Dana was born on the 6th August, 1953 in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, a second daughter to Ann and Jack. Ann was born and raised in Helena, and following her divorce a year later, she and her daughters moved back to Helena, to live with Ann’s mother, Dorothy Johnson. Helena became home for the rest of Dana’s life. Dana was one of the fifth generation of her family to live in Montana.
Dana graduated from Helena High School in 1971 and then took a gap year volunteering in Kenya and travelling around Europe with her sister. She had many stories to tell about her time in Kenya. Most people who knew her had certainly heard about the giraffe. During summers in Helena Dana volunteered at the Old Brewery Theater which she very much enjoyed. Dana then attended the University of Montana and was due to graduate when, in 1976, her life was dramatically altered by a relatively minor car accident. Dana was not wearing a seat belt and she sustained head injuries which left her permanently partially mentally disabled. She had gained sufficient credits to graduate, which she proudly did in 1976.
Following the accident Dana lived with her mother on Power Street and then when Ann died, she moved to a condo on North Davis. She was joined there for several years by her cousin Richard (Dick) Kuhl. When Dick sadly passed away, Dana lived by herself again before moving to Hunter’s Point.
Through all the years and changes following her accident Dana spent her days walking around Helena, often going great distances. She would stop for coffee and to chat to people and watch life going on around her. She shared many of her observations with friends and family, relating them with her wonderful sense of humor. Her sense of humor and her acceptance of all that had happened to her stayed with her to the end.
Dana is survived by her sister, Dea and family, and by her cousin, Dennis Clarke, who was a co-conservator of her affairs along with Dea, and by cousins Barbara Wheeler, David Kuhl and Lee Johnson.
A memorial service or a gathering of friends and family will be organized in due course. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to share memories of Dana and view updated service information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Bob Haseman says
Dana was always one of my favorites. Her weekly visits to my office always put a smile on my face and lifted my spirit. Bob Haseman
Pam Tyree says
Dea I am so sorry for your loss. Dana was a Helena fixture. She was always in a cheerful mood when I would see her. My prayers are with you and your family.
Pam Kovick Tyree
Margaret L Woo says
RIP Dana. You are with the other angels now. Spread your wings and fly!
Judy Beneventi says
Dana was a good friend, the best really, in terms of opening my eyes to things in the world that otherwise I might not have encountered. I have powerful memories of riding around in the green Volkswagen bug, of speech meets in high school, of running lights for productions at the Old Brewery Theater, of a semester in London together, with Dea as well, and of hanging out in Missoula. I was always honored to be Dana’s friend because she was so cool, and I really wasn’t! I left Helena in 1985 and only saw Dana once in a great while after that, but her friendship will always be with me.
Judy Beneventi
Marsha Carter Davis says
Dana was such a kind hearted , good humored , highly intelligent and inspiring person. I will greatly miss seeing her around town, talking with her, and listening to her wonderful stories . Love and deepest sympathy to the family. I will never forget Dana , and my life has been truly enriched by getting to know her. Fly free and in joy , dear Dana 🙏
Marsha Carter Davis
Barbara (Graveley) Mackey says
Dea-so very sorry. You and Dana were a huge part of my earliest memories. May Dana Rest in Peace and may those memories bring you comfort.
Merrill RiChey Meredith says
Dea, I have many fond memories from childhood of you, Dana, your Mother and Grandmother and the house on Power. Dana must have been a truly exceptional person. And what adventures you and she must have shared in your travels together!
Barb Barnes says
Dana- taught me the benefits of kindness and connection. May you all be held with tender compassion.
Allyn Ann Cummins says
Dana & Ann lived right next door until Ann’s death. She occasionally walked up to visit her old house & visited the neighborhood. My then Golden Brandy always loved to se her. That girl would walk miles & miles around town, seldom did she want a ride home. RIP sweet Dana.
Tim Clavin says
Dea and family,
When visiting another person at Hunters Point in Helena , I would frequently spend a few minutes with Dana. She was delighted that I knew Dea and her mother Ann and her from years ago. She was a real pleasure to talk with.
I remember Dana from before her unfortunate accident that changed her life so profoundly. Dana was extremely talented and I believe she won at least one State Debate title. Dana was always so positive, and was a real pleasure to know. RIP Dana
Elaine Myles says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Oh Dana. I first meet her when I did volunteer work downtown, and later when I worked for the City she would stop in and say Hi. She was always courteous and if I had a customer or was busy she would just say hello and leave. A lot of the time she would sit and we would visit. Come to find out we shared a lot of the same experiences of being close to the same age and a teen during the early 1970s. We shared so many stories with each other. I discovered, in being patient and taking time with her, she was a very intelligent, bright, and kind woman. She lived her life with so much grace. This is a loss for the entire community of Helena. I know Dana had faith in God through Jesus Christ. We talked about him often. Prayers and sincere sympathy to her family.
Beth Sterling Raasch says
Dea, although I never knew Dana as an adult, my fondest memories of your family was when you mom would take us out to ride , Rosa.
Sorry for your lose.
Larry Dean says
Dana was a valued member of the Hawthorn school group. I had a crush on her in the 4th grade. On vacation trips back to Helena I always enjoyed talking with her on her long walks. Certain people are hard to forget. Heaven has a great citizen now.
Kennon Baird says
I knew Dana in high school, and spent a little time with her in Missoula in the early 70s. I lived in Texas in 1976, and heard about her accident through friends.
Visiting home in the 1980s, I ran into her walking on West Sixth Avenue one sunny morning. As others have mentioned, she remained a cheerful, energetic, and interesting person. I walked with her back to her front door on Power St., talking about our shared memories. I didn’t see her again, which is my loss.
Sandy Shull says
Dana – You will be missed. You always put a smile on my face. I am glad to have had a short visit with you at Mount Ascension Care Facility.
Sandy Shull and the Birds & Beasleys Gang
Timothy McKeever says
God Speed, Dana!