Obituary of Denice R. Blaha

Denice Ray Westlake, 55, of Alpine, NY, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2022. At Denice's request, in lieu of a service, there will be a rockin' celebration of her life and accomplishments held on October 29, 2022. She asked that until then that you please turn your favorite music up loud, think of the people & things that you love and make a wish, say a prayer, and think positive thoughts. Denice was born in Elmira, NY and is survived by her parents and children, Jessica Westlake (John Cook), Tyler Westlake, Peyton Westlake (Noah Bump) and grandchildren Ayla Westlake, Alec Westlake, and Aiden Westlake; siblings Carla, Randy, Francianne, Amanda, and Shannon; dear friends Rebecca, Heather, Matt, Missy, Johnny Red, Jennie, Starkey, Khristine; her beloved dog, Grunt and her feline friends, Raisin, Blacky, & Magic, and her recent addition of 11 chickens. She was predeceased by Robby Wandricke; Grandmother Virginia (King) Huyler, Aunt Grace Huyler, Aunt Robin Bailey, and best friends Mark Rice & Mikey Koloski. Denice went to high school at OMCS and graduated in 1984. She went on to earn certifications in conservation and took several classes and completed many volunteer hours with Cornell Cooperative Extension. She worked for herself as a landscaper and procuring house & garden plants, planted driftwood décor that she foraged herself (along with the help of her kids, grandkids, and children of friends) her well-known sunflowers, macramé, denim quilts and holiday stockings, and nature-inspired art. She enjoyed thrifting, AKA treasure hunting, drawing, coloring, writing, stomping the creek, upcycling, and gardening. She would read anything she could get her hands on and could often be found with her nose in a book or two. Denice could cook a meal for an army at a moment's notice and spent a great deal of time delivering meals, food, and necessities to those in need. She always had what anyone needed. Most recently, she spent a great deal of time and energy donating to the Barnie Parker Sharing Shed. If you are able, her family asks that you considering donating to the Sharing Shed or to your local food pantry. Denice was misunderstood yet still unapologetically true to herself and against all odds she moved hearts and mountains. We hear her in our words, see her in our daily routines, and share her wisdom and stories with everyone we meet. She is everywhere now; especially with those she loved and missed. "So close, no matter how far Couldn't be much more from the heart Forever trusting who we are No, nothing else matters" "Never fret best friend For I will always be here And never hasten to talk to me For I will have a listening ear Never think I'll leave you Because you know I won't Just because another doesn't like you It doesn't mean I don't For I will always like you And try to treat you nice everyday And I'll never forget the good times We've shared in many ways" In memory of Denice's love for reading, please feel welcome to donate to the Montour Falls Memorial Library. In memory of Denice's commitment to providing food and resources to those in need, please kindly to donate to the Montour Falls Farmers Market or your favorite local nonprofit. In memory of Denice's natural talent in horticulture, please feel welcome to donate to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County's Master Gardeners or get a new house plant or plant something in your garden. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home for their kindness and professionalism, and many thanks to those who have reached out with meals, kind words, and positivity. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com