Dena Nicole Duvall
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Dena Nicole Duvall – September 11, 1982 – October 3, 2019. A visitation will be held from 2:00-3:30PM, Friday, 10/11/19 at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society, Raytown, MO. A memorial service will begin at 3:30PM also at Heartland.
A Going Home Tailgate will be held October 12, 2019 at K&T, 10001 Bannister Rd. Kansas City, MO 64134 from 5:15-11:00PM. BYOB and don’t forget to wear your Chiefs gear. Let’s send Dena off with the tailgate of a lifetime!
Dena Nicole Duvall, 37, of Blue Springs, Missouri passed at her home on Thursday, October 3rd . Dena leaves behind a daughter, Dionna Duvall-Smith of Independence, MO and a son Kayden Davis and his father Deon Davis of Denver, CO. She is survived by her mother Linda Rinehart Duvall of Independence, MO, her sister Derra Echols (Quincy) of Independence, Mo, her brother Dustin Duvall Black, Tucson, AZ., her grandparents John Rinehart (Gayle), Oliver Duvall of Independence, MO, aunts Debbie Ruth (Geno) of Independence, MO, Dianna Duvall of Blue Springs, MO, uncles John Rinehart (Angie) of Liberty, Mo, Kirk Rinehart of Buckner, MO, John Firuccia of North Kansas City, MO and her surrogate parents Patty and Roger Smith and Dionna’s father, Justin Smith of Lone Jack, MO, the loves of her life in addition to her own children– nieces Azaysha, Quintiara, Q’Aniya, Quincie and Quashanna; great nephews Nozaf and Monte along with cousins and a multitude of extended family and friends.
Dena was preceded in death by her beloved Grandma and Grandpa Firuccia and her grandmother Ann Duvall.
Dena was a graduate of Raytown South High School and worked her way through college and nursing school at St Luke’s Hospital. She worked at St. Luke’s for 15 years and was an RN at St. Luke’s East at the time of her death. She had just completed her MSN and would have become a Nurse Practitioner in December.
It is not surprising that Dena became a healer. It came to her naturally. Before she entered the medical field, she nurtured, supported and healed those around her with her natural light and ability to make people laugh… no matter what.
The words her friends and family have used to describe her include: she was my light, my love, my whole heart, my sister, my friend, my rock, my soul, my support and more than one have said, she could always make me laugh. So it’s not surprising she became a healer. It came naturally to her.
When Dena put her mind to something, there was nothing she couldn’t do. That allowed her pursue a degree while working and raising her daughter. To get her BSN nursing degree while working, raising her daughter and having her son and most recently to get her MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner. She has worked just as hard to learn about and understand the world of autism in order to provide the best opportunities for her son Kayden to thrive. There was nothing that could stop her. That’s who she was. She had the drive and perseverance to set and achieve goals but did it all while finding time to be with family and have fun with her friends.
Dena made friends easily. The saying that friends are the family you choose was written for Dena. The hundreds of pictures are testament to the time spent and value she placed on the family she chose. She had a big heart with room for all.
Let’s not forget …Dena brought the fun. Whenever there was a good time to be had, she made it happen. She was an avid Chiefs fan and so lots of those good times happened at Chiefs games or watching them from whatever venue. Let us always remember how the energy level rose when she walked into a room, how we knew something was up by that twinkle in her eye and her laugh. That laugh.
Visits: 26
My deepest condolences to Dena’s family and her friends. Her presence lit up the room, and it just won’t be as bright without her. It has been so special to have known and worked with her. Sending peace and healing to you.
I’ve known Dena since middle school. She was so funny and out going. She knows how to make you laugh. She will be missed! Prayers and hugs go out to her family.
Dena was such a pleasure to have know my condolences go out to her family may you find peace in this time of tragedy sorry for your loss
My best friend. My sister. I will never forget your smile, your laugh, your love of life and for your babies. You’re everything i always wished to be. You stood up for your beliefs and never let anyone get you down. I can’t imagine doing this life without you. Please be my Angel. Watch over Dionna and Kayden, your family, and me. Always and forever, baby girl
My Prayers go out to your kids and the rest of your family and friends.
We really didn’t know each other that well what I remember that you always brought the fun Anywhere and Anyplace you were at. No matter what time it was or what day of the week it was.
Keep Watching over Your Loved Ones. They miss you too Pieces.
