Denise Diane Fiddler

Denise Diane Fiddler was 62 years young when she died Monday in Copan. The longtime Copan resident loved her family and friends deeply, and she will live on in their hearts and lives. Denise was born the daughter of Lawrence “Larry” Andre and Shirley Jane (Ritchie) Packard on June 23, 1959, in Bartlesville. At a very young age Denise found a love for stray and lonely animals, and over the years, adopted many and brought them home. She was an avid horse rider when younger, as well as a free spirit who loved to fly, oftentimes depending on her older brother to reel her in from time to time. After graduating with the College High Class of 1977, Denise went on to work in her family’s business as a bartender. Over the years she worked at the Solo Club, The Fountain, Hitchin’ Post, Chickees, and most memorably at the American Legion. She may have even been a bit of a foosball and pool shark along the way. Fortunately her lifelong friends didn’t hold that against her. Family was her world and Denise was a single mom who worked extra hard to make sure her kids had all the things they needed and wanted growing up. Her daughter Amber recalled going to the Buckle at the mall and her mom getting them expensive clothing because she loved them to the moon and back. They made time to take memorable trips together. Denise was always there to help her children through difficult times. Through it all, she made sure her kids knew they were loved. Later in life, Denise was also a caregiver for her mother. While her all-time favorite job revolved around her grandbabies, Denise despised being called Grandma and had special nicknames that they used: Triston called her Neecer and Mayson called her Mamo. Years ago, when Triston broke both of his wrists and his Neecer rushed to the hospital, he wanted to go home with her instead of his mom Amber. Denise spoiled her injured grandson with snacks and strawberry milk, and they watched Rush Hour together over and over. He watched it again Monday night after he found out she had passed - a childhood remembrance that will always stay with him. She was an absolute amazing grandma. Another fond family memory that lives on is wrapped up in a special ritual Denise made up. Amber recalled: “On all car rides even if it was to the grocery store or wherever, she would always play a guessing game when a song came on. We would always try to guess who was the singer, something which I still do to this day.” Denise didn’t just love music - she loved, loved, loved to dance. If the right song came on, she would dance no matter where she was. Denise enjoyed living simply and took pride in working in her yard and tending her garden. She liked funny jokes, kind hearts and long chats. Denise had the uncanny ability to remember everyone’s birthday and always made it a point to wish them well. Most of all, Denise loved her people and spending time with them. At the holidays, she always wanted to have everyone together and cook a big meal. Christmas was her all-time favorite – Denise always went overboard but had Amber wrap all the presents, even Amber’s own presents when she got older. Some say “Food is love” and Denise certainly knew she wasn’t just feeding tummies and physical hunger, but precious souls too. Denise will be deeply missed by all those love her and were fed by her loving spirit and spunk. Denise is survived by her children, Joshua Willman and Amber Collins, brother Michael Packard and wife Betty, and grandchildren Triston Brown and Mayson Willman. She is preceded in death by her parents Larry and Shirley Packard. Services will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com

Denise Diane Fiddler

June 23, 1959 - May 2, 2022