Denise (Dee) Ellen Wethered, 80, of Nampa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Boise, Idaho, at St. Luke's Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Dee was born August 14, 1945, in Minneapolis, MN, to Raymond and Patricia Needham. She had a brother and sister. She was an army brat, and they were stationed in many places; in her early teens, they were sent to Germany.  While she was there, she met Bill Luna; they married. Not long after they moved back to the states. They were blessed with 5 children.

In 1978 she met the love of her life, Clinton (Bud) Wethered, and they were married in 1979 and have lived happily for 47 years until her death. Between the two of them, they had 7 children and a very full house, with noise and laughter.

In those years, she learned to love camping. There were many trips to the hills where Mom and Dad got the trailer, and they shoved all of us kids into a big ole army tent; many wonderful memories were made. After most of the kids moved out, Mom and Dad started riding horses; she loved riding Fancy. Dad, Mom, and many friends would go on camping trips and riding trips. She loved the great outdoors.

In 2008 Bud and Dee moved to Gackle, North Dakota, where they opened Dee's Diner and Pizzeria.  After they closed the diner, they moved back to Idaho to be with family. There she continued teaching art classes, attending church, and gathering all who were in need under her wing.

Mom has always been incredibly artistic and loved to use her creative mind in many different mediums over the years: toll painting, oil painting, quilting, scrapbooking, and most recently, she loved junk journaling. So, it was no surprise when in 1998 she opened her own craft consignment shop called "Desire's of my Heart," where she sold other people's creations and taught many people how to create their own.

As you can see, Mom never knew a stranger; she loved talking and connecting with others. This desire of hers to be with people led her to test her skills at sales. She loved it so much that she had a long career in Avon, Tupperware, lingerie, Mary Kay, and Trichem, to mention just a few. Not only did she love other people, but she was also so compassionate and genuine, with the purest heart.

Mom was a Christian who loved the Lord with all her heart. We are comforted knowing that his arms are now wrapped around her. She had so many wonderful friends that helped complete her life that we would be remiss in not acknowledging that fact.  She was truly loved by all who knew her. Her death has left a large whole in this world that cannot be refilled.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Bud; children: Randy (Trish), Karen (Jerry), Brenda, Rob, Bawb, and Cyndi (Adam). Brother: Mike (Kathy) and numerous nieces and nephews. She had 25 grandchildren and a whole ton of greats! She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Gayle, and her daughter Ellie.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, located at 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa, ID, with an hour viewing commencing at 12:00 pm. Graveside service to follow at Kohlerlawn Cemetery.