Dena M. Gillenwater, 61, of New London, died on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Laurels of New London with her family by her side.  Dena was born on March 16, 1963, in Amherst, Ohio, the daughter of the late Robert and Carol (Rosecrans) Gillenwater.  Dena grew up in Amherst before coming to New London.  She was a 1982 graduate of New London High School and EHOVE. Dena was a member of the Wakeman Eagles and the Browns Backers. She was an avid sports fan; she enjoyed watching the New London Wildcats, Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers, Browns, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Her most cherished time was spent with her family and especially her nieces and nephews.  She loved to watch the nieces and nephews play sports and rooted them on.   She was known as the "Best Hugger Ever" to those closest to her. At the Laurels, she was a competitive BINGO player where she would invite her family to play but she would always get the prizes no matter who won.  Dena loved to do puzzles books, jigsaw puzzles, video games, walk, and crochet afghans for family and friends.

Dena is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Bobbi and Chris Sabin; brother, Bob Gillenwater; nieces and nephews, Derek (Hanna) Sabin, Erica Sabin, Matt (Heather) Gillenwater, Nichole (RJ) Ringer, Dustin Gillenwater, and Emily Gillenwater; and 4 great-nieces and 4 great-nephews.  Dena was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Carol and an infant sister, Connie Gillenwater.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Hileman Building, 2 Blake Street, New London, Ohio  44851 on April 26, 2025 at 1 pm. to 3 p.m. The burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in South Amherst at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made in Dena's name can be made out to the New London Transition Program, 1 Wildcat Drive New London, Ohio 44851. Online expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.eastmanfuneralhome.com

New London Transition Program
1 Wildcat Drive, New London OH 44851