Dena “Nenee” Hazelwood, age 63, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Deaconess Henderson Hospital, surrounded by love. She was a beloved daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend who will be remembered for her generosity, her devotion to family, and the joy she found in being “Grandma.”
She is survived by her son, Caige Hazelwood (Adriana); her mother, Sue Kinkade; her sisters, Charla Billings and Crystal Hazelwood Wilson (Damion); and her grandchildren, Geniveve, CJ, and soon-to-arrive Theodore. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly, including Jessica Utley, Tiffany Risley, Amanda Frederick, Portia, Destyn, and Zander Wilson.
Dena’s life was filled with simple joys. She was a proud fan of the San Francisco 49ers, a dedicated Coca-Cola collector, and she loved riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles when she was younger. She also enjoyed a long career with Gibbs Diecasting before retiring. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family.
She is preceded in death by her father, Charlie Hazelwood; her grandparents, Lafe and Frances Hazelwood and James and Lorell Richmond; and her cousins Shannon Peavyhouse and Shannon Gibson
Her love and presence will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. A celebration of her life will take place Saturday November 22, 2025, from 2 PM- 5 PM, with the service starting at 4 PM at Victory Christian Center in Henderson, KY.
Nena Brumfield says
Sorry for your loss she was the sweetest woman l have knew her all my life🙏🙏
Lori Oakley says
Gonna miss you my friend the long talks we shared and the joy and fun we had at Al’s the long rides we shared until we meet again love ya Dena Kay .
Holly Case says
Always such a sweet and friendly girl! She will be missed!
Kristy Richmond Kastle says
What can I say about cousin Dena. She had an amazing smile! Always could make you laugh! Loved baseball and was one of the best players I had the privilege of ever watching play the game. She was amazing to her sisters and cousins and family. She loved her boy Caige with every part of her soul and her grandchildren. I will never forget the wonderful times growing up with her as cousins and playing ball. I also worked with her at Gibbs. She could outwork any man there! She was a heck of a worker! A truly amazing person. She will be missed. Love you always cousin Dena. May you find comfort in Gods arms in the kingdom of Heaven.
Jama Pike says
all my thoughts and prayers are with the family…thinking of you all.
Brenda Overfield says
She was a one of a kind. I shared time with her & caige and could not ask for better time and people… Caring was her strongest suit and I will never forget her, she will remain in my heart always and forever… My heart breaks and I will cherish our memories for my lifetime… I will miss our long talks… I love u Dena Kay😇
Brenda Wiley says
I will miss you Dena K🫶My fantastic Bestie, my most valued and truest friend-I love you with every fiber of my being, and I know that we will be together again in heaven✝️ I will cherish all the memories we shared together even though they were so long ago.
Our friendship never weakened , even though the miles were many, we remained friends all these years. Thank you for always loving me,
Carry my love with you in heaven until I get to see you there🙏❤️
Love always
Brenda
Donna Dayberry Anglin says
Sending love and prayers to family, I met Dena at Gibbs. We worked side by side many years. We were also neighbors, we lived in the same trailer park. I loved her and Caige. She will be missed dearly. 😢
Michelle Pippin says
So sorry to hear about Dena. She was a great person to have in your life. She was always so good to me. I know she will be missed by her family and those that loved her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda Roberts says
My condolences. Dena was a good friend and teacher. She will be missed.
Angela Banks says
Im really lost for words, so many memories growing up it would take days to set and write them all down. Dena had the most loving heart in a person that you could ask for. Loved doing what ever she wanted to do, playing baseball, playing in the back yard at mamas and papaw house, kick ball, riding bikes down devils backbone, jumping off the back side of the roof, hanging out at little Vegas pool hall, to riding motorcycles, her and Charla both had Volkswagen Dena’s was sky blue, Charla’s was orange. First time I was taught how to drive a stick shift. No matter what it was we done it was always fun and exciting. I love you Dena, you will always be in my thoughts and in my heart.
Lisa Moore says
She was such a great person. I remember the Volkswagen and Little Vegas forsure. She coached softball at Newman Park. When I worked at beverage barn she would drive through just to say hello and borrow a few burned movies from me. I sure will miss her. Prayers for all the family.
Teresa C Risley (Terry and Donnie) says
I’m so sorry for Her Family’s Loss 🙏🏼 Rip Dena 🫶🏼
Lori Bumgardner says
Sue and family I’m sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patricia Sutton says
You will be missed by many my dear friend Dena. Some of my best days were spent loving you!! I know your laughing, happy, and dancing with Jesus right now…it was a complete blessing to have spent so many years with you…I love you…. until we meet again…Trish
Sue Clark says
I’m so sorry to hear this long time friend
Angie Chandler says
Dena was a talented second base softball player. We played ball together for many years. Dena had a heart of gold. She will be missed and please accept my condolence to all her family.
Angie Chandler
(BIRD)