Denise Semands Suttles

Denise Semands Suttles, 71, of Oklahoma City died August 29, 2021. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 6, 1950, to Theresa M. and Howard L. McFadden, Denise spent her formative years in Cole County, Missouri, where her father had moved the family in 1954. The second of nine children born to Theresa and Howard, Denise was an inquisitive and precocious child and excelled academically at a very early age. She attended St. Stanislaus School in Wardsville, Missouri, from first to 8th grade. From the 9th-11th grade, she attended Sisters of Divine Providence Convent in St. Louis, Missouri leaving the convent before taking her vows. She spent her senior year of High School in Roeland, Kansas, at Bishop Miege High School, where she graduated in 1968. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975, and earned a Master of Science in 1986 from Texas Women’s University.

Denise entered the field of healthcare as a registered nurse and worked her way into the highest echelons of healthcare management over a 25-year career. Early in her career, as a nurse, she specialized in obstetrics and gynecological care, overseeing treatment for more than 2,000 women. She served as President of GlobalHealth, Inc., as Chief Executive Officer of The Oklahoma City Clinic, and as National Vice President for Physician Venture Management (PVM). She led large, complex health systems through strategic growth in all areas of practice. Under her leadership, Global Health was recognized as the fastest growing privately held company in the Oklahoma City area.

Denise was a consummate visionary leader, able to see the disparate parts of a complex enterprise and quickly understand how to best align the parts for maximum efficiency and impact. Even with her success in the boardroom, her passion was always in helping women - particularly those seeking assistance at the border in El Paso.

She married Robert Semands in 1973, and they had two children (John and Emily) before divorcing in 1998. She met Ron Suttles at a swing dance class in Oklahoma City in 2000. She and Ron married in 2002 and enjoyed a sparkling social life, admired as an attractive and vivacious couple, involved in many aspects of life in Oklahoma City. A well-known and beloved presence in the Heritage Hills neighborhood of Oklahoma City, she took frequent walks to her favorite neighborhood restaurants and was often seen enjoying her front porch, waving to neighbors and friends. She served as a trusted sounding board on health, family and social issues and was ready with advice and ideas to improve almost any situation. All who knew her, could see her great pride in and love for her children and grandchildren, upon whom she doted. The holidays were among her favorite times, as she could bring together her loving and boisterous family. She enjoyed hosting and organizing events for neighborhood friends, and cultivated a strong network and culture of caring among her neighbors. Denise was a passionate supporter of good public work and policy in areas that benefit women, children, the environment and the civic richness of Oklahoma City.

She served on the board of advisors of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, as a trustee of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and as a member of Rotary Club 29. More recently, she devoted time and attention to the Oklahoma City Ballet and supported the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma and the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma Foundation.

She is survived by her beloved husband Ron Suttles of Oklahoma City; her children Kirk (Laura) Suttles, Oklahoma City; John (Lili) Semands, Edmond, Oklahoma; and Emily (Philip) Semands Poulsen, Dallas; grandchildren Hope, Joy, Glory, Elah and Lauren; and 7 siblings: Greg (Marji), Medford, Oregon; Randy, London, England; Kevin (Rachel), Columbus, Ohio; Barbara (Tom) Iowa City; Michele (Maurice), Columbus, Ohio; Kirk, Jamestown, Missouri; and Susie (Dallas, Texas). She was preceded in death by her father Howard L., her mother Theresa, her brother-in-law Rod Allen, and her brother Leslie.

In 2006, Denise was identified as one of Oklahoma City’s “Women of the Year.” In accepting the honor, she summed up her philosophy this way “I hope to make a difference in other people’s lives.” And that she did. She is deeply missed by the many patients, friends, family and colleagues whom she touched throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Denise’s honor to the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma or to its sister organization, Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma Foundation. www.oklahomaconservation.org

Services will be held at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Tuesday, September 7, 5:00-7:30, with a celebration of life at 5:30 followed by a reception. Services will be live streamed by visiting the following link https://youtu.be/3SViIOqesmg