My thoughts an prayers go out to the family an especially her children. I met Dena when she was 18 years old with Alex. We all worked together an we would have a ball, she made the place worth coming to work. She grew into a beautiful Woman. She loved life, her children an she will truly be missed.
My Dena, my best friend, my rider. We had some of the best times of our liveds together. You brought so much realness, energy and joy. You were so passionate about any everything that you touched. You truly loved life and I enjoyed watching you achieve your accomplishments. My heart goes out to your daughter & son, Deon, and your entire family of whom i love greatly. We your friends are left with an emptiness. I will never forget you “Dean Almighty”. I love you more than life. I will see you in heaven.
Such a light. In high school, you made sure everyone felt they had a place. Words to describe you- gracious, humble, loyal, open, grounded, caring, exciting, great human and mother.
We mainly stayed connected through social media after high school. Watching you come into yourself and your god given talents was amazing.
You always helped. Whether it was to gather your daughters old prom dresses to donate to youth who needed them, or reach out to me offering suggestions for my sons seizures. No hesitation. Happy to help. And that was just what I got to experience. A girl you went to high school with that stayed connected through a screen. I can only imagine what you did for those around you in your presence.
As much as my heart hurts for your family, I can’t help my thoughts of feeling honored to have known you and experience your light.
You are one of the reasons why I will always know there are good people in this world. Gritty, strong, real, huge hearted, fun, loving people.
Rest easy Dena???
Dena, when I came to CVRU, an old ER nurse trying out the inpatient side, it was evident the brightness you brought to the world. Your arms welcomed everyone. You were bold and your fierceness was over the top. You loved what you did as a nurse and you loved your family and friends equally. You are someone who will forever be a little part of me because you were just that incredible that you wanted to take a little piece of you home.
My sweet friend, you will be missed here, but I know that heaven is now that much brighter. I have nothing but the most respect for you, your drive and determination. There were more than a few times during school that if I were in your place, I would have said, “Forget this” but you never did and I admire the hell outta you for that, sista! I’m sad we won’t be heading out to Colorado together as new NPs. You will never be forgotten. Peace be with your family.
Dena, I always will remember all the laughs we use to have as our little crew would ride around and just enjoy life as much as we could when we were younger. You could always make everyone laugh and when you walked into a room everyone would immediately enjoy your presence as you were always so happy and smiling from ear to ear. You will be missed by so many!! Watch over your beloved children and be their angel. R.I.H. Plucky!! You were one of the few amazing ones that I had the privilege to call a life long friend. May God bless your family.
I don’t know we’re to begin my heart is completely broken I am still in shock. I lost a best friend who was like my sister and my children lost their god mother . I will cherish every moment we ever had together. Thank you for everything you ever did for me and my girls. I love you so much. Rest In Peace my sweet angel.
I don’t know were to begin my heart is completely broken I am still in shock. I lost a best friend who was like my sister and my children lost their god mother . I will cherish every moment we ever had together. Thank you for everything you ever did for me and my girls. I love you so much. Rest In Peace my sweet angel.
D,
I never doubted you could do anything you wanted. You were the light of every room you entered, and I have no doubt heaven shines brighter with you there. Sadly, this earth is less bright without you. I remember you perched up on that stool in the film room at Luke’s just like it was yesterday, laughimg and having a great time talking about everything you were going to do in life. And look at you girl… You did it… So proud. I will see you again one day. Until then… Love you!!
My Godmother , you always wanted to help me anyway possible . If it was advice at 3am you had my back . Constantly telling me you loved me and my girls . I miss you so much it hurts but I can still hear your laugh and see your smile . I hold you close to my heart and ask my self what would dean tell me if I feel lost without you . I love you dean rest in paradise you beautiful angle.
I didn’t know you personally, but we shared a best friend. I know that anyone she loved and adored must be an absolutely amazing person! The things I’ve read and heard tell me how loving, caring and adored you are! My heart is shattered for your babies!!! The world suffered a tragic loss!
Your family and friends have suffered a great loss. You name was in my house from high school to now, you were one of my kids friends. You will be missed. The medical world is losing an awesome person. My heart goes out to your children but knowing you are the angel that will watch over them gives hope that all will be ok. RIP young lady.
We met in middle school. We haven’t spoken since your Birthday last year. You were always fun to be around & humble. We had a ton a mutual friends. You will be greatly missed by many! Rest In Paradise Dena!
