Denice Diane Fenger

Denice Diane Fenger, born August 31, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, passed away on June 7, 2026, in Frankfort, Kentucky, at the age of 67.

Denice was the beloved daughter of Diane Martin Phillips and Oscar Melvin Phillips. She spent a joyful childhood in Phoenix, Arizona, where she formed lifelong memories and friendships. She graduated from Thunderbird Adventist Academy in 1976 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Zoology from Arizona State University.

On December 14, 1986, Denice married the love of her life, Peter Jan Fenger. Shortly afterward, she was awarded a fully funded scholarship to pursue Biochemistry at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. During her time there, she taught pre‑med and nursing students and later established the first comprehensive science laboratory at the Galen College of Nursing. For many years, she also served as a grader for both Thesis examinations and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), contributing to the academic journeys of countless students.

Denice had a deep love for teaching, traveling, gardening, and reading. She also cherished the time she spent farming the 144 acres she and Peter owned in Irvine, Kentucky—a beautiful place that brought her great peace and fulfillment.

Denice is survived by her sisters Janice Marie Steyn (Lionel) and Patrice Phillips Lundgren (John); her nephews Zachary Sorrell (Inez) and Benjamin Sorrell; her nieces Julianna Williams (Logan) and Emily Kidd (Alex); as well as several great‑nieces, great‑nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at

Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85297.

A lunch reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thunderbird Adventist Academy or the American Heart Association.