Denise Dawn Balanow Linkous, 61, of Indianapolis, passed away on December 9, 2025. Born on October 16, 1964, in Elkhart, Indiana, Denise lived a life centered on family, compassion, and generosity. Affectionately known as “Bubbie,” “Denny,” and “Cra Cra,” she was loved for her vibrant personality, enormous heart, and selfless spirit. Denise worked as a leasing consultant and later devoted herself to caregiving, touching many lives with her kindness and reliability. She was also an avid rock hounder. She was deeply loved as a devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished family member.
She is survived by her daughter, Darrelle Colinot of Indianapolis; her cherished grandchildren, Jillian Rose Malloy, Julian Elliott Malloy, and James Michael McCutcheon II; her aunts, Jill Clark and Shelly Harris; and her cousins, Ben Orlando, Janice Rabanow, and Jake Clark. She is also survived by extended family members and dear friends who loved her. Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Robert David Linkous, who passed in 2015.
Denise will always be remembered as the most caring, strong, and giving person whose love, humor, and warmth touched everyone she met. Her family will always remember her as selfless, endlessly generous, and someone with the biggest heart. Graveside services will be Friday, Jan. 9th, at 2:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery, 1616 Miami St, South Bend, with Rabbi Shoshona Kaminsky of Temple Beth El officiating.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2313 E. Edison Rd., South Bend, IN 46615

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