Denise Whetsel

Denise Ann Whetsel, 62 formerly of Dunkirk and currently of Ft. Lauderdale, FL lost her courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 at the University of Miami Hospital.
Denise was born on Aug. 7, 1954 in Portland, IN and was the daughter of Kenneth L and Marie E. (Rash) Whetsel.
She was a 1972 graduate of Dunkirk High School. Denise was also a graduate of Ball State University where she received both her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a specialization in testing and Master’s Degrees in Psychology.
Denise was licensed mental health counselor in the State of Florida and currently was an adjutant professor of the Sociology Department of Miami-Dade College. Previous to her teaching position she was co-owner of the Institute for Human Potential, co-owner a half-way house for patients with eating disorders and operated her own private practice specializing in counseling and therapy for children and adolescents.
Denise was a lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Dunkirk.
She is survived by her mother, Marie E. Whetsel of Dunkirk, her spiritual sister and best friend, Debi Saland of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., her sister, Darnella (Mike) Conway of Pendleton and her brother, Ken (Kris) Whetsel of Muncie. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth L Whetsel, Sr., grandparents, Harry and Hazel Whetsel and Philip and Florence Rash.
A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Basement of Bethel U. M. Church, north of Dunkirk. A Celebration of Life and sharing of memories will be held at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or in care of the funeral home.
Whetsel Funeral Service, Alexandria has been entrusted with Denise’s arrangements.