many years, being known by even more in Sublette. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Working for Walmart, always with a welcoming presence, and a smile on her face, brought many to adore her. She had adopted the title “mom”, or “ma” by the ones she had considered her own. She enjoyed watching game shows on TV with the family. She loved to paint her nails and wear her iconic berets. She was a Christian who enjoyed attending church and singing the songs with her heart, and the soul she had surrendered to God, as her Lord and Savior. It’s safe to say she has met him, now with beloved deceased friends and family, in the clouds above. May her body rest in peace, and her soul live in heaven. As she smiles at us from above, may we look up, and smile back.

She is survived by her three sons, Michael Kopper and his wife, Jayleene of Liberal, Kansas,

Chris Kopper of Louisiana, and

Shawn Smith of Parsons, Kansas,

Two grandchildren, Samantha Kopper, and Aria Smith,

Step-granddaughter, Annastasia Jackson.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Fannie Russell,

Granddaughter, Brooklynn KayLea Kopper, and Brother, Mike Russell.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas. The family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Hornung Family Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Jeremy Harris will be officiating.

A burial will be at Liberal Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Good Samaritan Society in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 W 2nd Street, Liberal, Kansas.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com