Dena Dills Nowotny, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 98 years old.

She was born on April 4, 1927 in Guin, Alabama, and later grew up in Wayne Oklahoma alongside one sister and two brothers all of whom preceded her in death. She lived a remarkable and long life marked by resilience, strength and quiet determination.

She first married Joe Dobson of Enid, Oklahoma and together they welcomed one son, Joey Dobson. Joe preceded her in death in 1960 and her son Joey preceded her in death in 2019.

Dena later married William "Bill" Dills of Muskogee who adopted her son Joey and preceded her in death in 1971.

She spent the final 51 years of her life married to George Nowotny with whom she shared a long and enduring partnership.

Dena is survived by her husband George Nowotny; her daughter-in-law Sheila Dills, widow of her beloved son, Joey; her grandchildren William Dills and his wife Christie of Houston; her granddaughter Dena "Annie" Doyle and her husband Bill of Nashville. She was preceded in death by her grandson Joey Dobson Dills, Jr in 2024. She is survived by great-grandchildren Isabelle, Mallory, Remington, Emerson and Sidney Dills of Houston.

She is additionally survived by her step-sons George Edward Nowotny and his wife Jane of Highland Village, Texas; Edward Nowotny and his wife Alice of Austin, Texas; and Addison Nowotny of Booneville, Arkansas. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Jane McKinney and Nellie Vasquez for their devotion, compassion and friendship.

Dena was an icon in Oklahoma Golf and was inducted into the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame in 2006. Please go to this link for complete information on her amazing accomplishments. www.golfoklahoma.org/dena-nowotny

A gifted and accomplished athlete, Dena played professional baseball with the Grand Rapids Chicks and played basketball for Phillips University AAU team. She attended Oklahoma A&M University. She devoted more than 30 years of service to the United States Golf Association and was selected as the first Chairman of the U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur Championship. In that role, she helped bring the championship to Southern Hills Country Club in 1987. She was a sixteen-time club champion at Southern Hills Country Club, ten-time club champion at Muskogee Country Club and a six-time club champion at Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, California where she and her husband George enjoyed spending time in the winter.

She was a beautiful and elegant woman with an unforgettable presence and style. Dena loved entertaining and was known for hosting fabulous parties. She and her husband George spent many joyful days playing golf with friends, socializing at the Sequoyah Club, Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Grand Lake and supporting the Tulsa Ballet. She was a wonderful cook, an enthusiastic dancer, and had a deep love for fresh flowers.

An avid reader, Dena also cherished her longtime friendships, enjoying regular gatherings for tennis and bridge. Together, she and George traveled extensively, visiting many countries throughout the world. She was deeply loved by her family and friends.

Dena was a member of St John's Episcopal Church. A private Celebration of Life will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Tee of Tulsa and the Women's Oklahoma Golf Association Scholarship Fund.