March 6, 1947-Feb. 17, 2024
Saturday, Feb. 17, as the day came to an end, our spunky little mama began her new adventure without us. She had spent the night doing exactly what she loved best. Relaxing in her woman cave with her best friend and son Terry. This after a typical full day of performing the usual Mansfield-projects, with her devoted husband Matt and beloved pup Annie, at their heels.
Dana is deeply loved; this will not diminish with her new change of address. It continues always, as we all have promised each other regularly and often.
Dana leaves a void that cannot be filled. She was a huge presence in such a tiny frame. Her physical stature being the only tiny thing about our little spitfire. She knew exactly what she wanted, how it should be accomplished and when it had better be completed. Her confidence and WILL DO attitude could be inspiring, entertaining, nerve-wracking and frustrating, all at the same time. But boy things always got done! Then it was time to play and relax. You could set your clock by her. Life simply will never be the same without our Little General, to keep us all on task. I am sure she is shaking things up in the great beyond as we speak. Bed pillows are properly fluffed and placed; rugs straightened. Every detail is in order. Oh, the plans, many plans and improvements are surly underway.
There was never a dull moment with Dana involved. She smiled with her entire being, radiating pure joy in some of the simplest moments. Her impish sense of humor and sassy retorts, ever-present. Her love of little adventures, finding new and strange snack combinations, Amazon surprises, an unplanned trip to an out-of-the-way shop would easily turn into a grand event. Life will be much quieter without her.
As with all things with Dana, she was very detailed and explicit on how things should be done once she moved on. Absolutely nothing traditional, weepy or “gross”. Nothing sad or morbid. She asked us to celebrate the time we had with her, often. She wished us smiles and laughter while recalling all the great moments, big and small. She hoped we would think of her during all of our new exploits and feel her there with us. Remember her well and often.
She has left us all with so many fabulous memories. The most endearing being, the all-encompassing love she had for her little family. There is no question how much and how deeply she loved her brood. Especially her sons Todd and Terry, daughter Trudy and her childhood sweetheart and husband Matt. Probably most of all little Annie. She loved and enjoyed all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even her “outlaws,” no matter how they were acquired, as long as no one got too out of hand, for too long. She was known to quickly put a stop to any nonsense.
Our darling little Dana, plan maker, party planner, partner in crime and confidant ran this show. She absolutely could not have loved her family harder than she did. She always had a way of making each of us feel like her most special person and her favorite being on the planet. Truth be known, she probably told each of us that in “secret.” There was always the special Dana greeting for all, cupping faces with her little perfectly manicured hands, staring directly into eyes, rubbing noses and kissing whole faces. There are just no greater hugs than Dana hugs. We will continue to love you always.
Hug you for us, until we can kiss your face in the next big adventure. Sweet Baby Dana will be missed by those who remain: her husband of 60 years Matt, don and partner in crime Terry, don Todd (Razz), daughter Trudy, grandchildren Lacey (Travis), Devin (Sarah), Kyson, Kaiden, Johnny (Megan), Jake (Abi) and Josh (Kassie), and great-grandchildren Adyson, Max, Kaylin, TJ, Ashlynn, Savannah, and Samson. Last but never least, her beloved fur baby Annie.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9, from 1-3 p.m. at 475 North 2240 West Circle, St. George.
Family and friends are invited to click here to share tributes online. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.