I am still stunned by this.

Occasionally someone like Denise comes along and changes your view of life. If you have been blessed with that experience, you know what I am talking about and how utterly precious those people are. Two weeks ago I posted the following meme on Facebook and asked if this was a "thing". Denise replied and said "absolutely". She would know as it so adequatly describes her passion for life:



Denise once wrote me a letter because I had said something narrow-minded here on MC.com. Her letter started a conversation and friendship. That conversation was key in changing my worldview. She made a big differnce in my life. I know she impacted other lives the way she impacted mine. She will be greatly missed. It's a sad day.

Denise would tell us all to do one thing: BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER.

http://stevensonfuneralho...iles-city/

Oh no..I just visited with her on Facebook? What in the world. I am so sad and sorry. She was a wonderful person. RIP Denise.

Holy crap, I can't believe that. I was friends with her on Facebook too. She just posted something recently. That is very, very sad.

I was told about it this morning. Completely stunned. She cared very deeply about Miles City and its children - a vast and terrible loss.

I am devastated to hear this news. Heartbreaking.

Oh man . . . this is just such sad news.

My condolences to Denise's family, loved ones and who knew her.

I can't even speak.

[Edited by Wendy Wilson (3/14/2016 4:45:18 PM)]

Grieve deeply, Miles City. We have just lost one of the most thoughtful, fair-minded, hard-working, deeply committed, and courageous leaders among us. She moved this community as few have.

In Denise's memory, please think logically, proofread for accuracy, and check your spelling before posting to milescity.com from now on.

This is pretty sad. My condolences to the family.

I'm so saddened by this news. Denise was so sweet and compassionate. She always treated me wonderfully. I remember her clear back to rollerskating days. I just don't know what to say.

Steve and I are off this week so we missed this! This is tragic.

Does anyone know what happened? It's just so unexpected.

All I was told was that she was running, got home and collapsed. It's irrelevant now. All that matters is that her absence will leave a big void in so many lives, especially those of her children.

[Edited by Kacey (3/15/2016 12:02:51 PM)]

For my own grieving process, it helps to know.

Visitation will begin on Sunday, March 20, 2016 with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Custer County High School Gymnasium. Interment will be held at a later date. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
http://www.stevensonandsons.com

In lieu of flowers, Denise would like it if you would make a donation to Erin’s Hope Project, the Miles City Food Bank or the Miles City Soup Kitchen in her honor.

Many on Facebook are taking Denise's mantra of "Be Kind" to heart and performing Random Acts of Kindness and generosity in her honor. Perhaps some of us can pay our respects by spreading kindness in and beyond.