Mary “Deni” C. McElhinny, 73, of Tylersburg, PA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026,

peacefully at home with her husband and family by her side.

Born in Brookville on December 24, 1952 to Charles H. and Annabelle (Groner) Ochs, Deni was a vibrant,

free-spirited woman whose faith, kindness, and fearless way of living shaped every part of her life. She

lived boldly and authentically, never worrying about what others though-only about loving people well and

following the Lord.

Deni was a devoted wife and mother. In 1981, she welcomed her beloved son, Jeremy, and with strength

and grace, raised him with love, laughter, and a sense of adventure after the loss of his father in 1984. In

1992, she married the love of her life Mark “Shawn” McElhinny, cherishing every moment of their life

together.

Deni truly never met a stranger. Whether offering a Bible verse, words of encouragement, or simply a

listening ear, she made people feel seen and cared for. She was known for piling Jeremy’s friends in her

Isuzu Trooper and taking them to church, sharing her faith in the most genuine and joyful way.

She had a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, beginning with her first horse Apache, in 1966, and

continuing through her cherished horse Faith, in her final years. It was often said that the state police

brought her horses home more than they ever brought her son home. Whether it was the horses in the

barn or the dogs and cats she took in, animals were drawn to her gentle, welcoming spirit. always

seemed to find their way to Deni. A sign in her barn summed it up best: “Bread feeds my stomach, but

horses feed my soul.”

Deni loved to travel, go to church, make memories, and soak up every moment of life. She was carefree,

fun-loving, and full of light-bringing laughter, love, and the Word of God wherever she went.

She is survived by her husband, Shawn; her son Jeremy R. Hall (Kim); siblings Jonatha Ochs, Charles

Ochs, Rebecca Chenot (Sonny), Frank Ochs, Bonnie Dechant (Mike), and Curtis Ochs (Gay); along with

many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Valentine Ochs; and her late husband Stanley

Hall.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Deni’s honor

through Clarion Forest VNA HOSPICE, 271 Perkins Road, Clarion, PA 16214.