Denise Lynne Wachter

1951-2026

Denise Lynne Wachter, age 74, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at UMPC Carlisle Hospital.

Born July 24, 1951 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of June Helen Hammersla Franklin of Daytona Beach, FL and the late Vernon Rees Franklin, Sr.

She was a very active member of the Berkeley Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Denise was a high school graduate. She worked as a truck dispatcher.

Denise enjoyed going to the beach, cooking, shooting guns, helping people and loved spending time with her family.

In addition to her mother, Denise is survived by her husband, Carroll Ray Wachter at home, one son, Steven Mayberry (Ellen) of Port Orange, Fla., one stepdaughter, Carrie Rae Wachter, one brother, Vernon Rees Franklin, Jr. (Linda) of Brandon, Fla., two grandchildren, Nicholas and Franchesca, two nieces, three nephews, nine great nieces and six great nephews.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by one brother, Paul Stephen Franklin.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Berkeley Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3606 Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., with Pastor Jason Disch officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Denise’s memory may be made to REACH International, Inc., PO Box 187, Spencerville, MD 20868.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV.