Denise Kelce Obituary

Denise Fontaine Kelce CHARLESTON - Denise Fontaine Kelce, 67, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 28th at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting Street at 2:00 PM (ET). A reception will immediately follow the service at Church and Union in The Buffalo Room, 32B N Market Street from 3:30-5:00 PM (ET). Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr - Downtown Chapel. Denise was born on January 1, 1958, in El Paso, TX, daughter of the late Shermalyn and Lee Kelce. The early years of her life included many moves while Lee was on active duty and later working with Peabody Coal in the mines of Missouri, Kansas, and Indiana. By the time the Kelce family settled in Evansville, IN, they were a family of five, Denise being the eldest sibling to her brothers, Ted and David. She was enrolled in Evansville Day School, where she was a cheerleader and prom queen. She had a love of horses which she shared with her brother, Ted, and both were accomplished equestrians. Denise loved her horse, Duchess Delovely, and was decorated as a Blue Ribbon Winner with American Saddlebred Three-Gaited awards. Denise attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, where she studied education and made lifelong friends. She had a special connection with children and had dreamed of someday becoming a teacher. Upon graduation in 1979, she moved to New York City and began what soon became a successful modelling career. Most notably, she was a fit model for Marisa Christina, the face of Shiseido Cosmetics, and a member of the Screen Actors Guild after her time as an extra in a soap opera. A favorite memory of Denise's time in New York was her self-made loft bed in a tiny apartment she shared with her roommates on 86th and Columbus. In 1990, Denise married Steve Pollis and lived in Lexington, KY and Raleigh, NC before settling down in Crystal Lake, IL. In 1996, Lynlee Fontaine Pollis was born and became the center of Denise's universe. When Lynlee was two years old, the family moved to Sammamish, WA. Throughout Lynlee's time in school, Denise was an essential part of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) - always willing to lend a hand and plan a special event to recognize the teachers and staff. She won the Golden Acorn award which recognizes volunteers who give outstanding, continued, and dedicated service to the school community. Denise's home was always open to others, and she loved to entertain guests. She always looked for opportunities to gather friends and was notorious for her annual Halloween party with decor and hosting expertise that rivaled, if not surpassed, Martha Stewart's. When Lynlee left Sammamish for college, Denise and Fluffy (Lynlee's childhood dog and Denise's trusted companion) moved back to South Carolina, to be closer to her family and beloved beaches after her divorce from Steve. During this time, Denise took up an interest in genealogy and enjoyed travelling - usually to visit Lynlee or attend a Jimmy Buffet concert. Some of Denise's favorite adventures included Hawaii, Santorini, Ireland, and Paris. After her father's passing in 2018, Denise cared for her mother, Shermalyn, up until she passed in 2023. Denise spent the last few years making frequent trips to Dallas to spend time with Lynlee. When not in Dallas, Denise found great enjoyment in befriending the squirrels and birds who resided near her apartment (though unfortunately not a joy shared by her property management). Denise is survived by her younger brother, David S. Kelce of Charleston, SC, her uncle, Johnny (and Kathy) Fowler of Rincon, GA, and daughter, Lynlee F. Pollis of Dallas, TX. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ted R. Kelce. Denise will be remembered for her huge heart, sense of style, creativity, beautiful smile, love of animals and how much she cared for and was dedicated to her community, family, and friends. For those unable to attend in person, the Memorial Service will be live-streamed to the Stuhr Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Citadel Brigadier Foundation Ted R. Kelce Memorial Scholarship, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC 29409), One80 Place, where Denise would volunteer on Christmas, or the Carolina Wildlife Center.