Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Gary Baxley. Interment will take place afterward at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Mariana was born on December 25, 1932, in Henderson, Texas, to Travis Austin Boren and Anna Mae Vandigriff Boren. She graduated from Henderson High School before attending Baylor University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1955. While at Baylor, she met the love of her life, Thomas Charles Denson. The couple married on June 24, 1955, in Henderson and began a devoted marriage that spanned over 50 years.
Mariana dedicated her career to caring for others. She served as a school nurse in both the Dallas Independent School District and the Temple Independent School District, where she ultimately retired. She also worked as a nurse for Texas Instruments in Temple.
A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Temple, Mariana joyfully served her church in many capacities. She taught Sunday School, led Bible study groups, cared for children in the nursery, and volunteered on numerous church committees. Her commitment to her community extended beyond the church through her involvement with the Temple Garden Club, Temple Woman's Club, Doctors' Wives Club, Baylor University Heritage Club, and many school PTA boards and committees.
Mariana found great joy in playing the piano, quilting, gardening, traveling, and, above all, spending time with her family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Thomas Charles Denson; her parents, Travis Austin Boren and Anna Mae Vandigriff Boren; her sister, Marilyn Dearing; and many cherished aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Fletcher and her husband, Kevin, of Mansfield, Texas; her son, Thomas Charles Denson Jr. and his wife, Jerri, of Waco, Texas; her seven grandchildren, Kolton Fletcher and wife Abby, Kade Fletcher and wife Kamryn, Kallen Fletcher, Lina Denson, and Suzana Denson; great-grandson, Graham Fletcher; and many nieces and nephews.
The family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and sign the online guestbook at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.
