Denise Caughern funeral service planned

Denise Caughern

On April 21, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., Denise (Dayhoff) Caughern departed the arms of her beloved husband, Jeff, and entered comfort and peace in the arms of Christ.

Funeral services for Denise Caughern are 2 p.m. Friday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener with Brother Clay Caughern officiating.

Interment will follow in Hodgen Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Heavener.

She was born Feb. 19, 1954, at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California, to Vernon D. Dayhoff and Alma “Margaret” (Rogers) Dayhoff.  Denise was a 1972 graduate of Heavener High School. That same year, on July 21, she married the love of her life, Gary “Jeff” Caughern, beginning a 52-year journey of faith, family and friendship.

Denise was a dedicated stay-at-home mother, raising her children, Casey (Caughern) Perez and Kit Caughern, with warmth, creativity and an open heart. She had an unmatched talent for making any space feel like home, greeting everyone with a comforting smile and a welcoming spirit. Whether it was through her decorating, her thoughtful handmade gifts, or her cheerful hospitality, Denise made people feel loved and seen.

She found joy in the simple pleasures—photography, writing, crocheting, crafting, and staying up late with a good book or old movie. Her laughter—joyful and ever-present—echoed through her home and into the hearts of all who knew her.

Denise is survived by her devoted husband, Jeff Caughern, of Greenbrier, Arkansas; their daughter Casey Perez and husband Robert of Clinton; their son Kit Caughern and wife Carrie of Greenbrier, Arkansas; and her sister, Brenda “Diane” Keyser, of Tempe, Arizona. She was a proud grandmother to Jordan (Landry) Pope and husband Kris, Race Landry, Liam Perez, Katie (San Nichols) Curtis and husband Andy, Daxton Caughern, Kyrston Smith and husband Devin, Garron Rice, Dylan Rice, and Mason Shilling. Her great-grandchildren, Leighton Smith and Emery Rice, brought her immense joy. She also leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and unwavering love.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon D. Dayhoff of York, PA, and her mother, Alma “Margaret” Rogers of Savannah, Georgia, and her precious daughter-in-law, Holli (Taylor) Caughern.

Denise and Jeff shared a passion for ministry, joyfully spreading the love and hope of Christ to family and friends throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas. In honor of her heart for missions, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Bible Education and Missionary Service (BEAMS) in lieu of flowers. More information: www.beamsbibles.com | (222) 832-1096 | office@beamsbibles.com

Denise’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will forever be remembered by those who knew her. She lived with grace and joy, and her memory will remain a guiding light in the lives of many.

Pallbearers are her family.

Viewing is from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Friday.

The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

To sign Denise’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.