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Funeral: 11 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2015 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Odd Fellows Cemetery
Dena D. (Oulrey) Wathan, age 82, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at her home in Xenia.
Dena was born March 24, 1933 in Clay County to John and Elnora (McCally) Oulrey. She married Melvin “Gene” Wathan on March 21, 1953, at the Xenia Christian Church. He preceded her in death on February 18, 2008. Dena was a homemaker and a member of the Xenia Christian Church and was a former youth director for Modern Woodmen. She was a wonderful mom and grandma who looked after neighbors and enjoyed cooking and gardening. For as long as most people can remember, Dena could be seen working at the Xenia Fish Fry.
She is survived by her daughter: Barbara (Walter) Cantrell of Plano; 2 brothers: Buck (Darlene) Oulrey of Salem and Sam (Lorraine) Oulrey of Bonita Springs, FL; daughter-in-law: Betty Wathan of Flora; 4 grandchildren: Matt (Danielle) Cantrell of Round Lake Beach, Deanna Cantrell of Plano, Michael Cantrell of Plano, and Joshua Wathan (Alicia Bidabe) of Rinard; 3 step-grandchildren: Sam Dulaney, Vicki Campos, and Jesse Campos; 2 great-grandchildren: Brendon Wathan and Presley Wathan; and 6 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son: David Wathan, 4 brothers: Halice Oulrey, Charles and wife Lee Oulrey, Deward Oulrey, and Francis “Cotton” and wife Mary Lou Oulrey, and 1 step-granddaughter: Trisha.
A funeral service for Dena Wathan will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2015, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Bruce Horsley officiating. Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Xenia. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be given to Clay County Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com.
Dena, you were such a friendly and funny person. I know God will be laughing at your jokes now. We will miss you, but another Angel to watch over us until the circle is completed once again.
Sure gonna miss her smiling face and her phone calls just checking on things. Barb, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dena will be sorely missed in the community of Xenia. We just love her spunky personality. We always left with a smile after visiting with Miss Dena. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Much love!
Rest in peace my friend.
Xenia has lost a friend. Our sympathies to the family and friends.
Your in our thoughts and prayers Barb.
Barb and family. My sympathy during this difficult time. Hang on to the memories of all of the good times and consolation she is with your Dad. Take care.
My prayers for Matt Cantrell and all his family members.
Our condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts as you go through this difficult time. Remember the good times you spent with Dena and the memories she left you with.
Barbara, our condolences to you and your family at the passing of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My sympathy to you and your family Barbara. May your memories bring you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sam, so sorry for your loss I will miss seeing Dena at the post office most mornings. She always had a smile.
Barb, i am so very sorry for your loss. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Xenia has lost an amazing woman and heaven has gained one. My sympathy to you all as you remember her at the hard time. She loved her family and life and gave so much to her community. Hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Barb- We are thinking of you and your family at this time. We are sorry for your loss.
Barb- You are in our prayers.
Sandy and I want to offer our Deepest Sympathy to all of you.
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs from Tennessee.
Barbara and family...Sending my condolences and prayers .
So sorry for the loss of one of Xenia's finest ladies, always with a smile, will be missed by all of us.
Our deepest sympathy to all family members. Dena never seen a stranger always jolly with a big smile to go along with it. She was a main stay in the community lending a hand where needed, and always a image at the annual firemen's fish fry coming early and staying late serving pies & cakes and even a sandwich. Your work on earth is done go rest high on the mountain.
We will miss you Dena, you was one fine super lady. May God comfort the family in this sad time
So very sorry for your loss, ill miss seeing the wonderful smile ,, God bless this family
Our prayers are with you. Sorry for your loss. Jerry & Myrna Ridgeway
Dear Barb and family, I am so sorry about your loss. I hope that your fond memories of your happy times together can comfort you through this difficult time.
May God be with each of you during this valley in your life.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]