Laura Dee Zenk

Laura Dee (Atwood) Zenk, of Sedona, AZ, died in her home on Friday, January 8, 2016, after a long battle with ALS. She was 63 years old.
Dee was born in Cheyenne, WY, in 1952, the only child of Walter and Naomi Atwood. She lived in Arkansas, Alabama, Colorado, and Arizona, making her home in Sedona in 2000. Dee is survived by her husband, Eric Zenk, of Sedona and her children, daughter Kari of Phoenix, AZ, and sons Kirk of Phoenix, AZ, Andrew of San Francisco, CA, and Kevin of Tempe, AZ, and ten grandchildren. Included as family is a Danish exchange student, Martin, his wife, and three children. Dee was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson.
Dee received her Nursing degree from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelors Degree from St Francis University. As a pediatric Registered Nurse, she served in Alabama. Balancing family and career, she later worked as a school nurse in Paradise Valley Unified District in Phoenix and in community health for Yavapai County for 12 years. She was an honored member of both the Steering Committee for MATFORCE and the Greater Sedona Substance Abuse Committee. Most recently, Dee served as Director of the Northern Arizona Restorative Justice program, which seeks to restore victims and offenders to whole, contributing members of society. Her family and friends remember her as a forthright and caring woman dedicated to helping young people lead positive, productive lives.
In addition to her nursing career, Dee was active in the AFS Foreign Exchange Student program and was area counselor in Phoenix for several years. She was also a member of the Scottsdale Charwomen. In Sedona, she was a member of the Verde Valley Arizona Rangers Company for five years, serving as Captain for two. She melded her love for horses with community service by leading the Rangers mounted patrol, eventually heading up the patrol statewide.

When asked to describe Dee, those who knew her best remember her wit, humor and loyalty, her sense of style, and her direct, honest, get-it-done-now attitude. She was a gracious hostess, a calming spirit, and a good friend and confidant.

Dees family wishes to thank Dr. Todd Levine and the staff at Phoenix Neurological Associates, family physician Dr. Mark Pico, Pamela Clark at Massage Matters, and physical therapist Eric Mace at Entire Care for their compassion and support. They and Dees close friends gave her quality time despite ALS.

A memorial service in celebration of Dee's life is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at Greers Mortuary, 2725 W. Hwy 89A in Sedona. Those wishing to honor her are asked to donate to Northern Arizona Restorative Justice, PO Box 4851, Sedona, AZ 86340, or the charity of their choice.