Denise Ella Vest, 51, of Radford, died Wednesday, December 3, 2008. She was born April 15, 1957, in Roanoke to William Bill Vest and the late Lydia Louise Vest. Denise was a 1975 graduate of Radford High School. She played flute in the concert band and, as a member of the marching band, helped established the schools first flag team of which she served as captain. She graduated in 1978 from New River Community College with an associates degree in music education and retired from Virginia Tech in 2003 after 30 years of full- and part-time service. She served as a volunteer at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and was a member of Rockbridge United Methodist Church. Denise loved music, jewelry, crocheting, and laughing with her family. In addition to her father, she is survived by her brother Daniel Vest and sister-in-law Sharon of Grottoes, sisters Doloris Vest of Roanoke and Martha Pinard and brother-in-law Steve of Salem; nieces and nephews James Vest of Blacksburg, Courtney Vest of Harrisonburg, Jesse Allen and wife Caryl of Narrows, Jennifer Burke of Blacksburg, William Allen of Pearisburg, Rachel Pinard and Daniel Pinard, both of Salem; Melissa Dorman and Eddie Dorman of Harrisonburg and great niece Alexia Allen of Narrows. She also is survived by a special aunt June Peters of Salem, special cousins Linda Rachel Fielder and husband Don of Salem, Dwayne Vest of Emory and Donna Sweeney of Pittsburgh; special friend Norma Burke of Radford, and feline companions Sierra and Sydney. A celebration of Denises life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2008, at Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Interment will follow in West View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 5 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Radford High School Band Boosters, 604 Auburn Avenue, Radford, VA 24141.