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Dana Opperman Obituary
Dana "Dinx" Jean (Bayless) Opperman, 54, of Butler died at 9:12 a.m. Friday at her home.
Born Jan. 2, 1957, Dinx dedicated her life to the love and care of her children, both biological and adoptive. She was a loving daughter to the late Irvin D. and Caroline Bayless; devoted sister to her siblings, Karen Sychak, Gerald Bayless, Clarissa Bayless Spohn and lifelong adopted brother, Barry Harvey.
She worked hard both physically and emotionally pouring her life into the raising of her three children. As a single mother, she took many jobs to support and give her children the life she wanted so much for them.
Dinx was one of the most giving and selfless people God has ever created. Even while striving to care for her family, she never hesitated to feed, clothe and shelter all those that the world chose to discard. Dana would give her last cent or the food from her plate to a total stranger or even those who mistreated her.
Dinx's family extended far beyond the bounds of her physical family and her passing will leave a hole in the heart of everyone she has ever ministered to.
Dana did not have many interests outside of her children, although she was an avid animal lover. She always had dogs, cats and other critters as well. Dana never got over the loss of her favorite Doberman, Brakka. Dinx also was a collector of all things Mickey Mouse.
Although Dana struggled to fit into a particular denomination, she was a member of the universal body of Jesus Christ. She wholly trusted in Christ to save her and wash her from her all her sins and is now resting in the arms of her Savior and God.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy E. Opperman, who passed away April 2, 2010.
She is survived by three sons and one daughter, James and Christine Opperman of Kentucky and their children, Zion, Khylianna, Onesimus and Eliyah; Carl Opperman of Butler and his daughter Lillian; Jason and Alisha Hovis of Butler and their son, Kingston; and Lorralee Opperman and Justin Mcmillien of Butler and their children, Dannah Jean and one expected; as well as one granddaughter, Paige Iman.
The family also would like to express their deepest thanks to Bruce Vasey of the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home for all of his help and support.
OPPERMAN - There will be no public visitation. A memorial service for Dana "Dinx" Jean (Bayless) Opperman, who died Friday, March 4, 2011, will be at the First United Methodist Church Friday, March 11, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. J. David Panther of First United Methodist Church officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.
Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dana Opperman
GG and Naners, spending some time on her 3rd B-day with one of her favorite people in the whole world!
April 7, 2011
chuck-margie williams
April 6, 2011
dana you will be mised very much you were there with a helping hand when someone allways neded help we will never forget that chuck-margie williams
March 29, 2011
Hi Lorralee, and hello to all your extended family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She was an intensely lively person to speak with--I will always remember that.
Congratulations on your anticipated second child. I hope everything goes well there.
I only heard of your loss recently--you and your family will be in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Grace McGorrian
Phyllis ( Punkin) Yute
March 12, 2011
Little Dinxy,what a Brave and Lion Hearted little cousin you were. Off to rest in the lap of your Spiritial Father and the loving arms of "Daddy Dan" I know your family was so blessed to have you and I pray for them to have comfort in their memories of you. Cousin Punkin Roberts Yute
chuck,margie williams
March 12, 2011
dana you will always be in our prayers and will never be forgoten you were always a good friend and you will be in are heart,s forever
Sarah Howell
March 11, 2011
Carl and lora I love you both and your family. i wish there was something i could do to make this better, but there isn't. Your mother was great , loving and good hearted, she will be missed a great deal.
Kristy Farnen
March 10, 2011
Carl, Lorralee, and family, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother..she was such a good hearted person and so kind and caring! My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family! I remember one year I got her a Mickey and Minnie mouse doll for her b-day and she was so thrilled :)You will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Kristy Farnen
March 10, 2011
Carl, Lorralee, and family, I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family! Your mom was one of the nicest people I have known..always so kind and caring! I still remember getting her a stuffed Mickey and Minnie mouse doll for her b-day one year and she was so thrilled..she loved her Micky Mouse :) You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers!
paige iman
March 10, 2011
lil gram, i love you i miss you and im not sure what to do i know you wouldnt want me to cry...i know your in a better place.. i love you and i always will thank you for everything xoxo paige.
Paul and Maria Worst
March 10, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I remember Dana from seeing her at school for the children' s activities and through our children's activities. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Randa DiMaria
March 9, 2011
My sympathy to the family of Dana Opperman. She was so nice and such a caring, thoughtful individual. Our paths crossed often and I know how much she loved all of her children and her friends.
March 9, 2011
CARL & LILLY
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. DANA WAS ALWAYS KIND AND CARING. WE WILL MISS HEARING FROM HER!
CHRIS, ANDREA, MISSY & GRACIE
ALIQUIPPA, PA
Justin Mcmillen
March 9, 2011
momma Im gonna miss you so much, you were the best mom a son could ever have, I wish I would have been around longer than the 8 years I was. Im gonna do the best I can to be a good husband to your daughter and the best daddy I can be. thanx 4 always being their for me to talk to and give me hugs when Im sad and tell me how proud you are of me just for doing the littlest things, I wish you would have always been my mother Id probably be an astronaut or something, but Im gonna do everything to take care of your baby girl, love you momma
Debby Manny
March 8, 2011
My deepest heartfelt sympathy. I knew Dana from our younger years, a very loving and caring person with a beautiful smile. I would see her every now again at Highfield Bingo. Its been awhile,but always enjoyed talking with her.
May God Bless you all at this difficult time.
Tracy
March 8, 2011
I awake each morning to start a new day
But the pain of loosing you never goes away.
I go about the things I have to do
And as the hours pass I think again of you.
I want to call you and just hear your voice
Then I remember that I have no choice
For you are not there and now my heart cries
Just to see you again to tell you goodbye
To say Mama I love you and I always will
And hope that much of you, in me you've instilled.
The day that you left I just didn't know
That you were going where I couldn't go.
And now all my memories of you are so dear
But gosh, how I miss you and wish you were here.
Who now can hear me when I need to cry?
It so hard to tell you "Mama goodbye."
Someday I know all will be well
And I'll see you again with stories to tell
Of how you were missed and how we have grown
And how good it is to finally be home.
Until then my memories of you I'll keep near
And I'll pass them on to those who are dear.
I miss you Mama,
Dawn Mizak
March 8, 2011
I am deeply sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Lorralee
March 8, 2011
I Love you and Miss you so very much Momma, and the girls Love/Miss their GG!
Love/Miss you Momma,Lil' Gram,GG
Lorralee Opperman
March 8, 2011
Thank you all for your kind words,fond memories, and especially prayers! My mother was a very special person and I know she was loved and highly regarded by so very many. Yes my heart is shattered, but my mother had been suffering for quite sometime now, and it brings me great peace(and may it to you also) to know she's finally at rest in our Father's arms!
CHERYL Browning
March 7, 2011
So sorry for your families loss.We had been long time friends.Played bingo when i came in town.I'll put your family in my prayers
donna Stoner Patterson
March 7, 2011
deepest sympathy Dana was a good hearted lady and always had a smile and something nice to say. She was a pleasure knowing. May gode carry you through this difficult time. I used to babysit the kids when they lived by grump.
Elaine (Lepley) Fleeger
March 7, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up across the street from Dana. She was a few years older than me, but endured playing and spending time with the "kid across the street". I think most of our time was spent nursing baby birds back to health. I have many fond memories.
Barb (Crouch) Bowser
March 7, 2011
My family and I are so sorry for your loss. I grew up with Dana at Center Twp School and years later my kids and I lived beside her on Penn St. The family will be in our prayers.
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