Regina Heid, known as Dena, 60, passed away peacefully in her home on January 24, 2026 in Thornton, Co. She had been delighted to celebrate this milestone date in her life.

Born in Texas on January 15, 1966, Dena grew up with struggles but was strong-willed and determined to live the life she wanted. She graduated from Vidor High School in 1984. Having helped to raise her siblings, Dena always knew that she wanted to be a mom. She Eventually moved to Denver, Co where she met Dan Held thirty-five years ago and they have been married for thirty-two. They have two children, Shelbie and Killian. As Dan would say, she was the glue that kept the family together, their rock. To say she was loyal is putting it mildly. She would go to the ends of the earth to support her loved ones.

Dena was an amazing person. She would never forget a face and could recall events long after they happened. She enjoyed giving people nicknames that would stick like glue and could make anyone smile with her silly jokes. She was a woman of many talents. She was an amazing cook, a seamstress wizard, loved to crochet, was the best receptionist for the family business and the queen of taxes (according to Dan).

Dena was very supportive as a mother. She acknowledged the strong talents that her children displayed and fully backed their dreams. "She was the reason why I learned how to play the flute," Shelbie said. "Honestly she was the loudest cheerleader out there," commented Killian. She also used her talents to support them. All of her kid's costumes were made from scratch, even the last-minute changes. She could create anything from a piece of fabric and a pattern. It ended up looking like it was made by a professional. She learned to crochet from her grandmother, and it became a passion. Not only would she crochet for her family, but she loved to crochet for others. if she heard about a baby shower, she would ask for the color scheme or theme for the baby's room then commit to crocheting a baby blanket to suit their style.

Dan spent half of his life with Dena and depended on her greatly. She did all the work of a receptionist; made plans, scheduled deliveries, recorded every handwritten invoice he would give her and made sure things were accurate to a "T" for daily business and at tax time. She helped him meal prep for his many hunting and fishing trips. As a devoted, loving wife, she was a woman who had a game plan for everything.

Besides the love she had for her family, Dena loved kids, pets and horses, Victorian homes and she loved to dance and sing. She enjoyed Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, Criminal Minds and NCIS. Besides these, Dena had a passion for reading. Any book that peaked her interest was fair game (she had a "library" of hardback books). if possible, she would read an entire book at one sitting. If the book was not nearby, she had her whole kindle selection on her cell phone. That made it possible to do her work first and keep her book close at hand.

Dena was preceded in death by her mother, Karen, and sister Jada.

She is survived by her husband Dan, children Shelbie, Killian and John DeHaan, Jr. She is also survived by her father, step-mother, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. She is mourned by her whole family and all those who met, knew, and loved her. She was a friend to all.

In keeping with her wishes she will be cremated. There will be no funeral service at this time. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life will be held in the coming months. We appreciate the services of Horan & McConaty Funeral Service and Cremation. Online

memories or condolences can be at www.Horancares.com