Denise Ann Haywood

Denise Ann (DeBoer) Haywood, of Hudsonville, left her earthly body for eternal life in heaven on February 11th, 2026 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born June 30, 1962 to Roger and Diane DeBoer of Grand Rapids, Denise was the youngest of four girls and graduated in 1980 from Creston High School.

Denise’s effervescent personality led to her making friends wherever she went. Known as “Mama D” to her younger coworkers and friends, she would have given you her last dime or the shirt off her back if you needed it. Despite being a 5’1” (and a half!) spitfire made of nothing but kindness, she once managed to scare off a home burglar, just to turn around and offer his family a bag of groceries. Even in her darkest and scariest moments, Denise found a way to make sure that you were okay first.

She embraced her recent personal and health challenges with the phrase “gotta keep on keepin’ on,” a positive attitude, and unyielding faith. She never, ever gave up the fight, despite insurmountable odds. Cancer may have won this round, but in the end, we all lose when someone like Denise is no longer gracing us on Earth.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Diane DeBoer, paternal grandparents Adrian and Irene DeBoer, and maternal grandparents James and Regina Haskins. She is survived by her daughters Katie (Graham) Rickert and Kristen Haywood, granddaughters Norah Rickert and Raleigh Sanner, sisters Debra Waugh, Kathy Wiest, and Donna Daniels, nieces Sara and Samantha Daniels and nephew Alex Waugh, significant other Michael Hazlewood, and many, MANY friends everywhere.

Per Denise’s request, she will be cremated and a celebration of life will be held in the summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or the Humane Society of West Michigan (www.hswestmi.org) in Denise’s memory.