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Dana Shafer Obituary
News Death Notice
SHAFER, Dana Buchanan slipped into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, Dec 23, at the age 48, in Middletown, Ohio. Dana, formerly of Nashville, Tenn., was the beloved and devoted wife of Barry Shafer, of Middletown, Ohio, daughter of Sue Buchanan and Wayne Buchanan, sister to Mendy Buchanan, niece to Jon and Becky Davis, Joe and Carolyn Davis, all of Nashville, Tenn., She was a dear cousin, "buzzin," aunt and friend to many. Reared in Wheaton, Ill. and Nashville, Tenn., Dana is a graduate of Anderson University. She was an accomplished harpist and writer. Her national clientele included extensive writing for Atrium Medical Center and the Atrium Medical Center Foundation. A lover of God and His Word, Dana taught and discipled hundreds of friends and fellow students in Scripture. She has written several small-group Bible studies as well as a childrens book, "Mud Pie Annie". She attended Centerville Christian Fellowship, Centerville, Ohio. Dana enjoyed, with great enthusiasm, knitting, scrapbooking, snow skiing, hiking and collected many great friends with each hobby. She loved the beach and the mountains, especially when enjoyed with her husband (and best friend) of 16 years, Barry. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, December 29, from 2-8 p.m. at Centerville Christian Fellowship Church, 700 E Spring Valley Pike, Dayton, OH 45458. A celebration service will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2:00 p.m. at Towne Boulevard Church of God, 3722 Towne Boulevard, Franklin, OH 45005. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, 517 S. Sutphin Street, Middletown, OH 45044. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to InWord Resources, PO Box 531, Middletown, OH 45042; or Centerville Christian Fellowship Church, 700 E Spring Valley Pike, Dayton, OH 45458; or Hospice of Dayton, Ohio. Memories and encouragement may be shared with the family at https://www.carepages.com/carepages/TeamDaneAndBear
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dana Shafer
Gerald Kaminitz
April 4, 2019
Deeply Saddened. As I knew of Dana while we were both attending Hillwood High School. What a truly great person to have known for those short years. As Lord Jesus is with you now and forever, God bless
Ann Richards
January 24, 2010
In reading the newspapers which came during the holidays, I am saddened to read about Dana and wish to send you much love and support. I was Mindy's flute teacher, the "other" Dana-harpist's flutist, and now a West Meade neighbor from where I first came to teach Mindy. I've thought about you all each time I jogged by your steep driveway and wondered how everyone was. I like to think now that my Dana and your Dana are up in heaven having a grand time playing harp duets!!! Talent and sweetness from both.
Melissa Gerwe (Berry)
January 20, 2010
Barry,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
January 17, 2010
I've been following Dana's story in Sue's column in the Gaither Homecoming Magazine and I'm deeply sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God hold you in the palm of His hands and grant His peace and comfort.
In Christ's love,
Bonnie Powell
Ashaway, RI
David Estrin
January 7, 2010
Mr. & Mrs. Buchanan Mindy & Barry
I just heard about Dana and I am so sorry for you loss. I will always have a very special place in my heart for Dana your entire family.
David Estrin
January 4, 2010
Sue - I heard you at the WHIIMS luncheon & corresponded with you by email several times as a fellow author. I have also heard Dana play the harp on a couple of occasions. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Dana's husband, and your entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God's peace and comfort fill you and keep you.
Pam Roark
Andy Allison
January 3, 2010
Mr. & Mrs. Buchanan and Mindy- what a profound loss. I first knew Dana at about 11 or 12 years old when we had our Narnia-kingdoms in the woods- and my impressions of her as a fun, creative, and thinking person began then and lasted. Some of our Hillwood classmates recently got together and we had tried to contact Dana- there was much remarking on how we so wanted to see her- not knowing the circumstances. Her sweetness and artistry will be missed so much!
Barry- I never met you, but what a lucky man you are to be Dana's husband-
Krista Valdes Zamora
December 31, 2009
Barry, Wow My prayers are with you. I know you waited many years for that precious lady. I pray God lavishes his peace all over during this time. My heart is broken for you.
Krista (Cotter) Valdes Zamora
Margaret Galt
December 31, 2009
Sue and Family,
My heart aches for you. I am so sorry for your loss. Love and Prayers.
