Denna Jean Roland born October 15th, 1953 passed away peacefully on Saturday January 24th, 2026 at the age of 72. She is survived by her two children Albert Roland and Michelle Roland, along with her sister Paula Davis. Beloved grandmother to Jade and Madison McConochie, Jacob and Ava Roland, and the late Kyle Fitzgerald. Preceded in death by her sister Pamela Rose and both parents, John and Thelma Rose.
Denna had many accomplishments in her too short life, but she would tell you her children were her greatest of all. Anyone who knew Denna knows how much she loved her family. Her love of the Lord and faithfulness shown through all of her actions that touched so many people’s hearts just by being herself.
She was the first woman to attend engineering school at Forest Park College. Graduated and then worked for a while in the field. She then decided time with her children mattered more and put aside that career and built another for herself that allowed her to be at home with her kids. She became a self-taught seamstress and built her business from the ground up, all while caring for two young children. She became known by name, all while staying humble about it. She saved so many weddings for distraught brides, mended officer’s uniforms, and so much more. She had a God given talent that was inspiring to witness.
She was an amazing woman who loved fiercely and with her whole heart.
She would tell everyone to not be sad she’s gone, but to celebrate her life and the fact that she’s now home with God, pain free and breathing easily. So, please help us to celebrate and honor the life of an amazing one of a kind woman. She will be terribly missed and always remembered.
Services: Visitation on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry Road) 1:00 PM until service at 3:00 PM.
I met Dena when we had our Jefferson Belles lunch/card group. She was such a pleasure to know. COVID ended our group, so we lost contact. Prayers to her family and friends.
Hello it is me Cousin John, our father her Uncle Henry needed her help so badly in calculus and trigonometry when she was attending the Engineering school.,so that he could pass some machinist exams. And then he had a change of heart and became a Barber. I can also remember when we were children how her and her brother Mike and my brother Bob and our cousin Beverly, we used to play together on the old Swaringim farm in Hogan Missouri , and how we all started at a young age to Love Jesus as we were taken to Victory Baptist church, we would all take turns being in mischief walking around the ledge going around the Church. These are just some things I wanted to talk to her about. But we will in time when our Lord makes the decision 🙏 for us to all be in heaven together. I love ❤️ you my sweet cousin.
I’ve known Denna for almost 40 years.
Her kids always came before she did. She was so proud of her family. She was a marvelous seamstress.
I grew up sewing but, was trying to tailor a blazer for myself but needed to be able to adjust from the back. Denna did all the pinning and refused payment, telling me she just pinned. That began a long friendship. I was so surprised when she joined a group called Jefferson Belles. I loved seeing her more often. We had lunch , just us 2 a couple of times. The last conversation was about a year ago. Denna was already well into her battle with health. She said she’d get back to me when she was feeling better. I knew, after not hearing back that her condition had worsened. But, she had made it clear she would get back with me. I respected that but, grudgingly.
She’s still in my prayers.
Sending comforting prayers to her family.