Dena Ann Counts-Stockalper, 68, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. She was born on September 3, 1957, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, 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.
She will be missed a lot. Her smile was contagious, her personality was so sweet, I know she loved her family greatly. Prayers and lots of love to you all.
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and may the cherished memories of your loved one bring you peace in the days ahead. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie and family I am sad hearing about Dena’s passing. We are praying for peace in your while family! Sincere condolences!
I worked with Dena at the city. She was always very good to me when I worked in her building. I loved talking to her and more than once we would chat when she could’ve gone home. I lived her and I already missed seeing her. She was so proud of her girls and grand babies. You all are in my prayers.
I am so sad to hear of Dena’s passing.
I got to be good friends with her when I was helping take care of her sister , Dawn before she passed. Wow, what a reunion they’re having now up in Heaven. I’ll miss her ! She was a sweet lady ! She made me the best cake with chocolate Ganosche for my bday a few yrs back and it was delicious!
Dena and I were always close. As kids and as adult adults, though I wish I’d spend more time with her. We all do.
Seeing her picture is tearing me up she’s so beautiful, inside and out
I miss her already, and everyone that ever knew her does too.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always hold her in my heart and my memories.
Our condolences may God give you strength and comfort in this time of sorrow our thoughts prayers are with you Dena will be missed beautiful caring person may she rest in peace
Our deepest condolences to the family of Dena. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dena will be greatly missed.
With our sincerest sympathy,
The Couch Family
She was so beautiful so full of class I always admired her just a beautiful lady..love you Debbie ❤️
Dena, I can’t believe we won’t ever have that get together we talked about so many times. I hope you are having a beautiful flight among the stars.
Dena, I will miss our conversations and the kindness and love you’ve shown me through the years. Thank you for accepting me into your wonderful world and loving me like family. I love you. Chris Tillman
I got to know the Counts family through my husband ..Rick Teague..he told me lots of fun stories about them in their younger days! They were all so kind and funny..Gotta love our peeps of Elkins..
Dawn and I were always bidding on the same things at auctions we went to! No matter who won..we always remained friends! 🫶
“Dena was such a wonderful, beautiful person with a kind heart and gentle soul. We are so very sorry for your loss and are praying for all of her family and friends. Words will never be enough, but please know you are loved and lifted in prayer.”
Dear Mindy, So Sorry for you loss, Your Mother was so sweet. May you find comfort in so many loving memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
So very sorry to all the family, Dena will be dearly missed! Praying for all family and friends!🙏🙏❤️ Cousin Tommy/Sherry McFee
Our deepest condolences to Dena’s Family.
Dena will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends.
Steve and Vicky Johnson
Doug and I are so sorry to hear of Dena’s passing. Having known her since we were kids she was always smiling. prayers for her family during this difficult time.
Dude and I. Send our deepest sympathies to the girls we watched as they grew into wonderful young women. Lots of times memories were created. Love to all of you.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY
The Counts Family showed such kindness when our Dad passed. They are all such good folks. We will be praying that God gives ya’ll comfort and peace beyond understanding. My deepest respect!
Leroy and Becky Hattabaugh
So very sorry to hearof this loss. Prayers to all the family.
Family and Friends, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
I will miss her smile and her voice! And the stories we would tell when we could get off in a corner at meetings! I smile now thinking of those times and stories.
May happy memories flood your minds and see you through the days ahead !
Please accept my deepest sympathy on Dena’s passing. As a young lawyer, Dena was kind and patient as I navigated my way through municipal court. Most recently, she served as an alternate juror in one of my felony cases and was so invested in the case that she stayed to hear the sentencing verdict after she was released from her jury service. Always sincere, witty, and caring, Dena will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
She was an amazing lady and cherrished friend.
My sympathies to the family.
Oh Dena, I am going to miss your hugs. I know you are at peace friend.
The entire “Counts Family” has been a staple in Elkins forever and brings a smile to my face when I hear their name mentioned. The years have not diminished the impact the family has had on those they encountered along life’s path. Dena was one of those people and I want to send my condolences to all.
She loved to laugh and loved to smile. Her support at all of our ball games was paramount for our growth growing up. Miss giving her hugs at the ball games . Girls, you are in my prayers always.
Sorry for your loss
I’m so sorry to hear this. I have such great memories of her as I was lucky enough to be all three girls kindergarten teacher! She was a terrific parent who I always enjoyed ! She raised three great girls!
My heart felt condolences to Lindsey, Mindy, Melissa and all of Dena’s family. She was my supervisor for 13 years.