Charlene Kennedy
Charlene LaVonne Kennedy, Red Earth Woman, 61, died Nov. 28, 2023, at St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings, Mont.
She was born April 3, 1962, in Poplar to parents Carolyn Cora (Martell) Bird and Charles Dona “C.D.” Martel Jr.
Her 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 that she met Delbert Kennedy Jr. “Thumper” and there they wed on Nov. 29, 1980.
Together, they 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 hardly slowed 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.
Above all else, she 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