Your childhood and forever friend,
Margie Jones Galt
Sheryl Ketner
December 31, 2009
My heartfelt sympathy for Dana's whole family. She was a bright light in a dull world; her absence will leave a void. My prayers are with you. Love Sheryl
Sheryl Ketner
December 31, 2009
My heartfelt sympathy for Dana's whole family. She was a bright light in a dull world; her absence will leave a void. My prayers are with you. Love Sheryl
December 30, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to Barry & the family. We attend Huber Heights Church of God, Pastor Roger Hamilton. We pray for the strength and comfort that only our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ gives.
Lane & Julie Ketner
December 30, 2009
Our deepest condolences. We are very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Love,
Lane & Julie
Jan Wallis
December 30, 2009
Sweet Sue, you are so much in my thoughts and prayers. Although unable to physically be there with you, I am with you in my heart and in my thoughts. There are no words, only so much love.....
Myra Vaden-Hale
December 30, 2009
Barry,
I met Dana when we both worked at Lorenz together. She taught me that you can work hard and have fun at the same time. Dana was always perfectly put together. One day she came into the office with one plain beige shoe and the other beige shoe had a big bow on it. We did not notice it until later that afternoon. I looked down and pointed. We laughed so hard, well... it was the beginning of a great friendship. Several years later, she was so sweet to play at my brother's funeral. We lost touch, but I still have a Harp Christmas Ornament that always makes me think of her.
I loved her so.
Cinda Pelfrey
December 30, 2009
Our prayers will be with the family and friends. What a tremendous loss for us but we rest in the assurance that we will see Dana again. Our deepest sympathy are sent to you with much love.
Cinda, Danny & Catie Pelfrey
Brother and Sister Rose
December 29, 2009
Our prayers and sympathy are sent to you at this time.
December 29, 2009
Dear Barry - I am so sorry to hear that Dana has passed. She is now out of pain and in the presence of Jesus. I never got to know her well, but she had to be a very special person - Many people loved her and all will miss her. I know she leaves a huge void in so many lives. Our prayers and sympathy are sent to you with lots of love.
Donna and Ron
Annie Cross
December 29, 2009
Dear Barry,
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Dana's passing. As you well know, she will be sorely missed in the lives of everyone she knew. I will always treasure the great laughs and special shared challenges we walked through together. I am praying for you and your family but know that Christ will comfort you in your time of sadness.
Warmly,
Annie Cross (Minty)
December 29, 2009
Barry,
Ann informed us of your loss.
You have our sympathy and prayers during this time and in the future.
Our love in Christ,
Charles and Bernell Sandlin
December 28, 2009
Barry,
We are thinking of you today, and also still numb from the news!
Sincerely,
Bruce & Sheila Mac Murray
Anderson, IN
December 28, 2009
Wayne & Sue. I jut learned of Dana's passing. Although I never met her I know she must have been a wonderful person to have the parents she had. My sympathy and prayers are with you.
=Bill Rayborn=
Pam Steiniger
December 28, 2009
Barry - Dana was a very talented and special woman, and was a blessing to all who knew her. I pray that God will give you strenth and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
Karen Hauser Mears
December 28, 2009
Family and Friends,
I am so sorry to hear of Dana's passing. I graduated from Hillwood High School in 1979 with Dana. When I think of her, I remember her as being friendly, happy and giving.
My prayers are with you all.
Susan Bost
December 28, 2009
Bear,
There are so many thoughts and memories that flood my mind daily.
I guess if I had to choose one, I'd paraphrase Dana's perspective on marriage. Her pastor had told her that she was like the wind, and you were a sailboat. She could be the wind that filled your sails and allowed you to soar, or she could be the storm that destroyed the sailboat, with her words and actions. She knew how important it was to respect, love and support you, and I hope you feel she excelled at this.
We often talked about how fortunate we both were to have husbands that "Get us". They truly understand us, and we understand them. May those fantastic and precious memories carry you through. I know Dana would be rooting you on, saying, "That's my Bear. He can do anything!"
Hugs,
Daniel Blevins
December 28, 2009
To Barry and Dana's Family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences. Dana was a wonderful person and musician whom I had the privilege to work with on many occasions over the past decade at weddings and corporate events. A fantastic harpist along with her pleasant personalty made every event a joy. She will be missed.
May god bless you and your family during this trying time.
Terri Allen Atwood
December 28, 2009
Our sincere sympathy upon hearing of Dana's passing. We lived a couple of houses down from the Buchanan's on Brownlee Drive back in the 70's. I babysat for Dana, and Mendy several times. Will be praying for your family as you go through this time of grief.
Terri Allen Atwood
Tom and Kris Bellin
December 28, 2009
Dear Barry,
Our hearts ache for you. Dana was a testimony to life and will be missed by family and friends.
