Dena Renae Meek

Dena Renae Meek (September 16, 1968-June 18, 2024)

Dena Renae Meek, age 55, of Keller, TX passed away June 18, 2024, peacefully with family by her side. Dena was born on September 16, 1968, in Dallas, TX to Rae Dean Hass and Becky Lynn Pence. Dena was raised in Mesquite, TX and had (2) younger sisters Jenny and Mandy, who were her best friends. Dena also had a half-brother Chris and two step-sisters, Michelle and Kim. Dena grew up adventurous, free-spirited, and a lover of music. During her High School years her mother would get re-married to her step-father, Ron Barber. Dena attended West Mesquite High School (1986) where she participated in Choir, Volleyball, Basketball and Track. She loved spending time with her friends and cruising the town. She was the life of the party and a social butterfly. Dena’s faith was strong because her foundation was built on her belief in Jesus Christ. Shortly after her graduation she met Jason Meek of Fort Worth, TX and they would marry in March 1987, and had a son Colby Meek (June 1987). They moved to Fort Worth, TX to build their family and raise their son. Dena held many different jobs throughout her career: Nail Technician, Office Administration at Motorola and Nokia, and a Small Business Owner over the past 15 years. After nearly 10 years, Dena and Jason decided to part ways but continued their friendship to co-parent Colby. Dena met her life partner of 27 years, Chris Pankau and they moved to Keller, TX. In August 2000, they would have a beautiful baby girl Hannah Pankau. She loved watching her kids exceed in all their extracurricular activities and was always there in full support. Dena’s love and passion for music was fulfilled as she sang in many bands across DFW. Dena had many friends and she loved spending time and creating memories with them, especially her High School Best Friend Group (several of them being best friends since elementary school). She truly had the voice of an angel. Dena loved animals, especially dogs. She was always advocating in support for local adoption shelters and left behind two adopted pups of her own (Harley and Cash). Her favorite title she held was being “DeDe” to her precious granddaughters. Although her life was shortened due to illness, there is no doubt she lived life to the fullest. Dena could be described in these defining words: Lover, Fighter, Strong-Willed, Stubborn, Protector, and Friend.

Dena was preceded in death by: Rae Hass (Father), Odelia Sullivan (Paternal Grandmother), E.B. Hass (Paternal Grandfather) Charles Pence (Maternal Grandfather), Bessie Lou Pence (Maternal Grandmother), Raymond Pankau (Father-in-law) Irby Barber (Step Grandfather), and Bennie Barber (Step Grandmother)
She is survived by her Children (Colby and Erin Meek, Hannah Pankau), Life-Partner of 27 years (Chris Pankau), Parents (Ron and Becky Barber, Judy Meek), Mother-in-law (Maxine Pankau), Siblings (Jenny and Laragh Gallagher, Mandy McCrary, Chris Hass, Michelle Loughmiller, Kim Noble), Grandchildren (Emalyn and Ellastyn Meek), numerous brother/sister in-law, uncles/aunts, nephews/nieces and cousins. She was loved!

“Love ya-Bye”