August 26, 1960 — September 2, 2019

Denise Ann Kudla, 59, of Paso Robles, died Sept. 2, 2019. She was born Aug. 26, 1960 in Santa Barbara, Calif. 

Her family moved to Santa Ynez, Calif. There she graduated from Santa Ynez High School where she participated in school plays, track, basketball, was a baton twirler.

After graduating from high school she moved to Paso Robles. From her first days in Paso Robles, Denise was a shining star of love, with an effervescence that was untouchable. She worked as a waitress and bartender for Joshua’s and Wilson’s. She then met John Kudla. They began dating and soon thereafter married. Denise continued to work to support John while he completed his schooling. It wasn’t long and Denise encouraged John to start working for himself. JK Engineering was formed. Soon all of her dreams would start to come true. 

Together, John and Denise created a beautiful family, filled with love and strength. They have three children, Michelle, Johnny and Leanne. Family was number one to Denise. Together, they shared many vacations and trips. Camping was a favorite at their family cabin. There she found peace and quiet and enjoyed reading and writing. 

Denise along with her daughter Leanne were able to participate in the local Classic American Theater group in Paso Robles. It was a family affair; Denise and Leanne acting and the rest of the family helped building and painting sets. 

Family life was always filled with fun and laughter, however, she did run a tight ship. The children were expected to maintain a 3.0 grade point average in school; there was always a list of chores to due. If you didn’t comply, you were grounded. You never wanted to hear the words, “You disappoint me.” Denise’s caring nature and heart of gold led her to intervene in the life of her nephew, David. She mentored and guided him, supporting him throughout his life. She treated him as her own. Her influence helped him realize his potential. He has gone on to higher education and is becoming a doctor today. 

Denise also sang with a Led Zeppelin cover band. She was a member of the Grapes of Wrath Girls, a.k.a., The Barbary Coast Girls, popular during Pioneer Days in Paso Robles. Denise and John loved playing golf together. She was a member of Paso Robles Women’s Golf Assoc. Bowling was a family affair. She was a member of the USBC Bowling and loved to play Bunco, especially “Drunko Bunco.”

Having fun was Denise’s theme throughout her life. Her smile radiated as the most loving and happy person at any gathering. Denise suffered many health setbacks in recent years, but to look at her, you wouldn’t know she was in pain. She could light up a room with her smile and infectious laughter. She always wanted to make sure you were having a good time. Denise was intoxicatingly fun and so full of love.

Denise always gave to others. She unselfishly cared for her ailing father and mother-in-law before their passing. Denise and John always donated and gave wherever they could, to help people, groups and organizations.

Denise is survived by her husband, John of 35 years; daughter, Michelle (husband, Walter) and their children, Jaden and Olivia; son, John Jr. (wife, Alyson) and their children, Dylan and Emma; daughter, Leanne and her baby, Bubba; mother, Lee Ann Glatt; brother, Bill Lowry (wife, Joy), brother-in-laws, Paul Kudla (wife, Dianna) and Mark Kudla; sister-in-laws, Mary Martinez, Alane (Tim) Grove, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, David Lowry and sister, Karen Lowry.

Denise, your heart has filled each of us with love, laughter and many happy memories that we will cherish forever. You touched each life that entered your path, making each one so much better for the moments they spent with you. Thank you for your unconditional love! You will forever be in our hearts. We love you Denise!

Celebration of Life: Please join us as we celebrate Denise on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cabernet Links & RV Resort, 5151 Jardine Rd. in Paso Robles. Help us honor her as we enjoy music, food, laughter and sharing, while raising funds in her name to benefit our local youth and non-profit groups. Denise’s generous, caring, loving and giving nature will live on through this Annual Denise Kudla Memorial Benefit fundraiser for years to come.

IN LEIU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO: Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program of San Luis Obispo County, Attention Katherine Aaron, 3350 Education Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 or Denise Kudla Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 510, Paso Robles, CA 93447, or charity of choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to Eddington Funeral Services, 429 Bassett St., King City, (831) 385-5400, EFS-Cares.com.