Denise graduated from Golden High School in 1973. Denise worked various careers, notably employment with Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Lands as a highway technician on construction projects in Wyoming. She then paused her road building career to raise her babies and also own and operate a beauty salon. In 1992, she returned to FHWA working various positions, most recently as the Depot Manager, concluding an over 40-year career with FHWA.
Denise was preceded in death by her father, Kelly Hogan, and is survived by her mother, Darlene Hogan, husband, Dana Leadford, son, Micah (Meghan) Leadford, daughter Katie Leadford (Cody Utecht), grandchildren Lilah, Ashlyn, and Dominic Leadford and Paisley Utecht. She is also survived by her siblings Kelly Lynn Hogan (Dave Hayner), Dottie (John) Kelley, Kurt (Angie) Hogan, and Kim (Sam) Guffey and many nieces and nephews.
