Dena Ann Counts-Stockalper, 68, of Fayetteville, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She was born on September 3, 1957, in Prairie Grove, Ark., to E.A. “Mickey” Counts and Donna Tillman Counts.
Dena was preceded in death by her parents, E.A. “Mickey” Counts and Donna Tillman Counts; her sister, Dawn Brake; and her nephews, Creig Rogers and Eli Mathis.
She is survived by her daughters, Melissa Hagerman and husband Josh of Centerton, Lindsey Vielma and husband Rolando of Fayetteville, and Mindy Smith and husband Chris of Fayetteville. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Caynen Smith, Harrison Hagerman, Elizabeth “Betty” Smith, Lucero “Lucy” Vielma, Willa Hagerman, and Dominic Vielma; her sister, Diana Hammons of Elkins; her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Les Rogers of Fayetteville; her brother, Michael Counts of Fayetteville; 13 nieces and nephews; and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Dena spent 42 years working for the Fayetteville District Court, serving as Chief Court Clerk. She took pride in her work and valued the relationships she built with coworkers and the public throughout her career.
Nothing was more important to Dena than her family. She loved raising her three daughters and treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren.
Dena spent nearly her entire life in Elkins and loved sharing stories about growing up on Mount Olive and in the Elkins community. She stayed closely connected to her roots and to the people who made the area home.
She was proud of her large family and cherished every gathering, always enjoying time spent with those she loved. Dena had a deep appreciation for nature and enjoyed music, traveling, and fishing. Dena liked to stay busy, see new places, and make the most of every opportunity to spend time with the people she cared about.
She also cherished the friendships she built throughout her life and looked forward to visits with her friends in east Arkansas whenever she could.
Services will be held Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1722 N. Starr Rd., Fayetteville, AR 72701.
- Visitation: 10:00 a.m.
- Word Service: 10:30 a.m.
A reception for family and friends will follow on-site immediately after the service.