Charlene McGuire Childs

Glenda Carlene Childs, known primarily by Carlene, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026. She was in ICU at HCA Kendall Florida hospital, surrounded by her two daughters, and her granddaughter on Facetime, during her time of death. While on a Caribbean cruise with her eldest daughter, Carlene suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage, while snorkeling in Honduras, 15 days earlier. She had a “ZEST” for life! Carlene displayed enthusiasm, excitement, and energy as she tackled life’s challenges. Courage was also an exemplary virtue of Carlene, one that she carried throughout her entire lifetime.Carlene was born on December 15, 1947, in Shattuck, Oklahoma, to William “Bill” McGuire and Velma Grace McConnell. She is survived by her daughters, Leslie (Vito) Giarraputo of Overland Park, Kansas, and Laurie (Wayne) Turner of Liberty, Missouri. She was extraordinarily proud of her three grandchildren: Lila Kubas, Madeline Turner, and Weldon Turner. Carlene is also survived by her sister, Marlene Heineman; her nephew, Thomas (Shawna) Heineman of Dallas, Texas; and her brother, Donald McGuire of Edmond, Oklahoma.Carlene was preceded by her parents, Bill and Velma, her husband Gerald Edward Childs, and her brother Ronald McGuire.After Carlene’s birth, she lived briefly in Gage, OK. Then moved to Higgins, TX before moving to Greensburg, KS in 1961. Carlene attended Greensburg High School where she was active in many school activities as well as Job's Daughters, where she reached the highest title of “Honored Queen” before graduating in 1965. Carlene was a lifelong member of Eastern Star - first in the Star of Hope Chapter #193 in Greensburg, and after the Greensburg tornado, in the St Bernard Chapter #97 in Dodge City. Carlene achieved her Bachelor of Science and Economic Business Administration degree from McPherson College.Carlene met Gerald “Jerry” Childs and they married on May 31, 1967, in Hays, KS. They began their life together in Wichita, KS. They quickly began growing a strong circle of friends as they navigated to Hutchinson, KS, then to Topeka, KS before finally settling in Olathe, KS in 1984. While Carlene was a beloved boss, growing her executive career, Jerry was a popular teacher and coach. With each home they created, they built a long, loving and lasting thread of colleagues, neighbors, and friends. They hosted fun get-togethers, organized vacations, and, one of their favorite pastimes was relaxing by their pool, always welcoming others to join.Carlene began her career with Southwestern Bell in 1970. She quickly connected with coworkers as she climbed the corporate ladder. Colleagues share stories of respect, honor, and admiration they had for Carlene. “Incredibly smart and always available to help out”, seems to be a common sentiment from those that worked with her. Carlene retired from AT&T in April of 2001, at the age of 53.After Carlene’s retirement, their oldest daughter, Leslie, opened Lulu Salon and Spa in Overland Park, KS. Carlene would often spend time there, greeting and gabbing with customers and helping with accounting paperwork. In 2007, Jerry was diagnosed with prostate cancer and sought treatment on the east coast. After recovery, they continued to relish life with newfound friends in Hilton Head, SC. There they enjoyed most of their golden years playing golf, playing the jukebox, or just playing at the beach. Gerald would pass away from renal cancer in 2015, after which Carlene would remain in Olathe at their family home.Carlene spent her final years as an adventurous nomad. She was “fiercely independent” but loved reconnecting with old friends, often driving hundreds of miles, just to meet for dinner. Carlene was a political activist, strong in her convictions, and wise beyond words. She spent the last few years “snowbirding” in the Rio Grande Valley with wonderful friends, enjoying social gatherings, music bingos, bean bag baseball games, or the occasional visit across the border for authentic Mexican food and a cold beer — two of her favorites. Carlene created adventures, tackled challenges with success, retained lifelong friendships, preserved respect from her career colleagues, and was a constant beacon of light, laughter, and love for her family.Carlene Childs’ Celebration of Life will be on Saturday June 13, 2026 at Penwell-Gable Funeral Home, 14275 S. Black Bob Rd., Olathe, Ks, 66062 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with lunch included immediately after her services.