Edena May (Kanouff) Defibaugh, age 89, danced into the arms of Jesus on August 19th, 2026, after a short but hard fought battle with cancer. “Dena” as she was fondly called, our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on March 22nd, 1937, to John Willard Kanouff and Grace Baughman. Sister of Denton, Nathan, and Ralph Kanouff; Dena had many adventures and fond memories with her brothers. Dena acquired additional siblings, Norman, Bobby, Gracey (Angelo) and Frances Baughman when her mother married Bob Baughman. Dena moved a lot growing up and attended many different schools keeping in touch with surviving classmates. She most recently attended her 70th class Reunion with Robert P. Smith School! Dena married her husband Robert Defibaugh on July 2nd, 1956. They went on to have 3 children, Terry Defibaugh, Debbie Gorman, and Cathy Gelvin. Dena held many different jobs throughout her life. She sewed at Dallco in Hustontown and retired from Gateway in Breezewood where she stayed in touch with many of her co-workers. She spent her early days farming, growing crops, chasing cattle back from the mountains, baking homemade bread, cookies, cakes and all things delicious. She was a present mother who supported and valued her children’s dreams. She spent most of her retired days at her favorite place to be, her homestead in Wells Valley. Dena enjoyed and took pride in hard work. She mowed, trimmed, threw hay bales to her mules, spoiled her chickens (they slept in the house), grew beautiful flowers, and did all she could to make a special place where everyone felt welcome and loved. If you were in need of a break from the harsh realities of life, you could pack up and go to Dena’s. Her eyes would crinkle and her face would light up when she seen you at the door. Her infectious laugh and ornery personality would have you cheered up and relaxed in no time at all. Everywhere you went with Dena would take extra time, as she struck up a conversation with everyone she met. From the postmaster to the store clerk, not one was left out! She could sense what you were feeling and would give out hugs freely. Those hugs were one of the things we will miss the most. The gift of not rushing, squeezed in tight, held in her softness and warmth, filling all the empty and broken inside. She lit up every room she walked in to and would tell it straight. She lived a full life. Dena square danced, crocheted, canned every home-grown food you can imagine, read more books than we could keep up with, and loved her family and friends fiercely. Her favorite moments were when everyone gathered around the table for one of her “from scratch” homemade meals. Where memories were shared, laughter was frequent, and precious time was spent together. “Because everyone’s gotta eat!” Her last days were spent surrounded in love with lots of hugs, kisses, and prayers. When she felt assured we would be okay, she took her final breath, while holding her daughter in law Pam’s hand and danced to Jesus. Dena was sadly preceded in death by her youngest daughter Cathy Ann and husband Robert. Her legacy of faith and strength lives on through son, Terry (Pam) Defibaugh, daughter Debbie (Nick) Gormon, 6 grandchildren; Suzie, Cassie, Travis, Nicky, Trena, and Ricki Leigh and 13 great-grandchildren. Close family will hold a celebration of life service at a later date as were her wishes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley St., Mount Union, "Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care™." Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com