Denita Lynne Longfellow Obituary (1961 - 2023)

Denita was born in Buchanan, MI to Lorna Kellogg (Vance) and Leonard Thompson February 26, 1961. As a child her family lived in and visited many states across the US. This started her love of nature and being outdoors. When she couldn't be outdoors as a child, she loved drawing, pottery, and crafts of all kinds. Most of all this is where her love of baking and cooking began in the kitchen with her Mom. She graduated from River Valley High School in 1979. On February 13, 1982, she married the love of her life Jerry R Longfellow of 38 years. They together had three daughters Stacey, Stephanie and Roxanne. She worked as a self-employed house cleaner while her children grew up and into their junior high years of school to have a flexible schedule allowing her to be the best mother possible. After that she went into the cooking industry where is wrapped up her working years as a chef. Most people that knew her, knew her by some of her signature dishes she loved to cook like, Grout Brook, Pumpkin Rolls, Homemade Noodles, Chex Mix, and Cherry Glazed pies. All of her life she loved to craft, read Steven King novels, garden, and cook in her free time. She went on many road trips traveling in the semi-truck with her husband. Denita always had a love for her cats. Becoming a Grandma was her most cherished thing in her life. She has five grandchildren Jasmyn, Alyshia, Colton, Dwayne, and Haylee. As they have grown she has done everything possible for these grandbabies. She loved going to their school functions and any extracurricular activities outside of school. She was proceeded in death by her daughter, Stacey Longfellow; husband, Jerry Longfellow; and mother, Lorna Vance. Denita is survived by her dad, Leonard (Shellie) Thompson; sister, Darci (Thomas) Chevalier; brother, Andrew Thompson; daughter's, Stephanie (Billy) Heckathorn, and Roxanne Longfellow; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation or service per her request. There will be a small private service at the Galien Cemetery at a later date. Donations can be made to the family or the Pet Refugee/ABC Animal Clinic of South Bend Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.