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Nov. 6, 1965-July 27, 2026
Minot
Denise Marie Tobey, 60, of Minot, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home on July 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a strong and courageous battle with breast cancer.
Denise was born on November 6, 1965, in Oelwein, Iowa, to John Fay Ryan and Mary Ann (Recker) Ryan.
Denise married the love of her life, Chad Tobey, on June 28, 1985, and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and service. As a proud Air Force family, they embraced every adventure military life brought them, creating homes and lasting friendships at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, Rimini Air Base in Italy, Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, California, and finally Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, where they made their home.
Above all else, Denise’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on at their activities, celebrate their accomplishments, or simply enjoy being together. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did.
Denise found happiness in the simple things. She loved gardening, tending to her many houseplants, taking road trips, spending time outdoors, and going to the movies. She had a gift for making every place she lived feel like home and every person who entered it felt welcomed. Her kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering support touched countless lives.
Denise will be remembered for her strength, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love. She lived a life of selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her legacy will continue through the family she cherished and the many lives she impacted with her kindness.
Denise is survived by her beloved husband, Chad Tobey; her sons, Bryce Tobey, Channing (Ashley) Tobey, and Blake (Ellie) Tobey; her cherished grandchildren, Gavin, Brielle, Kyren, Camden, Krue, Adlie, and Kane; her siblings, Jack (Pam) Ryan, Teri McIntosh-Gauley, Lori (Ernie) Brickman, Kelly (Susan) Ryan, Peggi (Joseph) Torgeson, and Michele (Toby) Tutton; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Kris Ryan, and in-laws Dwayne and Rebecca Tobey.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice team, family, and friends whose compassionate care, love, and support brought comfort to Denise and her family throughout her journey.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Denise’s love, kindness, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her greatest legacy is the family she loved so deeply, and she will be forever missed and forever cherished.
Visitation will be held at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Funeral Service celebrating Denise’s life will take place at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Minot on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. To view a livestream of the service or share memories and condolences, access her obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Interment will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan.
Memorials are preferred to HIA Hospice or the Susan G. Komen Foundation in memory of Denise. For those wishing to send floral tributes, the family has coordinated with Flower Central in Minot.
Published by The Minot Daily News, July 30, 2026.