Dena Emily (DeVries) Kidder
Dec. 15, 1926 — Aug. 14, 2011
Lifelong Montrose County resident, Dena (DeVries) Kidder, age 84, passed away late Sunday evening, Aug. 14, 2011, at Sunrise Creek Assisted Living in Montrose.
Dena Emily was born Dec. 15, 1926 to William and Gladys (Britton) DeVries in Montrose. Dena spent all of her childhood in the Montrose and Olathe areas, attending school and graduating from Olathe High School. Dena married Joseph Kralicek in 1945 after he returned from World War II. Dena, for a time, moved to Washington D.C. to help in the war effort, working as a secretary for the government while her future husband was fighting in World War II, serving in the European Theater with General Patton. Joseph preceded Dena in death on July 16, 1965. Dena then married Arthur P. Murphy, in Denver, Colo.; he also preceded her in death on Nov. 26, 1978.
Dena had a lifelong passion for her family and many kids that she was a foster mother to over the years. Dena enjoyed hunting and fishing with her family, she also liked to sew anything she could for her family and friends. Dena was also a member of the Olathe Baptist Church.
Dena is survived by her sons, Alvin Kralicek of Grand Junction and William (Gail) Kralicek of Montrose; and her brother, Darius William DeVries of Clifton, Colo.; and sister-in-law, Annie DeVries. Dena is also survived by her precious grandchildren, Joe, Chris, Antonia and Alvin; as well as four great-grandchildren.
Dena is preceded in death by her beloved son, Robert Joseph, as well as her parents.
A funeral service in loving memory of Dena will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, at the Crippin Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Paul Nystrom officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Olathe Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
