Charlene A. (Williams) Penson
April 7, 1935 – March 1, 2025

Charlene A. (Williams) Penson was born on April 7, 1935, in Kansas City, MO, to Viola L. and Charles Williams.

She was a graduate of Northeast High School, where she was active in school activities, a cheerleader, and an avid dancer.

On April 3, 1953, Charlene married Robert N. Penson. Bob was a Korean War veteran who served in China and Korea and was one of the Chosin Few. After his military service, he began a 25-year career with the Kansas City, MO, Police Department, starting as a patrolman and retiring as a detective in the Major Case Unit of the Homicide Department.

Charlene was a devoted homemaker and stay-at-home mother to her daughter, Robin, and son, Scott, until they were both in school. She later worked in the offices of Galen Boyer Chevrolet and Fasenmeyer Chevrolet. As Bob approached retirement, the mountains—where he had spent years hunting—began calling to him. In 1978, he retired, and he and Charlene moved to Grand Lake, Colorado. Their son, Scott, followed them and continues to reside in Grand County.

Charlene and Bob settled in Columbine Lake, where they both took jobs at Winter Park—Charlene at the ski school desk and Bob managing a beverage cart. Bob later started a second law enforcement career as a jailer with the Grand County Sheriff’s Office, while Charlene worked for the Columbine Lake Homeowners Association.

Longtime residents of Grand Lake, Charlene and Bob loved their life at Columbine Lake. Bob enjoyed fishing, while Charlene dedicated herself to her work with the Homeowners Association and spent many years serving on the Water Board. They formed many close friendships in the community. Charlene was a member of Trinity Church in the Pines, enjoyed attending performances at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, and as a passionate reader, she was a frequent patron of the Juniper Library.

On January 1, 2002, Bob suffered a fatal heart attack while walking home from a New Year’s Eve party. Though she was alone, Charlene remained active in the community, fiercely independent and determined to manage her affairs on her own terms—just as she always had. She was as strong-willed as they come, never afraid to speak her mind, and always ready to stand her ground—sometimes long after everyone else had moved on. Those who knew and loved her quickly learned that once Charlene made up her mind, persuasion was a lost cause. Her independent spirit was part of what made her so memorable, and it served her well throughout her life.

As the years passed, life began to slow down. A slip and fall outside her home led to a helicopter ride to Denver, followed by hospitalization and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, she never fully recovered from the fall—though knowing her, she probably fought it every step of the way.

Charlene is survived by her daughter, Robin Copas (David) of Platte City, MO; her son, Scott Penson of Granby, CO; her granddaughter, Emma Wiehe (Shane) of Easton, KS; her grandson, Ryan of Kansas City, MO; her half-brother, Steven Williams of Independence, MO; and cousins in Colorado, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand County Pet Pals at PO Box 1972 Granby, CO 80446 | (970)887-2988 | info@gcpetpals.org | https://gcpetpals.org/donate-today/