of Yellville, AR
May 2, 1952 - November 14, 2025
Dena Joanna Andrews, 73, of Yellville, Arkansas, passed away at her home in Yellville on November 14th, 2025. She was born on May 2, 1952, to Florence Ethel (Dunn) and Joseph Oscar Emery.
Dena grew up with a spirit as independent as it was devoted. In 2002, she made her home in Arkansas after moving from Wolf Creek, Montana, bringing with her a deep love of the land, a readiness for anything, and a heart firmly rooted in family. She earned her bachelor's degree and spent her career in customer service and merchandise, where her patience, sharp mind, and easy humor made a lasting impact on everyone she worked with.
Dena was well known for her preparedness and her hands-on way of living. She was a proud Woodman, an avid gun enthusiast, and a dedicated prepper who loved teaching her family how to be self-reliant. She enjoyed canning, freeze-drying, dehydrating foods, tending her garden, and sharing the fruits of her labor with those she loved.
Her passions didn't end there, Dena adored horses and cherished the time she spent riding. She had a deep love for ballroom dancing and was even a dance instructor for a time, gliding through life with rhythm, energy, and grace. Her greatest joy, however, was being a grandmother. She poured love into every one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving each of them with special memories and a sense of being truly known. She also had a special bond with her beloved bird, Tommy, whose companionship meant the world to her. She also was an avid reader who always found comfort in her books
Dena is survived by her children: Ty (Crystal), William (Shawnee), Doug, and Teresa White; her siblings: Marylin Warner, Joseph Emery, Nancy McFarland, and Bill Emry; her grandchildren: Ann Marie Andrews, Abigail Joanna Andrews, Harleigh Burnette, Blake Andrews, Hope Andrews, Alyssa Andrews, and Logan Andrews; and her great-grandson, Corbin Andrews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ernest Andrews; her parents Florence & Joseph Emery; her sister, Alice Taylor; and her adoptive sons, Nolan and William Tell.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Have a Heart Pet Shelter in Yellville, a no kill shelter organization close to Dena's heart.
A service will be held at a later date in Illinois, with details to be announced by her family.
Arrangements are in the care of Roller Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas
Sign Guestbook
13 Condolence(s)
Tamara Duncan
Sunday, November 23, 2025
I'll always remember the fun and crazy times we shared. I'll miss you and I love you my friend.
Dwight Polson
Friday, November 21, 2025
I didn't know Dena outside of the store. She seemed like a very kind person. I will miss the chit chat we had when I came in. May Gods send his comfort and blessings to her family and friends. May justice prevail.
Desiree Hatch
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Gone way too soon but never forgotten!
Pamela Mcculough
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I love you Dena and your gonna be missed by many.
Pam Parks
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Dena was a sweetheart to everyone. I told her one time was going to raid her closet because she had beautiful clothes. She told me go.right a head ;) she will be missed by many. Dena your with God now. Till we meet again go sing with the angels.
Samatha Williams
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Dena,
We have roamed many acres on horseback. Our kids grew up together running a muck on the ridge. My memories are too many to list. My favorites were our horseback adventures, late nights in the goat barn and Midnight Margaritas. I even took ballroom dancing with you just for you! You taught me so much about life and people. You were such a giving person, at times too giving. You're love for family, friends,animals Nature and your community was so deep.
We have laughed, cried, grieved, loved and got into a lot of mischief together. I have missed our closeness but never stopped loving you my friend. I am deeply saddened that there's no time left earth side for the conversations we need and had planned. You will be greatly missed. You have definitely left your footprint on this life and a special place in so many hearts. Hug and Kiss the boys, Pops and Kayla. Keep a watch over all of us!
With Love
Sam
Brenda Isaac
Thursday, November 20, 2025
I worked with Dena for a short time, but during that time I was Blessed to get to know her. She has a special place in my heart. It took such a short time to make such an impact on me! Dena you're already missed. We will meet again one day and until then Dance in the sky my friend!
Sonya Pugh
Thursday, November 20, 2025
You will be deeply missed.
Linda Paul-Russmann
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Fly high my friend you will be missed
Catrina
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Dena was one of my favorite people in the world. She carried the kind of grace that made you feel safe to share your troubles, and she never judged me for my choices—a rare gift around these parts. The world has lost an angel, and our town will never be the same without her. Her kindness, her listening ear, and her steady presence leave a space that can never be filled. We will carry her memory in our hearts, but her absence will be felt in every corner of this community.
Patsy Freeman
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Ms Dena was the best boss I guess I ever had ..Words can not express how I feel for children and grandchildren....
She is saying now In God's hands ...Until we meet again ,,, Peace Ms , Dena
Sarah Wisner
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Dena was one of the most special people I was ever blessed to know. She was so loving and made me feel like I belonged. She was like the family member you always wished for. I will miss her always and there will forever be a hole in all of our hearts.
Carla Graves
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
I loved Dena very much. Words cannot describe what a wonderful, kind, wise, personable, and charitable woman she was. My thoughts and prayers are with her entire family and all those who knew her. Family, friend, or acquaintance, Dena always had a smile and kind word for all. This world lost a one of a kind person. Rest in peace, my friend. I love you very much!