Charlene Marie Gates Durbin, 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 21, 2024, in Wichita, KS. She was born in Hominy, OK, on September 14, 1932, to Carl Riley and Alma Juanita (McAngus) Gates.
Her father’s job in the petroleum business necessitated many moves to various oil leases, but the family finally landed in Pratt, KS. The oldest of five children, Charlene was the big sister/role model for her younger siblings. They variously described her as an authority figure [when she said something, she meant it], party planner, second mother, social connector, seamstress, and someone who made those around her feel special. Above all, she was a wonderful listener, even- tempered, and patient; never mean, haughty or angry. She was the peacekeeper in the busy, boisterous family.
Charlene graduated from Pratt High School in 1950 and Pratt Community College in 1952. She married Wayne Dudrey from St. John, KS in 1953. Shortly after their marriage, the young couple left for France, where Wayne was stationed in the army, affording them the opportunity to tour much of the continent.
After the couple returned to the states, three daughters were added to the family.
Blessed with three little girls whose hair needed attention, Charlene was inspired to further her education, receiving a degree in cosmetology in Pratt, KS in 1966. Charlene spent many busy years running a beauty salon out of her home near Stafford, KS, while raising three active daughters and being a farm wife. During those years, she was an ardent girls’ basketball fan, served many wheat harvest meals from the trunk of the family car, and hosted birthday and other celebrations for family and friends. Among the many treats that her family looked forward to were her homemade dinner rolls, butternut cake, and homemade chicken and noodles. After her daughters were grown, Charlene returned to school, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Friends University in Wichita in 1990. She subsequently enjoyed a customer service career, managing the safety deposit boxes at Central State Bank & Trust in Hutchinson. Charlene was active in Girl Scouts for years, both as a Senior Girl Scout, and as a volunteer when her daughters were active. She volunteered at Delos V. Smith Senior Center in Hutchinson, helping with the computer classes, and she enjoyed the challenge of learning to play bridge. From the time she was a child, attending the Kansas State Fair was always a highlight on her calendar. Charlene was an active member of Crossroads Christian Church, then Eastwood Church of Christ, both in Hutchinson, before moving to Wichita. She loved spending time with her friends and family, journaling, studying the Bible, sharing her faith, and watching KU basketball.
A guiding principle in Charlene’s life was Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Charlene is survived by her three daughters: Barbara Quadlander (Don Wendt), Wichita, KS; Janet Dudrey (Gary Largo), Scottsbluff, NE; and Susan Evans (Harvey), Hutchinson, KS; grandchildren: Cole Hawver (Sarah), Manhattan, KS; Ashley Hawver Duncan, Wichita, KS; Amanda Kramer (Dale), North Platte, NE; Regan Pettijohn, Lenexa, KS; Traver Pettijohn (Sara), Omaha, NE; Lea Evans (Kyle Koerner), Wichita, KS; Carson Evans (Callie), Park City, KS, Addie Evans, Wichita, KS, and Ross Evans, Wichita, KS; great-grandchildren: Cooper Kramer, Maxwell & Frankie Hawver, Jaxon, Olivia, & Lucy Koerner, Chloe & Clara Evans; sisters: Carla Walker (Doug), Wichita, KS, Mille Gates Grauel, Lake Oswego, OR; brother: Kenny Gates, Pratt, KS.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; sister, June Kahmeyer; special aunt Mattie Marie McAngus Symes; brother-in-law Truman Grauel; nephews Vincent Grauel and Michael Walker.
Funeral services for Charlene will be held at 11:00 a.m. CST on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary Chapel in Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Kevin Guffey and Wayne DeWindt presiding. The burial will follow at Pratt Cemetery at 3:00 pm. Family visitation will be Monday, September 23, 2024, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., followed by public visitation from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to either Eastwood Church of Christ, Hutchinson, or Know Your Bible, Wichita, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.