Charlene "Chuckie" Weatherby

Charlene “Chuckie” Weatherby

July 15, 1955 – October 24, 2026

Charlene “Chuckie” Weatherby, 71, of Fredonia, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Fredonia Regional Hospital.

Chuckie was born on July 15, 1955, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Charles and Beulah Fors. She spent her childhood in Hutchinson and Maryville, Missouri, before moving to Southeast Kansas in the early 1980s. On July 17, 1993, she married Joe Weatherby, and together they shared 33 years of marriage.

To know Chuckie was to know a woman of incredible strength, resilience, and determination. Having lost both of her parents before reaching adulthood, she learned early in life that the road wasn't always easy. Growing up in a large family that experienced its share of hardships gave her a deep understanding of what it meant to need a helping hand. Rather than letting life's challenges define her, Chuckie used those experiences to become someone who was always willing to help others.

Chuckie was a hardworking and dedicated woman throughout her life. Her career included time at Alco, Cessna, and 16 years as a store manager for Dollar General. Most recently, she worked in purchasing at Fredonia Regional Hospital.

But as proud as she was of her work, Chuckie's greatest joy was her family. She took tremendous pride in her children and grandchildren, cherishing the time they spent together and the memories they made along the way. She especially enjoyed taking the girls and Zea on shopping trips, creating memories they will carry with them for years to come. Family was always at the heart of her life.

Chuckie had a generous heart and found great happiness in doing things for others. One of her favorite ways to show love was through cooking. Her macaroni and cheese and spinach dip were family favorites, and there was something special about gathering around food she had prepared. For Chuckie, cooking was never just about the meal; it was about taking care of the people she loved.

She enjoyed spending time with friends, trying her luck at a good slot machine, and occasionally letting Joe convince her to go fishing. Although she might agree to a fishing trip, baiting her own hook was absolutely out of the question!

Chuckie could be fiercely protective of those she loved, and while she had a heart of gold, she also had a sassy side that could make itself known when the occasion called for it. She was strong-willed, generous, and unapologetically herself.

She was also an active member of the Fredonia VFW Auxiliary, proudly following in the footsteps of her mother-in-law, Murdene. Her involvement reflected her commitment to community and her willingness to give her time to others.

Throughout her journey with cancer, Chuckie continued to demonstrate the strength and resilience that had carried her through so many of life's challenges. Yet her illness was only a small part of a much larger story—a life filled with love, determination, generosity, laughter, and family.

Chuckie is survived by her husband of 33 years, Joe Weatherby; her children, Eric Marr, Miranda Weatherby, Joe Weatherby, Brent Weatherby and his wife, Shanda; Zavannah “Zea” VanLeeuwen, and Terry Mason and wife Kaylee.

She is also survived by her eleven grandchildren, Alli, Colton and his wife Emma, Owen, Jossilyn, Hayden, Evelyn, Lily, Joshua, Jayden, Kameron and Olivia; her great-granddaughter, Hayzlynn; and her siblings, Doug Fors and Patsy Waggoner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Beulah Fors; her daughter, Latisha Marr; and her siblings, Judy Bryant, Jane Ritcha , and David Fors.

While Chuckie will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she loved so fiercely the people she helped along the way, and the countless memories shared around her table. She leaves behind a reminder that strength isn't simply about overcoming life's challenges, but also about having the heart to help others through theirs.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Wickham Family Funeral Home located at 510 N. 7th Street in Fredonia, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by her Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m.

A private family burial will follow the service. Memorial contributions will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Fredonia.