Steven Lorenz
December 28, 2009
Marilyn and I have fond memories of our times with Dana. She was a lovely person in every way.
Steve Lorenz
Jeff, Jayna & Jesse Koeller
December 28, 2009
Barry and Family - Words cannot express how sadden we are by the passing of Dana, but knowing that she is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior does bring much comfort. May God Bless and Comfort you during this time. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!
December 28, 2009
Barry,
A huge part of both of our hearts are gone. What an incredible daughter and wife she was; but most of all she was totally dedicated to Jesus Christ. We will both miss her tremendously, but thank God for "that blessed hope" to see her again and spend eternity together in Heaven.
My prayers are with you, son.
Daddy
December 28, 2009
Barry,
A huge part of both of our hearts are gone. What an incredible daughter and wife she was; but most of all she was totally dedicated to Jesus Christ. We will both miss her tremendously, but thank God for "that blessed hope" to see her again and spend eternity together in Heaven.
My prayers are with you, son.
Suzanne Craig Robertson
December 28, 2009
Barry, Sue, Wayne, Mindy, Jon and Becky,
I just don't have words for this. I am so sorry for each of you. When I didn't hear back from her earlier this year I should've checked on her, but didn't.
Our oldest daughter is a freshman in college and the last few years of her high school I laughed and thought of "Big Dane" so often, so happy to understand what deep friendships can start at that age because of her. She was dear to me (the only person to call me "Big Z" and "Zanne"). She has always been so full of joy, and she loved each of you so, so much.
Stan Schklar
December 28, 2009
To Dana's family,
I graduated with Dana from Hillwood High School in 1979 but actually met her in the 5th grade. I heard of her passing early this morning and it was quite a shock and very sad to hear. I hope you will find comfort in all the good things she did for people and all her friend's lives that she made brighter. God bless you and your family and the memory of this wonderful person. Stan Schklar
December 27, 2009
Barry,
Know that you and your church family is being lifted up in prayer from my family as well as the Marshall Road Church family as well.
Love in Christ
Pastor Kevin, Aimee and Mason Hall
Karen Addie
December 27, 2009
Dear Barry,
I was blessed to have known and worked with Dana. She was not only an excellent musician, she was also easy to work with, fun and professional with her clients.
Please accept my most since condolences. My heart is heavy upon learning of her passing, and many musicians will miss her very much.
Sincerely, Karen Addie
December 27, 2009
We have been so blessed to have known you and Dana for several years. Both of you have been an inspiration to many people. We are praying for you and your family in this time of need. We love you. Ray and Arlene Bostwick
December 26, 2009
Barry,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dana will definitely be missed. But I know every time she is thought of there will be a smile and when there is a rainbow, she will be sitting on top of it smiling down on us all.
Robin Robbins
December 26, 2009
Barry,
We are so sorry for your loss. May God continue to be with you and the family through your time of need. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Heather Hunt and Family
December 25, 2009
Barry,
We are so sorry for your loss, but we know that God will carry you during the tough times that lie ahead. Dana and you have been such sources of love, compassion and and courage in the years that we have known you. Your witness of faith and love will continue to live on in people for years to come. Please rest in God's comfort and know that you remain in many prayers.
Tim & Amy Sponsel
Brent Dalton
December 25, 2009
Barry-
You and Dana have been an inspiration to us all. Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We know the angels are celebrating in heaven. May God Bless you.
Bill Fugate
December 25, 2009
Barry,
On this very special day we give thanks for the baby, the cross, Dana and yourself. I was one of those who was blessed to see how God continued to use Dana during the most difficult times. I recently witnessed a group of high school boys pray for both of you during their small group meetings. Both of you have been and will continue to be an inspiration to all that know you. We love you both and thank God for sharing both of you with us. God bless and you will continue to be in our prayers.
We love you,
Bill & Denise Fugate
Marla Mathis
December 25, 2009
Barry-
You and Dana have been inspiration to so many young and old. Dana has moved on to a higher place but she leaves quite a legacy. She will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her. Hold strong to God and He will see you thru the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.
Praying for you-Marla Mathis
Gene and JoEllen Tapalman
December 25, 2009
Barry, Our hearts are filled with sadness in the passing of Dana. We are blessed to have gotten to know her. There is comfort for all of us knowing she is at peace and resting with our Savior. Please know that you and your families are being showered with prayers for strength and comfort. We love you !
Judy Robison
December 25, 2009
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
What a wonderful inspiration both of you have given. She will never be forgotten.
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