Charlene L. Machen, age 79, died Sat., Nov. 1, 2014 at Mt. Joseph Senior Village, Concordia. She was born on March 12, 1935 in Smith Center, KS to Willard & Delores (Crawford) Brown.

Charlene grew up and graduated high school in Smith Center. She married Larry E. Machen on Feb. 28, 1954 in Smith Center. He preceded her on April 15, 2014. Charlene worked at the Unemployment office in Concordia until they closed and then became the Secretary at Concordia High School until she and Larry moved to Texas, where they resided for 17 years before returning to Concordia. While in Texas she was a secretary for Menasco until her retirement. Charlene was an active member of the Christian Women's Club & helped with PAWS until she couldn't sew any longer. Charlene was an avid card player who enjoyed both Pitch & Bridge and was a member of several card clubs. Charlene was an excellent cook, she loved preparing special treats for family and friends and adored her many grandchildren & great grandchildren. Charlene was a pet lover, especially her cats and dogs.

Charlene is survived by her daughters, Cathy Forshee (Tom) & Susan Kindel (Steve), both of Aurora; son, Dr. Michael Machen (Sue), Quinter; sister, Sharon Brown, Denver, CO; grandchildren, Jeremy Forshee & Dr. Melissa Forshee; Dr. Samantha Alsop & Benjamin, Edward & Alexandra Machen; Ryan Balderston, Brent Tyler Reisdorph & Charla Reisdorph, Amanda Applebee, Amber Kindel & Darin Kindel & 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; daughter, Linda K. Machen; parents; sister, Carol Brown & brother, Jack Brown.