Elsie Lena Denetclaw

Elsie Denetclaw (Lena), 44, was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lena went to be with the Lord peacefully, surrounded by her family on August 12, 2024. 

Lena was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Bernie Sr. Velasquez and Elsie Amaya; paternal grandparents Kenneth Denetclaw Sr. and Lena Peshlikai Denetclaw; uncles Valentine, Ventura, and David Velasquez, Michael Amaya, Evans and Williams Denetclaw and aunts Helen D. Webster, Bernice D. Thompson and Linda D. Begay.

Lena is survived by her mother Bertha and father Ken Denetclaw Jr.; brother Kenneth Denetclaw III (Tanya); son Carlos Griego and Goddaughter Cynthia Velasquez; nephews Isaiah and Elijah Denetclaw; step-grandfather Ramon Amaya and step-grandmother Esther Velasquez; uncles Reed, Bufford and Kennedy Denetclaw, Bernie Jr. (Lori), Jimmy, and Salomon (Sunny) Velasquez; aunt Genevieve Denetclaw, Elaine D. Beyale, Carmen Velasquez, Pauline (Charles), Pamela (Darrell) and Kathy (Juan); as well as many other relatives and friends.

Lena worked for AKAL Security in the administrative department. Lena will be missed by all who knew her. Lena was a very caring person with a big heart and always lent a helping hand. Lena loved to joke and make everyone laugh. Her pride and joy was her son. 

A rosary will be recited on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 6:00 pm with a Public Visitation beginning at 5:30 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home of Española, NM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday August 30, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church in Chimayo with burial to follow at Nuestra Senora de Dolores Cemetery in Chimayo. 

The family would like to thank everyone who has been there for them during this very difficult time. 

The family of Elsie “Lena” Denetclaw has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477