Denene Wanda Genther

Born in San Diego but moved to Washington as a child, Denene attended Stanwood schools K through 12. An eager student and ambitious socialite, she participated in as many activities as she could find time for attracting many friends with her warm and welcoming personality. She played the flute in the marching and pep club bands, ran track and field, was student body treasurer, and a member of the Spanish Club and Mu Alpha Theta. Repeatedly outstanding, Denene received a letter for student achievement, earned the Presidential Physical Fitness award, was twice recorded in Who's Who among American High School Students for consistency in excellence, and was awarded college scholarships from the Methodist Church and the Stanwood Chamber of Commerce. She graduated with honors among the class of '81. Denene pursued her interest in mathematics at WWU using every opportunity to meet new friends. Denene loved people and regarded each one as a possibility to experience life in a unique way. During a break she met her husband Craig working at Drummond's Restaurant in Mt Vernon. They began studies at Skagit Valley Community College together and within two years they married and moved to Bellingham to continue college together. When a door opened to work in the wilderness of Alaska, Denene put her books on the shelf and accompanied Craig to Heceta Island for six months. Under hemlock poles, sheet plastic and a star-filled sky, this turned into a spiritual sabbatical for Denene where nature and meditation were her daily meat. While Craig was pushing a chainsaw, Denene would visit with the wives at the logging camp gaining new friends and understandings. Daniel was conceived and they returned to the lower 48 where Denene started her parenting years. Craig joined the Air Force and Denene traveled with him to Idaho, Colorado, Texas and back to Colorado, where Craig retired. Open and curious, Denene was well suited to a military life. She involved herself in community after community. Her energy was fueled by her boundless love for, and genuine interest in others. In her Air Force life, Denene worked to supplement the family income when needed, she continued studies and self-enrichment at every opportunity. Most important to Denene were her boys. Daniel; born in 1986 and Mathew in 1987. Parenting was as natural as breathing for Denene and she soared into it with wonder and pride. She spent everyday growing right along side her children and was as eager to start each day as were her boys. She home schooled both her sons and believed it to be a mother's right and honor. Sharing in their activities she was embraced by her children's friends maintaining relationships with many of them. Wherever she went she used whatever tools she had to connect with people and bridge relationships. During their first assignment to Mt. Home AFB, Denene became involved in a local church in the same way she did anything. She soon earned the love and respect of the church and a pastor's license. It wasn't long until she led the congregation. She put her high school Spanish to good purpose gaining the love and trust of the Hispanic community and soon had a growing Spanish-speaking congregation. Craig retired from the Air Force to Wenatchee WA. With two grown sons, Denene had the freedom to pursue her own career and she did with ambition and integrity. She worked as a Financial Service Representative for Peoples Bank until illness forced her to retire. She left holding the love and respect of her superiors, coworkers and every customer that had the honor and pleasure to be served by her. Everywhere she and her family traveled she touched others' lives and was beloved by people she met, making many lifelong friends. You are invited to leave memories and condolences on her online guestbook at: www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com

Denene Wanda Genther

November 18, 1962 - January 13, 2016