Denise Ann Harden, 57, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday (January 13, 2012) at her home.

The daughter of Everett Murrell and Maxine (Blurton) Munn, she was born July 23, 1954 in Riverside, California. On November 17, 1972 in Kirksville, Denise was united in marriage to Carrol Dean Harden.

Denise is survived by her husband Carrol; one son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Heather Harden of St. Louis, MO; two daughters and a son-in-law, Christina and Thomas Wills of Novinger, MO and Kimberly Harden of Kirksville, MO;her mother-in-law, Helen Harden of Kirksville, MO; eight grandchildren, Brenna Moots, Colton Moots, Steven Wills, Michael Wills, Savannah Henry, Mark Henry III, Myles Henry and Scarlett Henry; four great grandchildren, Jacob Wills, Anna Wills, Cameron Wills and Kasey Wills, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister in infancy.

Denise was a graduate from Novinger High School with the Class of 1972. She was employed thirty-three years for Hollister Inc. until retiring in 2006. After retiring, Denise was employed at Hy-Vee until her health failed in 2011.

Denise loved to can, cook, camping and traveling. She was a very devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family.

Denise was a member of Hazel Creek Free Will Baptist Church where she was youth director a number of years and served on the church education board. She had a passion for youth evangelism and loved preparing her church youth group for annual State and National Bible competitions, as well as attending many youth church camps, and will be greatly missed. She was also an active member of the Novinger Lions Club.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday (January 17, 2012) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday (January 18, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor John Howell officiating. Interment will follow the service at Prough Cemetery, west of Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Bill Gregory, Jeff Lewis, Mark Henry Jr., Steven Wills, Colton Moots and Michael Harden. Honorary bearers will be Michael Wills, Wesley Harden and Mathew Harden.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Denise Harden may be made to Hazel Creek Free Will Baptist Church Youth Fund or to the American Cancer Society. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.