She previously served as mayor and vice-mayor of Cushing, OK, and has been a co-owner of Veterinary Medical Associates, Inc. since 1979.

Born in Cushing, OK in 1953, Denney was a middle child, with an older sister and a younger brother.

She then entered Oklahoma State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics in 1976.

[1] In 1979, Denney became co-owner of Veterinary Medical Associates, Inc. She has been involved in her community in many capacities, including serving as city commission mayor and vice-mayor of Cushing, OK from 1994–2003.

[2] Denney was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2004 and served until 2016, when the term limit was reached.