Before I begin, please allow me to apologize for delivering this information in what might seem as a very insensitive fashion. I realized that it would be impossible for me to reach all of you by phone and yet thought that all of you, no matter where you are located, would want to be informed. Furthermore, at various times over the past few months, Denise, her fiancé Jeff, and her Mother, Dolly and her Father, Bill, indicated to me that your support has meant so very much to them and was deeply appreciated.

After waging a very courageous battle with cancer, Denise Sonnenlitter passed away Friday morning, June 14th, 2002, at her parent’s residence. She was 24 years old. Denise graduated from the Exercise Science Program at Youngstown State University in August of 1999. Denise will always be remembered as a loyal friend who loved life and had a passion for dance. And of course, we will always remember her radiant, contagious smile!

The family (Bill and Dolly Sonnenlitter, 5687 Burns Lane, Hubbard, OH 44425) request contributions be made to the Denise H. Sonnenlitter Scholarship Fund of J & J’s Dance Depot {Denise danced with J & J since childhood and was also an instructor there}, 763 N Main St., Hubbard, OH 44425 or the Denise H. Sonnenlitter Scholarship Fund of Lakeside Institute {Denise attended this church-camp for years and later became involved as a staff member---she was to have been 'Dean of Women' in the summer of 2002}, in care of Churchill United Methodist Church, 189 Churchill-Hubbard Road, Youngstown, OH 44505.