Denise Rene Heffner

Denise Rene Baker was born June 9, 1962, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Charlie and Judie Baker. She was one of five siblings, the middle child between two brothers and two sisters. The family was raised in South Omaha and were well known around the neighborhood as the "Baker kids". Denise loved fishing and camping with her family and playing hide-and-seek with friends in the 22nd and Chandler neighborhood.

She graduated from South High School in 1980. In those years, Friday nights were spent skating with family and friends. It was there she met a military man who skated his way into her heart and rolled her into her next adventures, which began on the beaches of Hawaii. 

As a young adult, she was an Air Force wife, a dedicated mother of three, and a loving sister and friend- even from afar. 

A decade later, she found her way back home to Omaha, where she balanced motherhood and working at Bank of Nebraska and Bellevue Keno . Denise enjoyed playing bingo, darts, bowling, taking chances at the casino and playing her favorite Mickey ticket in the keno hall. 

Later in life, she was at the peak of her work life at First Data when she received her first life-altering diagnosis of fibromyalgia. While the disease was physically debilitating, Denise did not give up.

When her children were grown, she moved around Omaha, meeting new people and forming everlasting friendships. Connecting with people was a big part of who she was. 

At 60 years young, Denise was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She faced a battle she didn't want to fight- but she did it for her family and friends. 

She was known by many as "Gramma Niece" because of her undeniable love and care she gave to her own grandkids. 

Denise always stayed true to who she was, despite every obstacle she faced. She will be remembered for her tenacity and will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her.

Denise Rene (Baker) (Patire) Heffner, 63, lost her battle with cancer in the earliest hours of March 10, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska with her daughter Tracy by her side.

Denise is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd "Charlie" and Judith "Judie" (Heiser) Baker; sister Diane (Baker) Cotner; and grandson, Brenden Patire.

She is survived by her children, Cristina "Tina" (Bradley) White, Jennifer "Jenny" Patire, and Tracy (David) McGee; grandchildren Bailie, Amy, Bryce, Bradyn, Brielle "Bri", Brinsley "Brin", Madysen "Mady", Ethaniel "Ethan", Emersyn "Viktor", Cameron, Katelyn "Kat", David "DJ", Tomas "Tommy", Anthony, and Joseph "Joey"; great-grandchildren Brantley, Brody, Wrenley, and Averiella.

She is also survived by her brothers James "Jimmy" (Diane) Campbell and David "Bubba" (Anita) Baker; and sister Julie Baker, along with extended family- including her aunt and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Denise is also preceded in death by dear friends JoAnne "Jo" (Turner) Stever and Laura (Mort) Marcuccio and leaves behind her lifelong friend, Sharon (McGinnis)Weires.