Denalee (Heiner) Mckenna

Denalee Heiner McKenna, born to Charles Delbert and Velda Hunsaker Heiner on November 24, 1946, in Afton, Wyoming, passed away on July 24, 2023, at the age of 76, in Ammon, Idaho. She was the fourth of ten children.

Being raised on a dairy farm in Bedford, Wyoming, she grew up milking cows, even on frigid Star Valley winter mornings, raking hay in the summer and taking care of her younger siblings, making them cakes and cookies and perming and cutting their hair.

Denalee graduated from Star Valley High School and attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. While in Rexburg, she met Larry McKenna, and they were married on April 26, 1968, and later sealed in the Rexburg, Idaho LDS Temple.

Denalee and Larry had three beautiful daughters, Nikki, Krista, and McKell, who later provided her with three wonderful grandchildren. She loved her grandchildren so very much, always making sure everything was okay with them.

Denalee was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had many callings, and enjoyed attending the temple. She worked at a drugstore and bank for a short time, but was grateful to be a stay-at-home mom most of her life. She was a wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, making dolls, cooking, traveling, and being with family.

Denalee and Larry lived in Rexburg, Idaho, for most of their lives, moving to Ammon, Idaho, in 2017.

Denalee was known for her kind and loving nature. She loved people. She was a second mother to her younger siblings, nieces, nephews, and others. Her wise words, advice, and love were valued by many. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was a hard worker and approached everything she did with dedication and determination.

Denalee will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Her memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Denalee is survived by her daughter, Nikki McKenna of Ammon, ID; daughter, Krista (Kim) Pope of Kuna, ID; daughter, McKell McKenna of Idaho Falls, ID; step-daughter, Jodee (Wes Gross) Mackay of West Jordan, UT; daughter, Lynette McKenna of Saratoga Springs, UT; granddaughters, Kendra Pope and Addison Voss; grandson, Aiden Voss; sister, Ranae Vander Linden of Sandy, UT; sister, Patsy Garner of Ammon, ID; sister, Sheila (Paul) Jenkins of Ammon, ID; brother, Scott (Paula) Heiner of Green River, WY; sister, Jill (Charles) Thompson of Bountiful, WY; and sister, Lisa (David) Drollette of Moscow, ID.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Delbert Heiner; mother, Velda Heiner; husband, Larry C. McKenna; brother, Terry Heiner; sister, Linda Lawrence; and brother, Kelly Heiner.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Archer-Sutton Cemetery. The family will visit with friends Friday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road.