Denise Diane Pickens

Denise Diane Pickens, 60, of Sidney, NE passed away Friday, August 6, 2021 in Sidney. A public celebration gathering will be held in Sterling, CO on August 20, 2021 at Riverview Golf Course at 12:30 p.m.

Denise was born May 3, 1961 in Denver, CO to Joe and Leona (Benavides) Abeyta. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado and taught in Wray, Fleming, Arickaree, Brush, Akron, and Sterling.

On May 2, 1982 Denise married Andrew J. Pickens in Golden, CO, celebrating 39 years this May.

Denise cherished her time with her family and her relationships she built at school. She loved the mountains and enjoyed going for short vacations whenever she could.

Denise is survived by husband Andrew Pickens of Sidney, NE, daughter Courtney Wernsman of Sterling, grandchildren Tymber and Trypp Wernsman, son Tyler Pickens (Samara) of Akron, CO, grandchildren Shayna and Jacoby Pickens, brother Mitch (Cindy) Abeyta of Hartsel, CO, brother Mike Abeyta of Denver, CO, sister-in-law Ayn Scott (Bruce) of Sedalia, CO, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe & Leona and mother & father-in-law Jim & Marilyn Pickens.

Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers in honor of Denise to Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research c/o Tennant Funeral Home PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.