Denell Olmstead

Denell Olmstead, age 64, passed away early on Thursday, February 8, 2024 after a courageous 8-month battle with cancer. As a self-proclaimed, fighter, she would want everyone to know she did everything she could in fighting the hard battle. She also understood that sometimes God's plans are bigger and different than ours.

Born on May 17 1959, Denell grew up in the Dallas area before meeting her to-be husband, Keith Olmstead. This is where she would spend a large portion of her childhood and adulthood. Denell later married Keith and started a family, where her, Keith, and her sons, Lucas (born in 1976) and Matthew (born in 1979) would be raised in the Dallas, and later, east Texas area. Denell moved with her family to Gun Barrel City around 1987, where the family settled. Denell was known for her fun, energy, and excitement. She was a supporter, often present at her sons' sporting events with the loudest voice of all, and yes, even the infamous cowbell that could be heard from the other side of the stands. Denell did what she felt like she needed to do if she felt it was the right thing and little would stop her from doing so.

Denell loved making ceramics and crocheting in her free time. She would spend hours crocheting blankets and other items to give to other people. She had a unique way of even taking what she loved doing the most as a gift and opportunity to give for others. She recognized these gifts as a gift from God and wanted to give back. Even in her final days, Denell was crocheting cancer hats for other cancer patients. No matter how little she had, she always was looking to give to someone else. This is a testament of her heart.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Keith Douglas Olmstead; her son, Marcus Olmstead; her parents, Cloyce & Carolyn (Walter) Lentz; brother David Lentz; and her sisters, Delores Lentz and Diane Lentz.

Survivors include her sister Deanne Morgan and husband Walter; her brother Douglas Lentz and wife Tammy; her partner of 17 years, Johnny Anderson; her sons Matthew and Lucas Olmstead and their wives and families, including 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and many friends that she had a lasting impact on.

There will be a graveside service for family and friends on Monday, February 19th, at 11 a.m. at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Mabank, Texas.