Queen of the Month: Denise Hannon, Ambassador and Queen Sassy Pants

With a heart for service, a flair for fun, and a spirit as bold as her name, Ambassador and Queen Sassy Pants—Queen Denise of the Heartland Hatters—is July’s Red Hat Society Queen of the Month! Born in Tyler, Texas and raised in Mesquite, Denise has worn many crowns in life—from Paramedic and Emergency Room leader to Executive Assistant and surgical support—but her favorite might just be her Red Hat. Home is now Blanchard, Oklahoma with her husband.

Queen Denise met the love of her life online back when Yahoo Personals was new and exciting. Nearly 20 years later, she and her Navy veteran husband are still adventuring together—traveling, riding motorcycles, and enjoying their growing family, including a beloved granddaughter and a new grandbaby on the way.

After the passing of her mother, Delores “Dee” Noland, also a proud Red Hatter, Denise joined RHS to stay close to her mom’s memory. “Every time I put on my red hat and colors, I think of her,” she says. Now a passionate leader, she has thrown herself into the Sisterhood with joy, heart, and signature sass that lights up any room.

This year, Queen Sassy Pants brought that same energy to HOOT Day 2025 by organizing a special event for her chapter’s new and seasoned members who might have otherwise been left out. Partnering with a Vice Queen, she designed a playful and engaging Scavenger Hunt through Sooner Mall, complete with lunch, door prizes, and personalized owl-themed goodie bags. Teams Red and Purple dashed through the mall snapping pics, tracking down Red Hat-colored items (with a few cheeky surprises), and laughing every step of the way.

The feedback? Glowing! One lady racked up over 4,000 steps, and pink hatters joked they’d need to train to keep up with the red hatters! Best of all, the event caught the public’s eye—turning heads and sparking conversations about Red Hatting in Oklahoma. Plans for a statewide, inclusive HOOT Day 2026 are already in motion thanks to the Scissor-Tailed Queens Council and collaborating chapters.

A true creative at heart, Queen Sassy Pants fills her time with crafting, planning events, and lifting others. Her words of wisdom?
“If you’re not having fun Red Hatting, something’s wrong!”

Whether welcoming new members, organizing memorable outings, or counting down to her October REDuation (goodbye pink hat!), Queen Sassy Pants leads with warmth, humor, and contagious zest for life.

Her favorite quote says it all:
“Life is short and tomorrow is not promised. Enjoy the time you are given—with no regrets.”

Heartland Hatters