Denise Whaley's Obituary
DENISE MARIE (APPEL) WHALEY
Denise Marie Whaley, or "Hon" as she and Ted affectionately called each other, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 67 at her home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Denise was born on July 31,1957 in Mt. Pleasant, lowa to Robert and Della Appel. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1975 and from Oral Roberts University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work. After graduation she returned to Southeast lowa where she specialized in adoptions. She married Ted Whaley on September 22, 1984.
Denise and Ted grew up knowing each other since they were toddlers and were friends throughout their formative and college years. Their fathers, Bob and Dean, were lifelong friends. It was when they both landed their first jobs in Iowa after college that they "became romantic". Their marriage was blessed with three children, Erin, Olivia and Lauren. Ted’s career moves took them to Sacramento, Colorado Springs, the SFO Bay Area and ended up in Tulsa where they have lived since 2012. After 25 years being a stay-at-home mom, Denise returned to work as a Family Resource Specialist for Broken Arrow Public Schools in early childhood education. She loved her colleagues and the kids at Aspen Creek Early Childhood Center.
Denise was preceded in death by her father, Robert Eugene Appel. She is survived by her husband, Ted Whaley, children Erin Hess (Zach), Olivia Cuckler (Jordan), and Lauren Whaley; grandchildren Leo & Jaden Cuckler (twins) and River Hess. She is also survived by her mother Della Appel, siblings Robert Appel (Peggy), Scott Appel (Ann-deceased), DeEtta Hughes (Tim), Susan Sorenson (Jim), her Aunt Leah (Tom), in-laws Jodi and Bob Hallerman and many nieces and nephews.
Denise loved life and always gave her very best-no shortcuts! She has always engaged in building strong relationships wherever life has taken her. She is known for her sweet sense of humor and fun-loving way. She was a woman of grace, integrity, sincerity, kindness and deep faith in God. Denise exercised great strength and grace in times of adversity. She has been a loyal and dedicated wife, mother and grandma to her family--always putting them first and praying for them constantly. Her primary "hobbies" were enjoying and encouraging her family and friends, and in her faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 has guided both Denise and Ted in their 40 years of marriage, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
Memorial funds have been established in Denise's memory at:
● Sheridan Church to support the building project: https://sheridan.church/give/
● Oral Roberts University-Whole Leaders for the Whole World Campaign-Phase 2 https://bit.ly/WLWWcampaign
Denise's family would like to extend a special "thank you" to Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer and the Sheridan Church congregation, Marty & Jenny Grisham and the Loudmouth Prayer Team, Barbara Sutterfield, Joe & Julie Antis and their home group of warriors with whom we meet every Friday evening, and to our many friends and family who have stood with us in faith these past two years. All of you have invested yourselves above and beyond in prayer support and encouragement. Words cannot express our gratitude to each of you.
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