Denise Maureen Kingsley, 79, of Port Ritchy, Florida, died on Thursday, February 5, 2026 of heart failure.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1946 to Edward and Lorraine Bort, and grew up with one sister, Karen.

She was proceeded in death by Edward, Lorraine and Karen and is survived by two sons, Robert (Erica) and Jerry (Charlene), five grandchildren, Darcee (Phillip Redding), Lilly (Scott Benson), Jake (Blake Hammond), Ty, and Addison, and one great grandchild Osborne Benson.

Denise was a mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. She took care of her family and her family’s friends like they were her own. She was proud to be one of the first female EMTs in Florida, and to later teach medical terminology to new students to the medical field at PHCC. In retirement she enjoyed her time as a greater at Walmart, always wanting to socialize.

She loved to throw a party, barbecue all day, and light up the neighborhood with fireworks at night. It could be the 4th of July, Super Bowl, or just everyone’s night off, nothing made her happier than getting family and friends together.

Elvis was by far her favorite star, and one of her favorite memories was meeting him when she worked at Innisbrooke. She loved live music, especially 50s rock n roll and classic country. Some of our other favorite memories of her hobbies are cooking recipes from magazines, watching bargain bin scary movies and taking roadtrip vacations.

D was a feisty woman with a few tattoos and a leather jacket. She was also our caring mom and grandma, an animal lover, and someone who would always drop everything the moment you needed her. She will be greatly missed.

We are planning a celebration of her life in the coming weeks and will share the details once they come together.

We ask that in lieu of flowers you please consider donations in her honor to SWFL Heroes Foundation or Humane Society of the Nature Coast. We are planning a celebration of her life in the coming weeks and will share the details once they come together. We would love flowers for the celebration once that comes together.

Thank you for remembering our mom and grandma with us. We love you D.