Denise Lynn Bodfish

Denise Lynn Bodfish, 47, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at University of Michigan Health Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Denise was born December 18, 1975 in Holland, MI to Robert Bailey and Joann Bailey (Stroebel).
Denise grew up in South Haven and enjoyed spending time at the beach with her childhood friends. She married Carl Bodfish on April 26, 1996 and moved to North Carolina in April 1996. She resided in North Carolina for a combined 17 years and Okinawa Japan for 3 years accompanying Carl during his military service in the Marine Corps. Denise's main job was a stay at home mom but did attend college, worked as a teacher, bus driver, charter bus driver, and her most recent job was a pet transporter with Sarah's Pet Paradise where she transported military families' pets to and from Japan which she enjoyed so much. She earned her Associates in Arts from Coastal Carolina Community College on December 16, 2010 and her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of North Carolina at Wilmington on July 13, 2013. She returned to Michigan in October 2015 after Carl's retirement from service. She enjoyed camping, nature, fishing, conquering her cricut machine, reading, the beach, spending time with family, quad and side by side ridding, and most importantly her animals. She devoted her free time to her hobby farm consisting of 13 chickens, 9 ducks (Betty, Tommy, Pouches, Sister, Other Girl, Bobbles, Wings, Bluey, and Seagull), 1 sheep (Scooby), and 1 goat (Velma). She also had 5 dogs (Diesel, Kaede, Aspen, Bailey, and Bentley) and 2 cats (Calie and Bristol). Denise was also the best friend anyone one could ask for because of her selflessness, willingness to help anyone, and always being there for you no matter what the situation. As her girls say, "best mom ever" and as her husband says, "best wife ever".
Denise is survived by husband Carl Bodfish; mother Joann Bailey (Stroebel). Two daughters, Keirstin Bodfish (Michael) Braswell in Decatur, MI; Kamren Bodfish, stationed in Okinawa, Japan serving in the US Air Force. Two sisters, Debbie Fillmore (Aaron) of South Haven, MI; Theresa Bailey of Wisconsin. Two Brothers, Mike Bailey (Nancy) of South Haven; Lee Kark (Jean) of Elfrida, AZ.
Denise was preceded in death by father, Robert Bailey.
A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. at the Filbrandt Chapel in South Haven on Monday,
November 13, 2023. Those wishing to sign Denise's Guest Book online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 269-637-0333.