Dana G. Fraley

Dana G. Fraley, age 69 of Thayer, MO, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 28, 2025. She was born September 1, 1956, in Thayer, the second daughter of Francis and Louise Brenner.
Francis had hoped for two daughters, so was very pleased when Dana arrived. Dana was his little buddy accompanying him while he worked on his cattle farm. Dana loved being outdoors. She spent her youth riding her quarter horse all over her hometown of Thayer. As she grew, she found joy in gardening, surrounding herself with plants both inside and outside her home. A passion she shared with her mother, Louise, and her sister, Nancy. Dana had a spectacular knack for making pie crust-a notoriously difficult endeavor. Dana's always turned out perfectly. A secret art she passed on to her daughter, Dasha.
A dedicated servant of Christ for many years, Dana taught the young adult Sunday school class at the Thayer United Methodist Church. She taught for so long that eventually this became the "young-at-heart" Sunday school class. She sang in the church choir, led vacation bible school art classes, and sponsored youth trips. Dana even served as church secretary for a time. A lifelong artist, Dana was interested in drawing, painting, photography, and textile art. Skills enhanced by her innate understanding of color theory, a natural ability inherited by her son, Luke.
Dana spent many hours using her talents for others: crafting homemade Halloween costumes for her children, making props and decorations for the events sponsored by the school where she worked, and sewing quilts for charitable organizations. Her children would beg her to draw custom coloring sheets of their favorite characters. She would always comply. Dana nurtured both of her children's individual talents through her example and encouragement. She instilled in them the confidence to create anything they imagine.
In her later years, Dana delighted in treasure hunting. She would frequent thrift shops and antique stores. She couldn't pass up a bargain and loved to imagine uses for her unique finds. The legacy Dana leaves behind is one of service, faith, and creativity. Her family is thankful to know that she rests peacefully with the Lord she loved so dearly.
Dana was preceded in death by her father Francis Brenner. She is survived by her mother, Louise Brenner, children Luke Fraley and Dasha Russell, son-in-law Allen Russell, grandchildren Max and Somi Russell, sister Nancy Hubach, brother-in-law Wesley Hubach, nephew Jonathan Hubach, niece-in-law Sarah, aunt Barbara Wallace.
Graveside services will be 1pm Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, MO, Rev. Boyd Savage officiating.