Denise ''Budd" Singletary

Denise “Budd” Reeder Singletary The force of nature personified by Denise Singletary, known far and wide as “Budd” passed away on December 6, 2023, after a sudden onset of respiratory failure. She battled valiantly for 19 days in the ICU; when the body said no more, she put herself in the Good Lord's hands and departed this world peacefully with her husband and children by her side. She was born Denise Kay Reeder on September 15, 1952, in Washington D.C. to James and Margaret Reeder. She grew up in Springfield VA, attending Catholic school 1-12, graduating from St Mary's Academy in Alexandria VA in 1971. While attending Nursing School she worked swing shift at Arlington Hospital as an assistant in the Nursing Supervisor's office. During this time, she met a goofy Army soldier who was moonlighting in the Housekeeping Dept at the hospital. When she saw him in his Dress Blue uniform, she fell for him (he was already smitten!). Thus began a 50-year adventure with her soon-to-be husband Robin. They moved as far away from her childhood home as you could get in the Continental US, all the way to Bellingham WA, where Robin attended college. They then moved to Kennewick WA, where Budd completed her training and became a Registered Nurse. Robin and Budd officially got married on March 11, 1978, in his parents' home in Bellevue WA. Robin was offered a job managing a grocery store in Wenatchee, WA called Gordon's Foods. Budd approved of the town and the opportunity, so they picked up and moved there in November 1979. Robin changed course in 1982, working at his dream job for John Donaghy at B&F Distributing. Budd and Robin then owned and operated a convenience store/gas station called Express Lane at First and Chelan in Wenatchee for 10 years. This allowed Budd to fulfill her life mission of seeing her two children off to school and being there for them when they got home. She was a tireless advocate for her kids, helping in the classroom, attending all activities, and providing guidance at every turn. She took great pride in the good people they are and said her prayers were answered when Meg moved back to Wenatchee recently, after residing in Texas for 20 years. After selling the store in 2007, Nurse Budd worked in various jobs including doctor's offices, day surgery recovery, oral surgery, and home health/hospice care. But her most rewarding employment was bringing new life into the world as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in the OB Department at Central WA Hospital, which she did for approx. 5 years (1981-86). She retired in 2008 to devote herself wholeheartedly to being a Nana to her grandchildren. Budd is survived by husband Robin and daughter Meghann Singletary, both of Wenatchee; son Ryan, his wife Annie, their 4 children James, Will, Joel, and Beth, all residing in Fall City WA. She also leaves sister Nancy Calabrese; nieces Amy (Jerry) Allison and Cindy Kirkland; nephew Kevin (Rosanna) Smith; all of VA along with 2 great nephews and a great niece. She was predeceased by her parents and brother Jimmy (2018). Budd was a passionate woman who loved fiercely. Her disapproval could be equally intense, leading to an occasional chill in a friendship. Those who crossed her came to regret it, she was not to be tangled with! But she did not hold a grudge for long, she was loyal to her core, she could keep a secret, and she valued her family and friends above all else. They will tell you she gave the best advice, even when it was hard to hear. She was a great wife, a wonderful mother, and her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren flourish. She always said she didn't want a funeral, but a party would be acceptable. There will be a celebration of Budd's life and love in the Spring; details will follow when finalized.

Denise ''Budd" Singletary

September 15, 1952 - December 6, 2023