Rochelle Dawn (MacDonald) Denike

Rochelle Denike (nee MacDonald) died peacefully on June 29, 2025 at Birchaven Village in Findlay, OH.

Rochelle was born on August 9, 1942 to Ronald and Lola Belle (nee Kinney) MacDonald, in Grand Rapids, MI.  She was the baby sister of Eloise and James.  She graduated from Cadillac High School in 1960.

She married her high school sweetheart, Berton Denike.  Together they welcomed 2 sons, Matthew Thomas and Michael Ryan.  As her marriage to Bert ended,  Rochelle entered the workforce.  She first worked for Physicians Health Plan, but then found a job that she cherished at St. Lawrence Hospital in Occupational Medicine.  

Rochelle enjoyed the finer things in life, which for her included: Bingo, Boyd’s Bears collectables and Beanie Babies!  She enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino.  She was an avid reader and fine purveyor of The Home Shopping Network.

She is preceded in death by father, Ronald MacDonald, mother, Lola Belle Miller, stepfather, Carl Miller, beloved son, Matthew Denike, sister, Eloise Gerrod, brother-in-Law, Johnny Gerrod.

She is survived by beloved son, Michael Denike of Findlay, OH, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Denike of Findlay, OH, daughter-in-law, Tina Denike of Ovid, MI.  

She is survived by grandchildren: Nichole  (Jerome) Wade  of Perry, MI, Steven Denike of Ovid, MI, Tori Denike, of Findlay, OH, Lizzie Denike, of Ovid, MI, Ellie Denike, of Findlay, OH, and Andrew Denike, of Findlay, OH and great grandchildren: Braelyn Wade, Zariya Wade and Kason Wade.  She is also survived by beloved brother, James MacDonald of  Florida beloved sister-in-law, Bonnie Ballard of Florida, dearest friend, Eva York of Bath, MI  and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service to be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00am at Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac, MI.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for Rochell’s caregivers at Birchaven Village, especially the staff of Gardenia and Foxglove Halls.  Your care allowed Rochelle to live the last few years of her life safely, comfortably and surrounded by love and friendship.

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