Denese Grace Johnson of Heavener, Oklahoma was born February 8, 1953 in Talihina, Oklahoma to Marland and Aline (Johnson) Ashalintubbi and passed away April 29, 2025 in Talihina, Oklahoma at the age of 72.

Denese is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers David Wayne Ashalintubbi, Ferris Ashalintubbi, and Martin James; and a sister, Verloyn Ashalintubbi.

Denese is survived by:

Two sons:

Gerald Watson of Durant, Oklahoma

Brandon Hickman of Heavener, Oklahoma

Two daughters:

Crystal Pilkington and husband Shawn of Heavener, Oklahoma

Jaclyn Emmert and husband Jerimy of Panama, Oklahoma

Six grandchildren:

Cheyanne Shelton and husband Logan, Ty Pilkington and wife Meagan, Emmanuel Watson, Austin Emmert, Dylan Emmert and wife Hannah, Brooklyn Hickman

Five great-grandchildren:

Addilyn, Ryan, and Ona Shelton

Ashtyn and Silas Pilkington

One brother:

Dennis Ashalintubbi and wife Terri of Ashville, North Carolina

One sister:

Hanna Williams of Talihina, Oklahoma

Two half-sisters:

Minnie Ashalintubbi of Clarksville, Arkansas

Pauline Genemetes and husband Brian of Clarksville, Arkansas

Numerous other family and a host of friends

Denese, a cherished member of our community and a devoted Supply Clerk at Choctaw Nation Hospital, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love and pride in her Choctaw heritage. A longtime resident of the area, she treasured the moments spent with her family and friends. Denese was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation and an active member of Grace Indian Baptist in Talihina. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, and her warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Denese's life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025 at Freedom House Fellowship in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother Sam Dyer officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

The family will have visitation with friends on Thursday, May 1st from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.