Denise Lee Defenbaugh Whitaker

Published 10:20 am Friday, January 10, 2025

Mrs. Denise Lee Defenbaugh Whitaker, 72, of Montclair Drive, Advance, died Monday, Jan, 6, 2025 at her home.
She was born on June 30, 1952 in Davenport, Iowa to the late Robert W. Defenbaugh and Billie Kellogg Defenbaugh.
Denise was a member of Episcopal Church of the Ascension at Fork, where she served as treasurer. She graduated from West High School in Davenport, Iowa and from Truman State University in Missouri. She was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy having served from 1979-1991. She served in special projects and was a security briefing officer in Seoul, South Korea and served as officer in charge, naval contingent, and MEPS in Fresno, Calif. Denise retired from MedCost as a reinsurance coordinator. She was an avid reader, loved pets, and was a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by: a sister, Diane Lynn Defenbaugh Keller; and a nephew, Christopher Keller.
In addition to her mother, survivors include: her husband of 39 years, Henry Lewis Whitaker Jr.; a sister, Diana Kay Schlapkohl (Brian) of Iowa; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Lowman (Tom) of Salisbury; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Eleanor, Rigby, and Amigo.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 at Episcopal Church of the Ascension at Fork with Rev. Dan Wall officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parish hall. Inurnment in the church columbarium will be conducted at a later date, with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered for: Episcopal Church of the Ascension, at Fork, 183 Fork Bixby Road, Advance, NC 27006.
Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.