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Dena Williams Obituary
Early in life Dena joined the ranks of the adventurous and the curious. Her free spirit led her to live many places, meet many people, and experience life through many lenses. Dena ultimately found a kindred connection to wild and beautiful southeast Alaska, where she became a commercial fisherwoman, and a loving, giving friend to that community.
The greatest moment in Dena's full, yet far too short life, was certainly the birth of her sweet son Wesley Dale Burkhart in 2013. Dena channeled her passion, her spirit, and her wisdom into being an extraordinary mother. She shared her love of the great outdoors, gardening, camping, hard work, and family values with her son. She showed him daily how to love without restraint, trust without fear, and how to take risks. By example, she imparted the value of rescuing animals, giving to the poor, and sacrificing for those less fortunate. Wes in turn, every day of his 4 years, gave Dena the priceless joys of laughter, wonder, and love beyond all measure.
Dena is survived by her son Wesley and his loving father Allen Burkhart of Durango; grandparents Almira and Ray LeClair of NJ; parents Dennis and Judy of Grand Junction; sister Vanessa (Jeff) of Littleton; sister Adriann (Billy) of Phoenix; brother Casey (Lynette) of Memphis; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dena will be deeply missed by her family, and the countless people whose lives she has touched and enriched in her lifetime. You know Dena would wish that you not grieve, but rather invest those emotions into something positive and meaningful. Accept others without prejudice, speak to strangers and neighbors, share a meal with the hungry, revere your elders, and protect our innocent animals from abuse or neglect.
Services for Dena will be held privately in cities and towns in Colorado and Alaska. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made in Dena's name to your local Humane Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dena Williams
Matthew B.
October 15, 2024
I traveled with Dena and her Dog in 1996. Unlearned a lot from her. I´m truly glad I got my life together. I got myself off the streets and made something of myself. Dena´s memory will
Live on forever.
Roger
June 23, 2018
Dena I just found out youre gone. Im crushed. You have a beautiful soul, and touched everyone you met. The last time I spoke with you, you told me about how you named Wesley. As you wish... Im sure that now, youre talking to angels. Ill miss you.
Wick Sakit
February 26, 2018
I'll always love you friend/sister.
Wick Sakit
February 26, 2018
Dena was a sister to me. She always will be. She's one of the most respectable and caring people I have ever known. Love ya Dena. I know you're laughing at me... ;)
February 20, 2018
Dena, I hadn't heard from you in a while and found your phone to be disconnected when I called. I'm beyond crushed to see the news. You were an amazing person and I'll miss you so so much. Thank you for all the times you were there for me and for being my first real friend in Alaska
Ann Marie Jensen Jensen
September 21, 2017
My dear family, i thank you for the gift of my niece Dena. I know you will miss her deeply and wonder why her why then. Dena was a beautiful soul, she lived a life most of us only dream of, and had experiences beyond measure. I shared her adventures with great excitement and pride to all those who would listen. Her grandma wallace/grandpa wallace welcomed her that day of days, surely talking about the big fish that got away and the beauty of alaska! Her grandma holley had a love for alaska as well and no doubt will have stories to share. Dena came from a long line of loving , caring, giving generations, her love for the outdoors came without reservation. I will always remember you sweet girl , especially your sudden drop in visits! Wesley is your greatest legacy, may you live on through him, always love, aunt ann
Jaeme Logue
September 17, 2017
DENA....I can't believe your gone...I just found out . You were the neatest chic I'd ever met all your travels and experiences so cool!! You were an amazing person as well as my friend . I'm thankful to have met such An amazing person because u were to me and alot of others. Thank u for being u my friend I'll miss you but will never forget you. R.I.P My FRIEND
September 14, 2017
This is so incredibly sad.....I did not know Dena, but reading her obit makes me wonder why such beautiful people have to die so young. My heart goes out to the family, especially her precious little boy.
September 11, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss Judy, Dennis and family.
-Laura Barnhart Douglass
Burke Morris
September 9, 2017
I met Dena when I picked her up hitchhiking in Grand Junction in 2003. We had a great drive to Denver, exchanged contact info, and stayed in touch, visiting each other every 6 months to a year. We lost touch at some point, but recently were writing each other again, on occasion.
I am so thankful that our paths happened to cross, completely randomly, so thankful she was hitchhiking and that I stopped to pick up her and her friend.
Dena will always hold a special place in my heart. I wish I had one more chance to talk with her. I miss you, Dena. Rest in Power.
Huge hugs and love to her family and those close to her.
Pippi
September 7, 2017
Respect and Honor
Paying our respects to the family as they mourn.
Honoring the life lost with memory's, love and togetherness.
Respect and Honor
Michelle DeCosse Shelly D
September 6, 2017
I am so sorry .This is a horrible loss.Dena ,I havent seen Dena is way too long but she always shined so bright.She was always a friend and always there for me.She was a Gem and she will be missed.RIP sweet friend. MUCH LOVE STRENGTH COURAGE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.See you at the crossroads old homie,until the day we meet again,in my heart is where ill keep you friend.Yakshi too.Much love .Godspeed DEna.
September 6, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort for the family. Dena will never be forgotten! Psalm 112:6
Greg Indreland
September 4, 2017
Dena was a true friend of mine who i met in Yakutat. She lived a carefree loving life and i am so sad that she is gone. My deepest sympathy to her family. She was and is a amazing person who is greatly missed.
Sherry
September 2, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
August 31, 2017
My deep condolences for your loss. When we lose someone so precious may we find comfort in knowing she will never be forgotten. Hebrews 6:10
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