Denise EBBIGHAUSEN

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Denise "DeeDee" Ebbighausen, 67, on August 28, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. Her journey here on earth was filled with service, love, and strength – a life that touched countless hearts.

Denise was born on May 19, 1958, in Spokane, to Shirley and Jim Stevens, and was the youngest of two children.

As a young girl, Denise loved following her grandfather, Emil, around her grandparents' farm, sparking a lifelong love of the land, farming, and animals. She was lovingly nicknamed and forever called "DeeDee" by her family. In 1968, when her mother, Shirley, remarried Robert "Bob" Cook, Denise affectionately called him "Pop." The family moved frequently due to Bob's work, and Denise especially cherished their time in Butte, Montana. She graduated from Mead High School in 1976.

That same year, Denise joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base as a medical administrator. Following her active-duty service, she continued her career in the Washington Air National Guard, 141st Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild AFB. Alongside her military service, she worked at 4Bs/JBs restaurants as a cook and manager – famous for making the "best fried egg." While attending Spokane Falls Community College to study saddle making, Denise met Dan Ebbighausen. The two married and moved to Idaho, where they both worked for Ray Holes Saddle Company in Grangeville. In 1982, they welcomed their daughter, Katie.

After a few years, Denise returned to Spokane with Katie, working full-time at the 141st Air Refueling Wing, and creating a warm and comforting home for her and Katie. She raised cattle, tended gardens, built structures, and poured her energy into making a life rooted in self-sufficiency and care for others. In the early 1990s, she purchased acreage in Blue Creek, just down the hill from her grandparents' farm. In 2006, Denise retired as the 141st Mission Support Flight Personnel Superintendent Chief. She was a humble and steadfast leader, known for caring deeply for those she supervised, advocating for them, and mentoring countless individuals over the years.

Retirement didn't slow her down. Denise built her home on her Blue Creek property, raised Black and Lowline Angus cattle, farmed her land, and eventually remodeled the farmhouse across the road to be a farm stay and gathering place for family and friends. She was most comfortable on her tractor or feeding her animals. Those who knew Denise will remember her as a tireless worker, a loyal friend, and someone always asking how she could help. She cherished her cousins, built deep friendships, cherished her beloved dogs over the years, and was a devoted mother and grandmother. She delighted in sharing farm life with her grandchildren, giving them tractor and scooter rides, and showing them the beauty of a life connected to the land.

Denise was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Cook; and her father, Robert "Bob" Cook. She is survived by her brother, Rodney (Jana); her daughter, Katie; her grandchildren, Porter and Sydney; her nephew and niece, Jonas and Ellie; and countless family members and friends.

Her presence, voice, and steady love brought comfort to all who knew her. She is deeply missed. Her memory will live on as a constant source of comfort and love in the hearts she touched.

A memorial service will be held on September 28, 2025, at 1pm, at Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 North Division Street, Spokane, Washington.