Dena Marie Geurkink Lewis, age 80, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, January 29th, 2020. Dena was born in Oklahoma City on February 9, 1939. She was the fourth child and middle daughter of Dr. Walter Geurkink and Mrs. Minnie Heath Geurkink. She graduated from Chickasha High School in 1956, and Oklahoma College for Women in 1960. After graduation Dena went to Alva, Okla., where she became the Wesley Foundation Director and youth director at First United Methodist Church.  After two years in Alva, Dena attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Following Perkins, Dena moved to Ruston, La., to be Director of Christian Education at Trinity United Methodist Church. On June 9 ^th , 1967, Dena married Michael "Mickey" Lewis in Chickasha, Okla..

Through the years, Dena held teaching positions in Gramercy, Baton Rouge, Natchitoches, Shreveport, and Plain Dealing. She reared three daughters, whom she loved dearly, and was often active in their in-school and after-school activities. She enjoyed participating in her United Methodist Women's circle and was Director of Highland Crafts at Noel United Methodist Church for a number of years. Probably what Dena loved most was spending time loving on her grandchildren. Dena was a friend to many, and she always made time to listen to anyone who needed a sympathetic ear. There simply are not enough words to convey what a loving, generous, gentle spirit Dena had. In 2016 the Valiant Woman award was bestowed upon Dena by Church Women United.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Mickey Lewis, her parents, Walter and Minnie Geurkink, and her brother Max Geurkink. She is survived by her daughters and their families, Sara Vandiver and her husband Cliff of Shreveport, granddaughter Samantha Lowe and her husband Josh of Logansport, La., grandson Jacob LaFortune of Shreveport; Amy Sides and her husband Jeffrey, granddaughters Erin and Anna of Pelham, Ala.; and Martha Silva and her husband Jerry, grandsons Jerry, Max, and Jack, and granddaughter Kayla of Shreveport. Dena was also survived by one brother, John Geurkink of Oklahoma City, and two sisters, Myra Waine and her husband Martin of Greenwich, Conn., and Linda Geurkink and her husband Gordon MacDougall of Washington D.C. She was loved and cared for by her nieces and nephews along with other extended family and many friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Harper for his long-time continued care and friendship. You are invited to join us in a celebration of her life at Lane Chapel of Noel Memorial United Methodist Church on Friday, February 7 ^th at 2 pm. with visitation at 1 pm, also in the chapel. Dena was active in her community. She would love it if you made a memorial to your favorite local charity.