At a mere 70 years old she seemed to have lived a million lives: leaving Mansfield, OH as a young bride with a six-month-old baby bound for the US Virgin Islands to eventually traversing Michigan, Maryland, Louisiana, Orlando and her favorite--Cape Canaveral (gladly enduring an hour commute to central Florida).
As a young mom she became a “Tupperware Lady” in the US Virgin Islands, ultimately growing it into a successful career and thriving distribution business. She later returned to school and received her bachelor’s degree in Social work / Human Services from the University of Central Florida while also raising two active children. Never one for pomp and circumstance, many were unaware that she also went on to receive her Masters and Ph.D. degrees as well.
As a social worker she was committed to helping abused and neglected children find welcome and loving homes—no matter their circumstance or special needs. Managing significant foster care programs (sometimes from the ground up) and directly supporting and nurturing foster care families, Denise worked across central and eastern Florida for more for more than two decades with the Children’s Home Society, Devereaux, and as an independent family court evaluator. Known among her colleagues for her strong personal commitment and exceptional ability to engage with both the children and families, she left the world a better place.
She was a loud, proud, and die-hard Ohio State buckeye football fan who also loved the beach, shuttle launches, surf-fishing, and re-watching every M*A*S*H episode or a movie from her staggering collection. Both extremely humble and fiercely independent, loved ones especially remember her quick wit, fun-loving demeanor, hearty laugh, and twinkling eyes. She could light up a room and was most alive when surrounded by friends, family and fun.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life Rick Easterling, mother Irene McMullen, beloved stepfather Major James McMullen, her favorite great aunt Carrie Rhoades and surrogate “Grandma and Grandpa Sturm’—plus many more waiting to greet her in Heaven.
She is survived by her daughter Beth Voyik Wilson and (son-in-law Chris Wilson); son Brad Voyik (and daughter-in-law Sandi); three amazing grandchildren James Wilson plus Fulton and Sheffield Voyik; two siblings Gary Rhoades (Kay) and Shelia Blust (John); and 13 special nieces and nephews.
Please consider donations to the Children’s Home Society which supports abused and neglected children as well as the foster and adoptive families who give them hope, or Quest Village, an amazing residential community that empowers people with developmental disabilities and was very close to her heart. Here are direct links:
Children’s Home Society: https://chsfl.org/
Quest Village: https://questinc.org/
A memorial service will be planned in Orlando, with the hopes of offering virtual capabilities. For details or to express interest please:
Contact her children Beth and Brad at [email protected]
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We are also compiling a video tribute and would be honored and grateful for your participation. Please visit https://www.tribute.co/denise-rhoades-voyik/
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