Denise Skeens, 62, Pleasant Hill, MO died Monday, July 2, 2018 surrounded by her beloved family at her home.  Funeral services were  Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO.  Burial in Peculiar Cemetery, Peculiar, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice, 123 W. Kansas Ave., Independence, MO  64050.

Denise was born December 5, 1955 in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Ernest and Catherine (Olson) Belto. She lived in Belton and Peculiar, MO during her childhood, then graduated high school from Wellington, MO.

Denise then married her high school sweetheart, Gary Skeens, in 1972 and moved to Pleasant Hill, MO for the remainder of her life. Denise raised her children and then became a proud Cass County Sheriff Deputy until her retirement in 2017.  Denise's life passion was her family and spent her time caring for loved ones and free time vacationing.  Denise had fond and fun times with her grandchildren, Riley and Trevor.  She battled A.L.S. for the last 18 months but always maintained a positive and loving outlook on life.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Catherine Belto, and a brother, Leslie Batchelder. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Skeens of 45 years; three children and their spouses, son, Doug Skeens and wife, Cindy, daughter, Darlene and husband, Chris Snively, daughter, Elizabeth and husband, Mark Cooke; 5 brothers, Terry, Rodger, Randy, Monty and Tony; numerous beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.