Denise Jane (Counts) Ude, a longtime resident of Henryetta, passed from this life on Saturday, December 3, 2016 in Henryetta at the age of 56. Denise was born on February 7, 1960 in Modesto, California to Billy Eugene Counts and Betty Harbour Counts.

Denise grew up in California, but has lived in the Henryetta for the past 21 years. She has worked for the past four years as a cook at Fountainview Manor Nursing Home in Henryetta. Prior to that Denise had worked for several years as a nurse's assistant at Lake Drive Nursing Center. Denise loved spending time with her grandchildren and loved being around animals. Most of all, Denise was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, and sister and she will be missed by her many friends and family members.

She is preceded in death by her father, Billy Counts.

Denise is survived by her mother, Betty Harbour Counts of Henryetta; a daughter, Stephanie Mendoza and husband Rigo of Henryetta; a son, Nickie Airington of Henryetta; a son, Paul Airington of Henryetta; a daughter, Heather Williams of Henryetta; six grandchildren, Destiny Stevenson, Hailey Stevenson, April Stevenson, Rigoberto Mendoza Jr., Abel Mendoza, and Paul "PJ" Airington; a brother, David Counts and wife Joy of Henryetta; a sister, Deanna Counts of Oakdale, CA; by several nieces, nephews, other extended family and many good friends.

Following cremation, a private family service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.