Virginia Pankow

Virginia (Jenny) Pankow, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, in her home in Chanute, Kansas, at the age of 58. Born on December 29, 1966, in Denver, Colorado, Virginia's life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and kindness, a life that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Virginia was the cherished daughter of the late Audrenne Iva Godbey and Moody Alphus Goodson. She was predeceased by her brothers Eddie, Howard, Lewis, Sam Thomas, Moody Jr. Goodson, and Lee Goodson, her sister Penny Goodson, and her ex-husband Kevin Pankow. Her family finds solace in knowing she is reunited with them, embraced by their love once again. Virginia's heart was large enough to embrace everyone around her, Virginia met Bill Lesher and they welcomed Angel Lesher into this world. Then she met Kevin Pankow and welcomed Josh and Krystal into their loving family. Her surviving husband, Michael William Keenan, with whom she shared a profound and undeniable love since their serendipitous meeting in October 2021. Their time together, though brief, was filled with laughter and joy, shared alongside their faithful companions, Daisy and Willow. Her legacy lives on through her children: her daughter Angelina (Angel) Catheline Coley and son-in-law Ryan Omar Coley, her son Joshua Chadwick Pankow, her daughter Krystal Rose Pankow, her daughter Mika Ann Keenan and her husband Jayden Townsend, as well as her daughter Maggie Lea Keegan. Virginia's nurturing spirit embraced all of them and held a special place in her heart for each of them. Virginia's family was the cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted sister to Lynn Thomas, Marie Goodson, Rae Mcduffey, Jenny Dzurnak, Libby Goodson Blaylock, Judy Boran, and Kathleena Rose Blackmon, brother-in-law to Matthew Blackmon, and sister-in-laws Arleta Bornstein, and Cheryl Thomas. Her siblings were a source of joy and strength, and she cherished every moment spent in their company. Professionally, Virginia's career was diverse and fulfilling. She served as a 911 dispatcher, a role that highlighted her ability to remain calm under pressure and her innate desire to help others. Yet, her most rewarding role was as a stay-at-home mom, where she poured her heart into raising her children with boundless love and care. Virginia's passion for life extended beyond her family. She was an avid member of the Star Wars fan club and worked tirelessly as a staff member for Gamer’s Give Back, contributing to cancer and MS research. Her love for gaming, reading, music, and dancing brought joy to her life and to those around her. Her infectious laughter filled every room she entered, and she was affectionately known as the "neighborhood mom," and they all knew they were welcome in her home. As her family reflects on Virginia's life, they express profound gratitude to everyone who shared in her journey, offering support and happiness. Virginia's radiant spirit will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew her. In honor of Virginia's memory, her family encourages friends and loved ones to celebrate her life by embracing the joy and laughter she so generously shared. "The family would like to thank everyone in Virginia’s life for being part of her world, making her happy and showing her support when she needed it. She will be missed." May Virginia Pankow's soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a guiding light for all who knew and loved her. We know her final quote would be “May the Force be with you”. Star Wars Movie movies. She is now in a galaxy far, far away with the other Jedi’s.