It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, Denise Elaine (Haley) Wedgwood, who left us on August 8, 2025 at the age of 69 surrounded by her loving family.

She lived her life with strength, determination, and a fierce love for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born on February 1, 1956 in Helena, Montana, first born of six children to Robert (Bob) & Marlene Haley.

Growing up in the 60's-70's in Moses Lake, Washington was adventurous (and a bit wild), Denise was a good, straight-A student, smart, fun-loving & funny - a truly free-spirit! She gained life-long friendships and blossomed into a fiercely beautiful and independent woman. After high school she learned to drive a forklift at U&I Sugarbeet Plant, a job she excelled at … which was her stepping stone to becoming one of the first female union heavy-equipment operators in Montana.

Denise was the embodiment of hard work and independence. She faced life's challenges head-on, never backing down from what needed to be done. She was so proud of earning her journeyman's certificate, and was gaining a reputation as an excellent operator. Early in July 1982 the Union hall sent her out on a job driving a huge roller on a road construction site, she unfortunately had a life changing accident as the roller she was operating malfunctioned, lost it's steering, and started to roll over- she bailed off and crushed both of her feet, which led to many surgeries, the end of her career and a lifetime of pain. She still persevered for the next 43 years thru all her physical challenges.

Denise met her "true love" Bill in 1988 and they married August 31, 1991 in a beautiful wedding up at Frontier Town in the chapel. Adopting Bill's son, Dan, welcoming baby daughter, Marnie, and being blessed with her 2 grandchildren Sam & Markus was her most treasured moments in life.

She had a heart big enough to care for anyone in need, a quick wit that could light up a room, and—on occasion—a cantankerous streak that reminded us she was never one to be pushed around.

Dennie (a family name) was the eldest of six children, a role that taught her responsibility from an early age. She carried that sense of duty throughout her life, offering guidance, strength, and love to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her home was the heart of the family—a place where holidays and celebrations were filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her wonderful cooking. She prepared each meal with care, making everyone feel welcome, and she took great pride in keeping an impeccable home where friends and family always felt at ease.

Her sense of humor was as much a part of her as her strength. Whether with a sly comment, a hearty laugh, or a perfectly timed joke, she knew how to bring levity to even the hardest days. She taught us the value of standing on our own two feet while never forgetting to love deeply and unapologetically.

She is survived by her husband William (Bill) Wedgwood, daughter Marnie Wedgwood (Adam H.), grandchildren Samantha Wedgwood and Markus Wedgwood, her brother Darrell Haley (Tina), sister Laurie Haley, sister-in-law Mary Kay Wedgwood (Dean), brother-in-law Timm Wedgwood (Denise), many nieces, nephews and great nieces/nephews, her best friend of 58 years, Joan Corey-Payne, and so very many who will carry her spirit with them always.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob & Marlene Haley, her in-laws William & Roxanne Wedgwood, son Dan Wedgwood, sister Lisa (Haley) Young, brothers Robbie & Tim Haley, her grandparents and her wonderful life-long friend, Jeri Ann Lantz.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on a date to be determined next summer, where friends and family will gather to share stories, laughter, and tears in honor of a truly remarkable woman. We will let everyone know the date later.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, a reflection of her generous heart and commitment to helping others.

We will miss her voice, her laughter, her guidance—and yes, even her stubbornness. But above all, we will miss the love that shaped our lives.