Dana Lea Williams of Chillicothe, Missouri, went to be with her Lord on December 29, 2024, with her loving husband of twenty-six years, Neil Williams, at her side. She succumbed to a valiant fight against cancer at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Neil survives of the home.
Dana was born on April 4, 1958, to parents Eugene and Bonnie Kling; however, Dana cherished her stepfather, Harold Council, as her father. Dana spent her childhood in Meadville, Missouri. In school Dana was an excellent student and an athlete; she graduated from Meadville High School in 1976. She played basketball and was an avid softball player, and her love of the sport continued long into her adult years during which she continued to play on various co-ed teams. Dana was competitive, but was fun and enthusiastic, and she made many long-lasting friendships through the sport.
Dana’s role as mother to her four sons was her greatest accomplishment in life. Through their childhoods, Dana was involved in their school activities and in their extracurricular events. She often was called upon to lead craft classes and to implement artistic accents to parties and events. She took a great amount of pride in their success throughout their upbringings, and she was always present for them. Her sons survive her: Christopher Whiteside (Alicea) of Ludlow, MO; Cody Whiteside of Chillicothe, MO; Chase Whiteside (Jaci) of Hale, MO; and Colton Whiteside of Benton Harbor, MI. Additionally, she is survived by stepdaughters Kim Williams of Chillicothe, MO and Mattie Williams of Tulsa, OK.
Dana was a homemaker and entrepreneur who enjoyed many creative outlets including gardening, landscaping, craft-making, and other artistic endeavors. She took pride in her creations and for years made craft items and sold them at art fairs and events nearby. She was a painter who enjoyed the craft of stenciling, and she always maintained a home that was comfortable, warm, and inviting.
Dana’s creative energies were directed to the development of her own business when she opened Calico Pony in downtown Chillicothe. The boutique children’s store featured an abundance of designer and whimsical clothing, gifts, and infant nursery items. The business drew a following from near and far. During this time, Dana enjoyed utilizing her creativity for others, while helping customers outfit nurseries and develop clothing themes for family pictures and special events. She enjoyed the work and loved the people she served in the retail capacity.
Later in life, Dana transformed her care of others into a career at the Chillicothe Correctional Center. What began as a clerical position evolved into a ministry in the substance abuse program. Dana earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology during this time and applied her skills in helping others overcome their addictions.
In the past several years, Dana had become a fervent volunteer and a Board of Directors member at the Abba House in Chillicothe. She served as a child of God as she assisted people in their faith journey to spiritual and mental wellness as they overcame life’s struggles, including addiction. This selfless work became one of her special legacies.
Dana and Neil enjoyed traveling with their fifth-wheel camper on many excursions throughout their married life. Dana loved the outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature and God’s beautiful work in sunrises and sunsets. Those trips were special times and were shared with family as well. In addition to their camping trips, Dana and Neil enjoyed many special trips to the beaches of Florida. In those times, the two celebrated a peacefulness that was unforgettable while enjoying the blessings of sand and sun.
Dana will be remembered for her strength and compassion as well as her love of life and the people around her. She has left an indelible mark on family and a wide range of friends. Her fight with cancer was a courageous and remarkable one, and we will cherish the short time we had with this amazing woman on this earth.
Dana is also survived by eight loving grandchildren: Andrew and Lilly Whiteside, Faryn Whiteside, and Grant Sheetz, as well as Ella Johnson, Maci Johnson, Chance Pearson, and Kenzie Pearson. Additionally, she is survived by three sisters: Rhonda (Kenny) Creason; Deb (Ben) Gudgell; and Kim (Randy) Summerville and several nieces and nephews.
Dana was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of life will be held at Turning Point Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, January 9th. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. with services following at 11 a.m.
There will be an inurnment at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Neil Williams to assist with costs incurred during Dana’s illness and for her funeral. They may be mailed to him at 1707 Jackson Street; Chillicothe, MO 64601.
