Denise M. (Ryde) Williams July 26, 1964 – September 13, 2026

She was born on July 26, 1964 in Ilion, New York and was the daughter of the late, Gary and Donna (Skibinski) Ryde. Denise attended Little Falls High School and graduated with the Class of 1982.

Following graduation, she proudly enlisted in the United States Navy on April 1, 1983 in Syracuse, New York. While in the Navy, Denise was ranked as a Photographer’s Mate (E-4) and earned the Good Conduct Medal. After four years of faithful service to her country, she was honorably discharged on June 30, 1987 from the Naval Reserve Center in New Orleans, Louisianna.

In 1993, Denise graduated from Herkimer County BOCES as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was formerly employed at Van Allen’s Nursing Home in Little Falls, Valley Health in Herkimer, Allegro Shoe in Little Falls, Duofold in Mohawk, Daniel Green Shoe in Dolgeville and lastly from Remington Arms in Ilion.

Denise enjoyed reading, camping, crafts including ceramics and painting, listening to music and carpentry. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her son, family, and friends.

Denise will be remembered for the love she gave, the memories she created, and the lives she touched. Her kindness, presence, and love will be remembered by her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Denise leaves behind her son, Mitchell Williams and his wife, Brittney, of Manor, Georgia; her sister, Sharon Rose and her husband, Richard, of Royse City, Texas; and her brother, Mark Ryde and his wife, Kyla, of Newark, Delaware. She also leaves two nieces, Kalynn (Rose) Cibene and her husband, Vito of MT and Sarah Rose of California; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Denise was preceded in death by her parents and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

There will be no memorial services. She is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals.

In memory of Denise, donations may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 NY-5S, Mohawk, NY 13407, or through herkimerhumanesociety.org.

To leave a message of sympathy for Denise’s family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for her online memorial book.

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