Dena Goupil

Dena Goupil, passed away peacefully in Nampa, ID on August 21, 2025. Dena was born in Gates, Oregon in 1929 to Ferd and Adah Jones. She graduated Valedictorian of Gold Hill High School and went on to be one of the few women of her class to pursue higher education. She graduated from Oregon State with a Bachelor's Degree and enjoyed a career as a Home Economics teacher.

Dena married her husband Albert in 1958 and the pair settled in Santa Clara County to raise their 3 children. In 1980 the pair moved to Fort Rock, OR where Dena worked for the local school for nearly 20 years. In 2000 Dena and Al retired to Nampa, ID where they made many dear friends and became active in the community.

Dena is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 67 years, Albert Goupil; her daughter Marna Ledesma and son Mark Goupil; and was preceded in death by her daughter Yvonne Benson, granddaughter Jessica Benson as well as her parents and 4 siblings; Myrtice, Phyllis, Doris and Wendall. Dena once predicted in her valedictorian speech that she would be an "old maid with cats and canaries", but instead she is survived by 17 grand, great grand, and great great grand children: Joshlin, Ashlee, Kaylene, Johnnie, Jacob, Justin, Aly, Rachel, Ayden, Kolby, Raiden, Denver, Bennett, April, Koda, Jovie and Kyson. Her family will remember her lessons taught side by side in the kitchen, at the sewing machine, and in the garden.

A Celebration of Dena's life will be held in the Spring for family and friends. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local food bank or NPR station.