Obituary for Denise Lynn Hendon

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Denise Lynn Hendon, ballet dancer, passionate gardener, wife, mother, and grandmother, left this world peacefully on May 29, 2023 at the age of 62 in her home in Dublin, Virginia.

 

Denise was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and grew up in Akron, Ohio wearing a jean jacket and ballet slippers, behind the wheel of her green Ford Torino. The daughter of professor Arlene Toth and football hall of famer Ed Toth, Denise paved her own way by joining the Ohio Ballet, completing her degree at the University of Akron where she’d meet her husband Bill Hendon, fondly known as “Mr. Wonderful,” to her parents.

 

She was a fierce advocate for gender equality, environmental conservation, and holistic motherhood. Denise was the first female to wear pants in elementary school; she insisted on taking wood shop class; she started her own recycling programs where there were none; and she proudly cloth diapered and breastfed her four children.

 

A certified Master Gardener in three states, Denise created beauty in the world around her by establishing native plants, volunteering in classrooms, working in plant nurseries, and transforming backyards, community, and university gardens.

 

Her passions included traveling, writing, listening to the birds, hiking and trail maintenance. Denise has always channeled writing as a way to express emotions and life experiences.

She had a fond love for chickens, taking in rescues and creating her own chicken oasis. Denise leaves a legacy through her children and grandchildren by her teachings of the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world.

 

She is survived by her husband Bill; daughter Adrienne and spouse Bronston; daughter Sarah and spouse James; daughter Claudia and spouse Cody; son William and spouse Claudia; and her 9 grandchildren (Calvin, Cohen, Claire, Adelynn, Silas, Brixon, Clayton, Ansel, & one arriving in November). Denise is also survived by her father Ed S. Toth, brother Ed B. Toth and many other loving family members.

 

Denise leaves her family nurtured in nature. Denise was cremated, and the family will have a private service.

 

In Denise’s memory, please make a donation to The Nature Conservancy.

 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.  540-980-1700