Dena Marie Stroud Derbes, 76, was born October 14, 1945, in Rural Lawrence County to Frank and Winnie Higginbothem Stroud. She left this life on March 3, 2022, to be with her Lord.

She struggled with and fought Crest Syndrome for nearly 20 years, a rare disease that most have never heard of including members of the medical profession, and which has no known cure. Dena was an Air Force wife for 17 years and was a proud supporter of all units her husband was assigned to making many friends from across the country. She loved people, especially family members from both sides.

Dena was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Winnie Stroud; brothers, Leon, Jerrold, and Charles Stroud; sister, Donna Ellis; and brother-in-law, Willis Johnson.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ronald Derbes Sr; daughter, Laura (Jeff) Donahoo; son, Ronald “Joey” (Christina) Derbes Jr; granddaughters, Megan Donahoo and Faith Derbes; sisters, Shirley Johnson and Linda (Robert) Huggins; brother, Thomas (Bonnie) Stroud, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grand nieces, and great grand nephews.

Visitation was held Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with a funeral services beginning at 5 PM with Shawn McElhannon officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Duty Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.