Modena Lee "Dena" Kimball (Hatifeld), age 87, died July 2, 2024 in Guthrie. Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2024 at Strode Funeral Home. Services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2024 at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Coyle. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Dena was born to Loyd and Rachel (Hawkins) Hatifeld on February 2, 1937 in Cordell, Oklahoma. She was the 5th of 6 children (four brothers and one sister). Her family lived in the western part of Oklahoma and sharecropped during the time she was growing up. Dena learned to work at a very young age, and by 16 she could pull cotton faster than most men.

She met Leon (Donald Leon Kimball) while she and her girlfriends were out 'driving around' (1950s style) on a Saturday night. When he told the story, he always concluded with "I told my friends when we left there, that I really liked the little one with the "spectacles" (she had worn glasses since about 4th grade).

Dena and Leon married on November 17th, 1953, and established their first home in a one room house on the property where Leon farmed his grandmother's land (just a few feet from grandma's house). They were 16 and 18 respectively and got married during "harvest" (extended fall break in a rural area so kids could help with harvesting crops). Dena never returned to complete her 11th grade year, but she proudly attained her GED after her kids were in junior high and high school.

She gave birth to two daughters: Dora Lynn and Brenda. Dena was a very proficient seamstress, making all of her girl's clothes and eventually taking a job in a sewing factory for a couple of years, making everything from Hagar slacks to Bali lingerie. In later years she made clothing for UR Special (a charitable organization providing new clothing for underprivileged children). Dena was also an amazing cook, frequently cooking large country fried meals for neighbors and friends during ranch "workdays". Her grandchildren LOVED Granny's cookies, chicken and dumplings, and cinnamon rolls.

Dena loved to read, especially her Bible. She kept a paperback version of the NIV New Testament next to her chair and read it cover to cover, numerous times. She also enjoyed going to gatherings where Leon played bluegrass music and socializing with the other spouses of the musicians. She cherished her children and grandchildren and loved having them come and stay at her home.

In her late 70's, dementia began to creep into her life, stealing her memories. But nothing could dim her sense of humor and "orneriness". Dena would stick out her tongue at her caregivers when she was asked to do something she didn't really like (like take her pills or take a shower!) And if somebody's rear was too close, she might give them a light spanking (especially her daughters).

Dena is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Leroy, Caroll, Raymond, Wanda, and Jimmy; and her husband, Leon.

She is survived by her daughters Brenda and her husband Rick, and Dora and her husband Bobby; five grandchildren, Jared, Jennifer, Jesse, Julie and Jillian; as well as nine great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by
visiting www.strodefh.com .