Denise Welch

1958 - 2024

Denise Anne Welch, born on September 8, 1958, in Plymouth, New Hampshire, passed away July 25, 2024, at home in Richland, Washington. She lived to be 65 and then went home to be with the Lord. She was the beloved daughter of David Joseph Chenell and Lorraine Marie Stevens, and the youngest joy of five children.

Denise is survived by her four brothers: Paul Chenell (Jo Ann) of Monee, IL, Peter Chenell (Eileen) of Guliford, CT, Richard Chenell (Gina) of Guliford, CT, and René Chenell of Burrton, KS. She is also survived by her two daughters, Lisa Lancaster (Paul) of Maysville, MO, and Michelle Livengood (Andrew) of Richland, WA, and her nine grandchildren: Tabitha Stanton, Elijah Stanton, Samantha Stanton, Aurora Stanton, Jeremiah Stanton, Hannah Stanton, Isaac Livengood, Selah Livengood, and Josiah Livengood.

Denise's childhood was filled with fond memories on the coast of her hometown in Fairfield, Connecticut, till she was 14, then she moved to Plymouth, New Hampshire, till she graduated high school. After she received her 12-month LPN in NH, she moved to Richland, Washington, to live with her brother Paul. She pursued her passion for nursing, earning her registered nursing degree at Columbia Basin College in 1981, along with her two lifelong best friends and sisters in Christ, Diana Brazille and Nita Berry. She finished a year early after challenging a full year of college. She dedicated over 20 years of her life to caring for others as an RN.

On April 3, 1982, Denise married Robert William Welch in Richland, Washington. Together they were excited to bring Lisa and Michelle into the world. Every summer was filled with vacations to theme parks, the coast, or camping as a family. After their divorce in 2002, she embraced her newfound freedom with joy.

Denise was loved and appreciated by those who knew her. Her bright and bubbly personality, coupled with her childlike joy, touched countless hearts and lives. She was quick to encourage the downcast, to provide a helping hand to those in need, to advocate for the neglected, and to share generously with others. Her hobbies were helping others, cooking, sharing stories, plants, animals, and laughing with her grandkids daily. She loved God above all, and her grandkids more than anything on earth.

Denise's legacy of love, joy, and spiritual devotion will be cherished by her family and all who were fortunate to know her. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to tri-citiesfoodbanks.org in her honor. If you have a memory to share with those who loved Denise, please share your memories by visiting www.mullersfuneralhomes.com.

The celebration of life is at 11:00 a.m. on August 10, 2024, at Calvary Chapel Tricities at 10611 Clearwater Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336. A potluck reception will be after the service and guests can bring their favorite comfort food dish or dessert to share. All friends and family are welcome.