Denise Kay Nez-Wells, 42, Parshall died Thursday, February 14, 2013 in a Minot hospital. Denise was born April 24, 1970 in Denver, CO to Pauline Good Bird McKenzie and Dennis Nez. She was embraced by the Lord on February 14, 2013. She was a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes, the Water Buster Clan and the Congregational Church. Denise was given the name of "Strong Corn Woman" which was a true reflection of her strength and courageous spirit. Denise was raised and attended school in Denver, CO until the age of ten. Her family then relocated to Fort Berthold. She attended Mandaree Elementary School for a short time and received her education at Parshall of where she graduated. Moose was a proven athlete and was active in basketball and track/field in Junior High and High School and received numerous awards for her outstanding performances. As an 8th grader she played on the Varsity Basketball Team. In Jr. High she led her team to a 14-1 record in the 1982-83 season and in 1984 and 1985 was an All-Conference team member. Denise attended Minot State University and Fort Berthold Community College. While at FBCC she worked as a tutor for the Adult Basic Ed. Program assisting youth and others in obtaining their GED certificate. Her first job was working for the Summer Youth Program at KMHA Radio Station where she was offered a fulltime position. She later worked for the four Bears Casino upon its opening under the supervision of Paul Good Iron. Denise then became employed at Fort Berthold Housing where she remained until the time of her passing. Moose was active in the community and once served as the Secretary of the Nuxbaga Pow Wow Committee as well as serving on the Water Buster Pow Wow Committee. Denise was married to Carlisle "Boozie" Wells until his passing in 1997. There were three sons born to this union; Duane, Danny and Gaylen. She later met her long time companion Dwight Bruce, Sr. who remained by her side with loving support. Dwight also helped Denise raise her three sons. They later became a family of four children when their own son Dwight, Jr. was born. Moose was first diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2007. At that time she received her treatments at Minot and was in remission for three years until 2011. She then began receiving care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Phoenix, AZ. She fought a courageous battle and remained positive wearing her magnetic smile until her time of passing. Denise was a proud and loving Mother; supporting her sons and extended family attending all of their sporting events; basketball and softball. She was also a Denver Bronco fan and enjoyed attending professional sporting events as well. It is said by many that Denise was "Everybody's Mom". She loved being surrounded by family and friends and was happiest with a houseful. Moose had a smile that radiated the beauty of her being; inside and out. It was a rare moment to ever see her without it. Our Denise was a humble, hard working, loving and giving lady, whose smile and spontaneous laugh and great sense of humor will be missed. The family would like to express their gratitude to all who held fundraisers and helped in any way they could to support Denise. It was appreciated. Family: Denise is survived by her Companion, Dwight, Sr.; Sons, Duane, Danny, Gaylen Wells and Dwight Bruce,Jr.; Parents, Pauline and Dennis Nez all of Parshall; Sisters, Debbie Chase (Lionel), New Town, and Dolly Mae Tom (Ernest), Brighton, CO; Brother, Jay Nez, Parshall; Adopted Son, Jade Moran; and Many Nieces, Nephews and other Relatives. She was preceded in death by her Maternal Grandparents, John and Alice (Standish) McKenzie, Aunt, Patricia McKenzie Youngbird and Cousin Tyrone Youngbird. Funeral: Monday, February 18, 2013 in Veterans Memorial Hall, Parshall Burial was at Independence Cemetery, rural Mandaree

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