Deniese Fawcett

Deniese Patterson Fawcett, born on a Sunday morning, October 15, 1944, in Anthony, Kansas, the first child of Alvin “Pat” and Valeta Gardner Patterson.  In the years that followed, she welcomed her sister Janell and later her brother Randy into the family.

Deniese grew up in Anthony and graduated with the Anthony High School Class of 1962 — a class remarkable for its enduring bond. The friendships she formed in the early 1950s became lifelong treasures, strengthened through decades of reunions, shared memories, and unwavering support.

She married Billy Benson in April 1963, and the marriage ended in 1971. On March 3, 1972, Deniese married Robert “Bob” Fawcett in Anthony. With this union came her daughters, Shelly and Pam, whom Bob lovingly adopted, and in 1981 their family was completed with the birth of their son, Branson.

Before they married, Bob and Deniese both worked at Supreme Market. In the late 1970s, they ran the Silver Top Café together, and in 1981 they opened Fawcett Bakery. After the bakery closed, Deniese continued a life defined by service and hard work — first in the kitchen at USD 361, and beginning in 2001 in the business office at Anthony Medical Center. She retired in February 2010, though she continued working parttime for several years at places including Irwin and Potter. Wherever she worked, she built friendships that endured. 

Bob’s passing in December 2007, marked the first time Deniese truly lived on her own. She filled her days with the things that brought her the most comfort and joy: reading for hours, tending to her flowers and vegetable garden, and spending cherished time with her family, the part of her life she treasured above all else.   Deniese touched countless lives and was always encouraging others to come to church. She had a bold spirit—full of sass, strong opinions, and a clear sense of what she wanted, and she never hesitated to speak her mind. 

Faith was a cornerstone of Deniese’s life.   She was a devoted and longtime member of the Anthony Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday school for many years and served in numerous church offices. As District Links Coordinator, she especially cherished the opportunity to know many missionaries personally, supporting their work with genuine interest and prayer.  On June 10, 2026, Deniese was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the President of the Kansas District Nazarene Missions International Council.  The NMI Council honored Deniese as she has carried the torch in her family - sharing the love of Jesus with her entire family.  She carried the light in her home church, and by working and serving in her community she let the light of Jesus shine through her.  She was active at the Anthony Thrift Shop, Obadiah’s Pantry, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Martha Vail Chapter of the NSDAR. In 2011 she served as secretary of the Anthony High School Alumni Association for their reunion.

One of Deniese’s lifelong dreams came true in the spring of 2018 when her application to the Daughters of the American Revolution was approved. She was installed as a member that June and quickly became an active and dedicated part of the Martha Vail Chapter, serving in several offices including Regent and Chaplain. Her leadership, warmth, and steady presence made her a beloved member of the organization.

Deniese also treasured the simple joys of daily life, especially the fellowship she found with a close-knit group of friends known affectionately as the “ladies of the round table.” Meeting each day at the drugstore, they shared stories of childhood, family, joys, and losses. Around that round table, there were countless photos passed, laughter shared, and tears shed—moments of friendship that formed a bond rare and deeply cherished.

In December of 2024, Deniese was diagnosed with MDS and began treatment with the same quiet strength and faith that had guided her throughout her life.  On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, after countless blood draws, transfusions, doctors' appointments, ER visits, treatments and hospital stays, Deniese made the decision to enter hospice care, and passed 2 days later.  Though gone from our sight, her spirit lives on through the family and friends she cherished.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Fawcett, her parents Alvin “Pat” and Valeta Patterson, brother-in-law, Randy George and her nephew, Aaron Patterson. 

She is survived by her children: Shelly (Chuck) Rader, Pam (Terry) Earles and Branson (Melissa) Fawcett; Grandchildren: Jordan Potts, Janna (Travis) Kleweno and Ethan (Leslie) Earles; Great-grandchildren: Easton and Drake Potts, Grayson and Maverick Kleweno; Step grandchildren:  Blake (Melody) Rader, Destiny (Tough) Medina, and Travis Barnett. Step great grandchildren: Jaycia Gilman, Braxton and Ella Barnett, Briley and Swayde Medina.  Sister:  Janell George; Brother:  Randy (Barbara) Patterson; Nieces:  Shawna Templeton and Jessica Jaeger and their families; nephew, Patrick George and his family, other nieces and nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. July 10, 2026, at Anthony Christian Church.  Friends may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home.  A private family burial will take place at a later time. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.