Denise (Nene) Kay Tweddell passed away July 9, 2021, with her mom and dad by her side. She was a loving daughter, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, aunt, niece, and friend. Nene joined this world July 16, 1980, born in Price, Utah to Lee and Terrie Tweddell. She completed their family of five.
She was a ball of fire from day one. Whether it was fighting kidney problems at birth, getting hung from her armpit on metal shelving as a child, antagonizing her siblings, or battling every medical challenge that she faced.
Nene was an ever-present social butterfly who loved taking and being in pictures, capturing so many beautiful memories of all of our lives. She became friends with people everywhere she went and was truly a lifelong friend.
While growing up, Nene enjoyed many outdoor activities. She could often be found helping her dad, Lee, around the farm, driving his big truck, or helping with the farm chores. She participated in 4-H stock shows and was very proud to show all three animals (beef, lambs and especially pigs). She loved the mountains and loved riding four-wheelers.
Nene was all in when she set her mind to it. She had a give a shit attitude at times, didn’t sweat the little things but was a planner and often would plan gifts for her kids months in advance. She danced at Linda Johnstun’s School of Dance when she was young and once showed up to a required dance practice in a formal dress and high heels. She announced, “I’m here to dance, let’s get this done” before heading off to whatever activity she was dressed up for.
Nene was a Carbon High School graduate, Class of 1998. After graduation, she worked in the Castleview Hospital Radiology Department. While working there, she made friends for life. Nene pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education and graduated with an Associate’s Degree from College of Eastern Utah. This, as well as becoming an aunt, furthered her deep love for children and she loved working as a preschool teacher at Headstart. It was during this time that she suffered a hemangioblastoma inside of her spinal cord, resulting in her paralysis in March 2003.
Although her life was flipped upside down, she did not let it change who she was. She did not let her disability define her. Instead, it just became a part of her. Nene had the most infectious personality. Her wit and ability to spice up the normal conversation with flavorful words never led to a dull moment. Through everything she went through, she maintained the integrity of who she was. This allowed her to continue to make friends and impact others.
Nene is survived by her parents, Lee and Terrie Tweddell; brother, Michael (Kristi) Tweddell; and sister, Tracie Noyes. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Dallen, Kennedy, Kylee, Jacob, Brooklyn, and Nathan; Godchildren, Shontae and Alex and “little brother” Tyler (Kaydee); cousins, Andy, Steven, Andrea, Wade, Nikki (John), Bobbie, J R, Smokey, Kayla (Patrick), Joshua, Matt, Adam (Hailey), Ajay, Gabby, Adrian, Julian, Payce, Marai and Cristiano; her aunts and uncles Ernie, Tom (Elaine), David (Melissa), Toni (Bill), Alan (Jeanette), Steve (Lynna); numerous great friends, home health aides, and medical staff.
Nene was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and LaGene Tweddell and Flavio and Sarah Herrera; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Denise’s birthday, Friday, July 16, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home in Price. Family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday morning one hour prior to service. Burial will be in the Cliffview Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are welcome daily and may share memories of Nene online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.