Dena Elizabeth Hemphill

Dena was born in Marshall, MN. She, along with her family, traveled by train out west when she was 6 years old. She lived in various areas of Tacoma during her early years and graduated from Stadium High School in 1935. She met her future husband, Orville Hemphill, and they were married in 1937. Initially they lived in Bremerton, WA. They moved to Purdy, WA in 1947, where she lived the remainder of her life.

Dena enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino, golfing, knitting and many other activities. She was an inspiration and a wonderful role model for her family and friends. She was open-minded, non-judgmental and kind. When asked her secret for such a long life, she replied “take each day at a time and don’t read the labels.”

She is survived by daughter, Peggy Haugan, son, Dale Hemphill, granddaughters Nicci Randall and Dena Gruvman, grandson Brad Haugan, 6 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

We were privileged to have her “Celebration of Life” which she was able to share with us, as we celebrated her 100th birthday. There will be no further formal services.

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