Denise M. Conner-Gerard , age 54 and a lifetime resident of Elwood, gained her angel wings to be with her parents on June 28, 2019 at St. Vincent Anderson Hospital surrounded by her family following an unexpected illness.  She was born November 14, 1964 in Elwood, the daughter of Brady E. Deckard, Sr. and Muriel G. (Brook) Sizelove.  She was raised in the First Church of God on 4 ^th Street.  Denise was a 1983 graduate of Elwood Community High School, and later attended Ivy Tech College for two years majoring in early childhood education.  Denise currently worked for the City of Elwood in the Wastewater Treatment Department as a lab tech for the past 8 years.  She loved teaching children and formerly worked with the Texas Migrant Council (TMC) in Elwood and the Elwood Elementary School after-school program for many years.  Denise enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, dancing, and cooking.  She was especially known for making the best fried potatoes and fried green tomatoes.  More than anything else, her children were her prized accomplishment.  She was a proud mother and grandmother, and she loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports.  Denise truly enjoyed spending time with her family and her work family.  She almost always had a smile on her face, and was casual in every way.  In honor of Denise's relaxed nature, her family requests that those attending her services dress casual in the clothes you would normally wear around her, and wear your favorite pair of "Crocs".

Denise's family includes her beloved sons, Damon J. (wife Jeanie) Conner of Elwood and Derrek J. (wife Alexandra) Conner of Elwood; sister, Patricia Deckard of Elwood; 4 grandchildren, Drayden Conner, Hunter Conner, Remington Conner, and Willow Conner; step-grandson, Jareth Miller Carter; 3 step great-grandchildren, Olivia Carter, Tidus Carter, and Jax Carter; niece, Martrisha (husband Brandon) Klein; special dear friend, Paige Shannon; and 4 God-Daughters, Kearsten, Kendall, Kaitlyn, and Kara.  Denise was preceded in death by both her parents and a step great-granddaughter, Temperance Carter.

A funeral service celebrating Denise's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 5, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Kyle Noone officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the funeral on Friday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Denise Conner-Gerard Grandchildren College Fund through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.