We met in high school then ended up working together at St lukes. Really going to miss your hugs and laughter around the hospital. Great friend u were ? “That’s Allllll Fowlkes! “?
I never met you Dena (unfortunately 🙁 ) but from hearing the praise from your younger brother Dustin you were a fun loving person with a heart of gold. May you rest in peace and know that you will be greatly missed by all whos hearts you touched. My deepest condolences to you and your family/friends in this time of grief.
Wow I’m still in disbelief!!! My heart goes out to her children and family!! I met Dena & Alex at work in 2000. I want to say they were the youngest ones working for the company at the time. Dena was so freindly and very supportive. If she considered you family or friends she was supporting you in her own special way. Rest well my friend!!!!
Although I did not know Dena well, she was a mentor to me when I went to work on the floor in the Hospital nearly 4 years ago. When my family and I went through a troubling time a few years later, Dena was the ONLY coworker who came to my defense in a public forum, unafraid. I have treasured this act of kindness for the last year and have often found myself admiring her courage. And even though she has an abundance of positive words on here, I felt compelled to share this story. My thoughts and prayers are with all family, friends, and coworkers who lost such a guiding light.
Dena you came through for me when I was stuck in the cold at the KC airport with no ride. I had never met you before but you came out of your way after work to pick me up and bring me to my hotel and we hit it off. You were sweet, funny and one of a kind. Every since that time we kept in contact over social media. I loved watching you grow and achieve the goals you set forth for yourself. I am deeply saddened to hear the news of your passing. My heart aches for you and your family. They all miss you so damn much. You mean the world to all of them. Rest in paradise sweet lady.
I met Dena years ago when we worked together (she and Alex were the “babies” of the office). I admired her work ethic and was thrilled she was “mine” when we were paired to work together. One year at work, she was my Secret Santa. The gift she gave me on reveal day was a scented sachet angel. That angel has sat on a bookshelf all these years and I’ve smiled often remembering the sweet girl who gave her to me. I was not at all surprised to see she was putting herself through school to become a nurse when we reconnected via Facebook; it was more evidence of that work ethic I had witnessed years earlier. The world will be dimmer without her bright light. My deepest sympathy to her children, her family and her friends.
In the mighty name of Jesus I thank you GOD for blessing us with Dena. I had not seen her in years but loved and cared deeply for her. There’s those special people that come along in your life and shine a huge beacon of light on it, even change it in some special way. I’m sure everyone who’s ever met her would feel that way. I love you Dena. Forever little sis. Rest well until our spirits meet again.
I never got the pleasure of meeting you personally but learned a little bit about your fiercely incredible personality through your sister, Derra, who sang your praises as a fiercely loving protective sister and aunt. My condolences go out to your babies, family, and friends. You will never be forgotten and I pray that the memories of you held deep within each of their hearts, help to soothe them during this difficult time.
The Duvalls lost an important member of its family and it won’t be the same without Dena. Loved seeing her smile. Love, prayers and hugs.
Dena, I believe you are in heaven downplaying all the beautiful stories & comments you see here?. And the Lord is setting his good and faithful servant straight ???. Yes Dena, you were all this and more. Sympathy & prayers to Dionna, Kayden and all of your family. You lived a big life in your 37yrs and left a big footprint in this world. You’ll never ever be forgotten my dear ?????
Hey Dean! You were one of my fav’s at Luke’s! I remember meeting you in the film library many years ago…we connected immediately! You were a light to so many people! You achieved your goals and I was so proud of you! I will miss seeing you! Thank you for your smile and your friendship!
Thank you for giving me the nickname Kelz!
Until we meet again sweet Dean!
Love ya! Kelz
You will be missed girl! I will never forget our study sessions or how worked together to find fun ways of remembering anatomy! You were strong loving and fun. See you one day.
To Linda
I am so sorry for your loss. Your kindness and laughter is always the highlight of my week and my heart aches for you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family.
Dustin’s family in Tucson wants to extend out heart felt condolences for the loss of such a young beautiful daughter, sister, mother and friend. She lives on in your hearts and love for her and one another.? GOD SPEED THE LOVE THAT HEALS YOUR HEARTS?
Dustin’s family in Tucson wants to extend out heart felt condolences for the loss of such a young beautiful daughter, sister, mother and friend. She lives on in your hearts and love for her and one another.? GOD SPEED THE LOVE THAT HEALS YOUR HEARTS?