March 11, 1938 — Oct. 20, 2007
“She has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has never lacked appreciation of the Earth’s beauty; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best she had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.”
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MONTROSE — Dana Brentlinger, age 69, went to her heavenly home early Saturday morning, Oct. 20, 2007, after a valiant battle with cancer. Dana Mae Dalzell was born to Willa (Cyphers) and Chester Dalzell in New York City on March 11, 1938. She married Bill Brentlinger on July 23, 1955, shortly after graduating from high school in Decatur, Ind. Dana received a B.A. from Drew University in Madison, N.J. as well as a master’s degree from Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., but it was during her tenure at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind., that interest in her beloved teaching profession was sparked. After moving to Colorado in 1972, “Mrs. B.” taught for over 20 years in Ridgway and Delta, and continued substitute teaching in Delta and Montrose after her retirement.
Dana was an active, well-loved member of many groups in the Montrose area, including: Retired Teacher’s Association, Montrose Woman’s Club (Vice President), Montrose Arts Council, the Red Hat Society, Montrose County Democratic Party (State and County Representative), TOPS, and three bridge clubs. She enjoyed dancing with the Black Canyon Twirlers (President) and Delta Hub Wheelers. Dana’s beautiful voice was often lifted in song - whether for various choirs, as a bass in the Del-Rose chorus of the Sweet Adelines, or simply for the enjoyment of her friends and family - from the time she was in high school until shortly before her death. Dana tirelessly gave of herself to her faith family at the Montrose United Methodist Church, and was an integral member of the Sounds of Faith choir, handbell choir, lay ministry, Vacation Bible School and newsletter staff. Her final teaching project was starting the first-ever Sunday school class for Special Adults in Montrose.
Dana was preceded in death by her father, her husband, and one brother, Peter Dalzell. Surviving family members who were privileged to share Dana’s life include her mother, Willa Sheehan of Montrose; two sisters, Edna and husband Forest Wright of Murrieta, Calif., and Julie and husband Bill Lins of Clovis, Calif.; one brother, John and wife Debbie Sheehan of Omaha, Neb.; her three children: Nelson and wife DeVon Brentlinger of Pueblo West, Anita and husband Jim Schlichting of Colorado Springs, and Laurel and husband Mark Hannigan of Montrose; and her 11 grandchildren: Wilda and husband Wally Kleenwein, Jesse and wife Julie Stephens, Angela Brentlinger, Rebekah, Sarah, Laura, Brent, Christa, and Moriah Schlichting, and Aurora and Thorin Hannigan.
A memorial service in honor of Dana’s life, followed by a luncheon, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Montrose United Methodist Church. Dana did not fear death because of the trust she had in her Savior, Jesus Christ. In her own words, written only a few months before her death, is her final message to those whom she loved and was leaving behind:
“I want a ‘celebration’ service. I have gone home. I have had a full and happy life. I have a wonderful, warm, loving family and a faith family in my church and they have all stood by me. Now I give them my blessing.”
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.
Visit our Web site, sign the online register and send condolences to Dana’s family at www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction and care of Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, 155 Merchant Drive, Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 240-9870.
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