Denise Michele Ross

Denise Michele Ross, age 65, passed away due to complications from pneumonia surrounded by her loving children on July 8, 2024. She was born in 1958 in Pontiac, Michigan and resided in Waterford almost all of her life. Denise is survived by her incredibly proud and heartbroken children, Shawn (Nancy) Regentin and Wendy (Allan) Robbins. Brothers Richard (Vera), David (Yvonne), Duane (Terry) will miss her deeply and brother Doug, who preceded her in death. Mother Phyllis survives her as well and her late father, Clayton, surely greeted her with a warm hug when she arrived Home. Denise was a wonderful and caring grandmother to Josh, Landon, Jonah, Trista, Tara, Carter and Cameron, and found great joy in watching her grandchildren do the things they love. She spoiled her fur baby Addy (and all of those who came before her) to pieces. 

Denise was a self-made, strong-willed woman working professionally in the payroll field for many years. Her extended time at Oxford Schools was remembered fondly as this was where she built a life-long second family with her co-workers/friends. Most recently, Denise spent her time working at Top Laundry where she enjoyed meeting new people in the community and experienced the love of great friends. 

Denise is best known amongst those who knew her for her thoughtful gifts, sweet sarcasm and strong dedication to the people she loved. She loved fiercely and gave everything she had to those who held her heart. If she knew you, she loved you. And if she loved you, you felt it. Her favorite days were spent on her deck watching her family and friends enjoy her pool. She worked tirelessly to make her yard beautiful and if anyone stopped by, she could almost always be found “out back”, inviting them in with a wave and a huge smile. An avid Survivor fan and baker extraordinaire, she crafted the most amazing sweets just in time for tribal council and loved trying out new recipes for her circle of friends and family.  Sharing food was her way of sharing love and her manicotti, apple crisp and banana bread recipes could not be replicated.

Denise fought extremely hard for the last year and a half of her life, undergoing and recovering from a double lung transplant last May and working to reclaim her life. She climbed every mountain presented to her with dignity and grace and gave the glory to God as she accomplished each goal. Her family is very proud of her unwavering strength and undeniable will to live. Her spirit will live on through her sage advice, the intensity of her love and the strong work ethic she instilled in her children. She will be missed everyday, but her family can go on knowing she is finally at peace, growing gardens of her favorite flowers in Heaven. 

You truly were an angel in the shape of our mom. You have taken care of us long enough. It is time for you to rest now. We will love you forever. 

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