Dena Kathryn Chambliss passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, with her husband, Steve, at her side, and her family’s love for her expressed in recent days. Dena was born on September 17, 1943, to Estill and Ada (Brummell) Hayden in Pittsfield, Illinois.

A Celebration of Dena’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Helms Funeral Homes, 306 East Water St., Decorah, Iowa, 52101. Even if you are unable to attend the Celebration of Life, all are welcome to stop by between 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. for a light lunch and a time of fellowship.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may go to support the Celebrating Women's Scholarship with the Decorah School District Foundation (Decorah High School – 100 Claiborne Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101) or WinnMed Hospice (901 Montgomery St, Decorah, IA 52101).

Dena graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1961 and completed both her BA and MA in Education at Illinois State University in 1964 and 1974, respectively. She enjoyed a long career as an educator in Illinois and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. As an elementary teacher, counselor, principal, and consultant, she brought exciting learning and profound caring to those she served. Her commitment to children and to all around her was exemplary.

Dena and Steve celebrated 50 years of marriage this past month, a love story that began on April 10, 1976. She was previously married to Stephen D. Gay, a union that brought her two beloved daughters, Necia and Stephanie. Their family, including Dena, Steve, Necia, and Stephanie, cherished the life and home they all built together.

In 1998, Dena and Steve moved to Decorah, Iowa where Steve served as the superintendent of schools for nearly 10 years. She supported him faithfully in this role, embracing their new community. Together, they found joy attending multitudes of school and community activities. She accepted several leadership and volunteer responsibilities on the Friends of the Library, United Way, and Nordic Fest Board. These groups and others cherished her outstanding commitment to Decorah.

Her warm, infectious smile and her very hearty laughter brought endless joy and love to her family and friends. Her laughter often consumed her before she finished the story or joke, and others would have to tell the tale when she couldn’t continue due to her boisterous laughter.

Dena and Steve made countless trips to the Washington, D.C. area to visit their grandchildren, Logan and Nico Gaffin and Ava Chambliss Dusch, a cornerstone of their retired life. Dena insisted they go often (every 6-9 weeks at least) in the children’s infancy and youth. The “surprise trips” brought special joy to the kids.

Dena is survived by her husband, Steve; her daughters, Necia Chambliss and Stephanie Chambliss Gaffin; and her grandchildren Ava, Logan, and Nico, and several nieces and nephews.