Denise J. Blevins

Denise Joanne Blevins of Moscow died Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at her home. She was 59.

Denise was born December 31, 1960 at Grangeville, ID to Larry and Elizabeth (Schwarzer) Ruzicka. She grew up and attended school in Grangeville, graduated from Grangeville High School in 1979. She attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Sociology in 1983.

Denise began her career with Latah County working in the Juvenile Probation office for 14 years, later for Foster Care housing, retiring in 2012. She served on the Idaho State Juvenile Commission from 1999 to 2014, The Idaho Juvenile Justice Commission from 1999 to 2019, 10 of those as chairperson. Denise was also active in the sisterhood of PEO, Chapter BH in Moscow since 2014. She was also an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she also taught CCD Classes, sang in the choir, a member of the Catholic Women’s League and, along with Barry, served as a Eucharistic Minister for several years.

She and Barry Blevins were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on May 26, 1990. He survives at their home. Denise is also survived by a daughter, Aubrie in Salt Lake City, her mother, in Grangeville, brothers, Phil Ruzicka in Elk City, ID and Jon (Michelle) Ruzicka in Boise and a sister, Cheryl Simons in Yoncolla, OR along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father in 2013.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the PEO Scholarship Fund, Nancy Mitthof, 2282 E 6th St, Moscow, ID 83843.

A celebration of life will be held this summer with family and friends. A Memorial Mass will be planned at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Moscow later.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.   

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