Charlene LaVonne Kennedy, (Red Earth Woman) age 61, made her final journey to the afterlife on November 28th, 2023 at St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings, Montana. Charlene was born on April 3rd, 1962 in Poplar, Montana to parents Carolyn Cora (Martell) Bird and Charles Dona (C.D.) Martell, Jr.
Charlene’s childhood was most defined by her motherly instinct early on, leading her into a caregiving role for her younger brothers. Aside from this, she was also known to enjoy gymnastics in her youth. Helping raise her brothers early on also nurtured her abilities that later led her to pursue work as a CNA. It didn’t take long for her to find the love her life. It was in Poplar, Montana that Charlene met her husband, Delbert Kennedy, Jr. (Thumper), and there they wed on November 29th, 1980.
Together, Charlene and Delbert raised a daughter, Juanita Yellow Hawk, and a son, Camden Delbert Kennedy. She helped raise countless nieces, nephews, step and adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Even a cancer diagnosis would hardly slow her down. After fighting and beating the cancer, she traveled around the United States with her family and created memories to be cherished forever. In late 2023, cancer was discovered to have returned with a cruel vengeance that eventually brought her to her end.
Above all else, Charlene enjoyed spending time with her family and engaging in family activities such as karaoke, game night, hosting birthday parties, and organizing holiday celebrations. She also enjoyed playing poker machines and bingo, visiting thrift stores and garage sales, and loved listening to Loretta Lynn and Elvis Presley. She was always eager to rearrange her décor and furniture around the house and often cared for gardens in her free time. Everyone around her knew Charlene as a pillar of support and unconditional love, and one who always had a shoulder to cry on, a bed to sleep on, a plate of food to eat, a cheer of congratulations, or simply an encouraging smile to offer when needed.
Charlene joins in heaven her grandparents Charles Martell, Sr., Sophy (Lambert) Martell and Steve Bird, Sr., Agnes Ownspipe, parents Carolyn Bird Henry and Charles Martell, Jr., stepmother Elizabeth “Betty” (Ironcloud) Ricker, Delbert (Snow Shoe) Kennedy, brother Mark (Tinker) Martell, aunt Serena Bird, uncle Nelson Bird, cousins Paul Bird, Sr., Lyle Miller, Curtis Bird, and other beloved family members.
Charlene is survived by her husband Delbert Kennedy, Jr., brothers Allen Martell, Timmy Martell, and Rick Martell, son Camden Kennedy, daughters Juanita (Chris) Yellow Hawk, Carrie Kennedy, and Jamelle Kennedy, auntie Corlene Bird, cousins Pete Bird, Clifford Bird, Summer Dawn Bird, Winona (Jimmy) Due, Jodie Miller, Sheila Smith, Amos “Buster” Cloud, Steve “Woody” Bird, grandchildren Kassie (Teddy) (Andrew) Garcia, Karilei (Fabian) Garcia, Danielle (Rogan) Garcia, Alexis (Nick) Garcia, JaiReece Yellow Hawk, Jakob Yellow Hawk, Jaxon Yellow Hawk, and Tiana Sioux Yellow Hawk, Trevon Rinesmith, Mariyah Williams, Jazmine Kennedy, Vance Merculieff, Jr., Antonio Philips, Genevieve Kennedy, Isabelle Peltier, great grandchildren Kaylinn Headdress, Lillieana Headdress, Marshall-Lee Headdress, Jayrone Medicine Top, Tulane Medicine Top, Caroline Medicine Top, Adonis Fabian Idhen, adopted son Carey James Peltier, Gerald “Teddy” Darnell, and Ira Darnell, Marilyn Kennedy, Felicia “Sugar” Jones, Angeline Ironcloud, Chris Jones, Brian Jones, Joyce Lester, and many, many more nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren too numerous to name. She was loved unequivocally in life and will be missed dearly.
Valerie Martell says
I’m sorry to hear of charlene passing my deepest condolences + prayers
Carmela Scott says
Fly high my friend until we meet again she was awesome n May the good Lord be with you all at this time
Marva says
Condolences to the family. My dear friend Charlene! Her and I met when we were young gals, we always had so much fun, both of us having the same sense of humor so we had tons of crazy fun. Her smile and her laugh was priceless! As we grew older and moved on to our own lives, our paths would cross now and then. We were always happy to see each other, as if time had not passed. I will miss my friend! Rest in Peace sweet gal!
Dreamis Eagle Boy says
🙏🏽’s, Our Prayers & Deepest Condolences to the Families of Charlene 🩷… RIP Charlene 😇.
Valerie Martell says
I’m sorry to hear of Charlene’s passing my deepest condolences + prayers