Denise Tracy

Denise E. Tracy of Harvey, Arkansas, formerly of California, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Waldron, Arkansas, with her devoted husband, Dean, faithfully by her side. She was 66 years old.

Denise was born on May 23, 1960, in Pasadena, California, to her parents, Edwin E. Jenkins and Anne Millenaar Jenkins. From the very beginning, Denise carried with her a warm and loving spirit that would become one of the greatest gifts she shared with everyone around her.

For 45 blessed years, Denise was married to the love of her life, Dean. Their marriage was filled with devotion, companionship, faith, and countless memories built together through the years. Dean was not only her husband, but her partner in life, in dreams, and in the work that became so close to Denise's heart.

Denise lived and worked in California for most of her life before she and Dean made a new home in Harvey, Arkansas, about five years ago. Together, they purchased a farm where Denise was finally able to bring one of her greatest dreams to life. That dream became Tracy Acres, a nonprofit equine rescue born from Denise's deep love for horses and her desire to make a difference.

At Tracy Acres, Denise and Dean rescued horses from all kinds of circumstances, offering them care, patience, safety, and a second chance. For Denise, rescuing a horse was never simply about giving an animal a home. She understood the special way horses could reach the human heart, and many of the horses at Tracy Acres were used for equine therapy. Through that work, Denise was able to bring comfort and healing to others while caring for the animals she loved so dearly. Tracy Acres was more than a farm to Denise; it was a reflection of her heart.

Her faith was at the center of who she was. Denise attended The Crossing Church in Mena, Arkansas, and her love for God could be seen in the way she lived each day. Her strength, courage, compassion, and unwavering faith were evident to those who knew her. She did not simply speak of her faith; she lived it through the love she showed to others.

Denise had a way of lighting up a room simply by walking into it. There was a warmth about her that made people feel welcomed and loved. Children especially seemed to be naturally drawn to her gentle spirit, and Denise had a special place in her heart for them. She loved people deeply and had a gift for making those around her feel important.

She also found joy in the little things that made life uniquely hers. Denise loved collecting teddy bears and carousel horses, treasures that reflected both her tender heart and her lifelong love of horses.

Above all else, Denise loved her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband and best friend of 45 years, Dean of Harvey, Arkansas; her sons, Nick Tracy and wife Jenna of Mena, Arkansas, and Jordan Tracy and wife Helen of Kansas City, Kansas.

One of Denise's greatest joys was being "Oma" to her beloved grandchildren, Kirra, Ben, Evie, and Luke. Being their Oma was a title she treasured, and the love she had for each of them was immeasurable. The memories they shared with her will remain precious gifts for years to come.

Denise is also survived by her parents, Edwin Jenkins and Anne Millenaar, both of California; her sisters, Jeanette Lamb of California and Brigitte Hamm of Washington; along with a host of extended family and dear friends whose lives were made brighter simply because Denise was part of them.

Denise leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy of faith, compassion, kindness, and love. Her legacy lives on through her family, through every person she encouraged, through every child who was drawn to her gentle heart, and through every horse that found safety and a second chance at Tracy Acres. Those who loved Denise will miss her beautiful presence, her warmth, and the light she carried with her, but they can find comfort in knowing that the faith she lived by has now become sight.

Denise's Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

As family and friends gather to remember Denise, may they celebrate a life beautifully lived, a heart that loved without hesitation, and a faith that remained steadfast to the end.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.