Denise “Ricki” (DeFelice) Conklin

August 2, 1953 — May 14, 2019

Denise “Ricki” (DeFelice) Conklin, 65, of Oak Harbor, Wash., joined her Heavenly Father the morning of May 14, 2019; she passed in her home with family by her side after battling cancer. 

Born Aug. 2, 1953 to Arthur DeFelice and Grace Racioppo in Verona, Pa. She was a devout Catholic and always put God and her family above all. Denise graduated Riverview High School in 1972, where she participated in Color Guard. Her pride in life was her four boys but her real love was her grandchildren, with shopping being a close second. Being a military spouse for 20 years of service, she had the opportunity to travel the states as well as being stationed overseas. She was a compassionate and fair person that loved people and her pets to no end. When you said, “I love you,” she’d reply, “love you more” and you always knew she meant it. 

Denise retired from the Department of Navy Civilian Service after 33 years and began her newfound passion volunteering as a certified WSU Master Gardener.

She is survived by sons William G. Conklin, Sean A. Conklin, Ricky A. Conklin, Dustin M. Conklin, and beloved daughter-in-law LeeLee Martin-Conklin; grandchildren Kaylie Lacoste, Reanna Lacoste, Jennifer Martin, Nicole Conklin, and Jacob Martin; sister Darlene DeFelice, and chosen sister, best friend, and shopping partner Jo-Anne(Paul) Dusevitch; cherished niece Tina (Kenny) Buckler; nephew Damian Walker; goddaughter and great niece Amber Abell; great nieces Camille Buckler, Mallory Buckler; and great nephew Zack Walker; as well as several beloved cousins.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Deborah DeFelice. 

A funeral mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Oak Harbor  at 10 a.m. Saturday June 8.   

The family suggests memorials, if you are so inclined. Be made in her memory to WSU Island County Master Gardener Excellence Fund online at: https://foundation.wsu.edu/give/.

Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home, Oak Harbor, Wash.