Dana Hawkins

I was born 74 years ago at the Beulah Home for Unwed Mothers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Minnie Pasut was my birth mom. I was adopted as a baby by LeRoy (Poley) and Genevieve Bennett Hawkins and raised in South Alberta in the small farming community of Raymond, with my older siblings Roger (Deanna) and Heather (Nels).
In 1962 my father passed away and in 1963 my mother remarried and moved us to Provo, Utah. I graduated from Provo High School in 1969 followed by schooling in 1971 to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and employment with Utah Valley Hospital.
In 1971 / married Kuen Lew, leaving nursing in 1973 when we opened Canton Village restaurant in Spanish Fork. We have 2 sons, Ken Lew (Jeannie) and Andy Lew. We divorced in 1981.
I married Jeff Van Ausdal in 1981. We have a son together, Thomas Van Ausdal (Rikki). In the early years I owned and operated The Fortune Cookie Chinese takeout in American Fork. In 1993 our family moved to Roosevelt, Utah. We lived outside of town on 5 acres. In 1993 and I started working at the Duchesne County Hospital's clinic with Dr. Mark Mitchell, a position I held for 13 years. Jeff and I divorced in 2004 and I moved to Salt Lake metro in 2007.
I married Bill Letcher in 2008; we divorced in 2019.
I have loved so many things in my life and have been so blessed. I am grateful and offer my thanks for:
My birth mom, Minnie, a young woman, all alone, who had the courage to do what would be best for me. I am told that she searched for me her entire life,
My biological half siblings, Ray Sommers and Bernie Gowing, whom I came to know as adults.
My good hardworking parents, Gen and Poley; who brought me up close to my wonderful pioneer grandparents and many cousins. I had a near perfect childhood full of friends, fresh air, blue skies, and open spaces.
The excitement of moving to Provo, Utah, with the hustle and bustle and the beautiful mountains, so different from the prairie where I was raised.
My sons, who are my greatest treasure. I loved our Friday night pizza and video nights, front row Joe dollar movies, watching my sons play city baseball and football games, watching TV football together, the elk hunting and camping trips, hiking in the forest for the perfect Christmas tree, and even brotherly squabbles over "Thom" and "twinkle toes." I loved our mealtimes at the table. My sons have become fine men, hardworking and responsible, who take good care of their families.
The best grandkids: Chevelle and Ashton Lew (Heather Lew White, mom), Shyann and Sierra Lew (Carla Boren Fuller, mom), Zoey and Cloey Van Ausdal, and Nicholas and Claire Lew. They have filled my life with delight
My wonderful sister, Heather, with whom I've been blessed. So many times in my life she has been my rock. We have shared a life, a family, and a million memories. I love you to the moon and back and will miss you a lot. Thank you for your kindness and generosity, and for always loving me. I promise to be your guardian angel.
My nieces and nephews, Megan, Courtney, Matthew, and Noah, and their families, who have honored me as a family matriarch, loving and supporting me unconditionally. Thank you for your kindness.
The love of gardening that I discovered on my acreage. I surrounded myself with flowers, trees of all kinds, and birds: pheasants, doves, turkeys, chickens, hummingbirds, and peacocks. Chipmunks came to eat the rose hips, hummingbirds to drink the sweet nectar, birds on their way home to eat my sunflower seeds, and bumblebees to roll in the glorious pollen. It was my Shangri-la. And the stars - oh my - lying in the back of my 67 El Camino, watching the Milky Way come out to show me her beauty. These things fed my soul. I believe that I will again lose myself in another garden, surrounded by my family and good friends.
My work in the clinic with Dr. Mitchell. It was an honor to look after our patients; to make so many lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.
My dearest friend and kindred spirit, Marilyn Dahlberg, with whom I worked for 13 years. We have shared each other's joys and sorrows.
The Letcher family, who welcomed me generously when I married Bill. Special thanks to Ray and Lise for their love and kindness.
Care group, Mike and Sher, Bud and Joy, Meredith, and Nancy and Dave, who welcomed me into their ranks and have offered unconditional love, acceptance, support, and kindness.
My exceptional Hospice aide, Marzena; volunteer, Vince; and Chaplain, Kevin, who became my dear friends. You brought me sunshine.
The hospice team, Miller, Beth, Kylie, Izzy, Trevor, and others who brought help and support into my home.
It is not the going that I grieve, but the leaving behind of the people that I love. I take with me the love and so many memories from all of you.
Thank you to everyone who has had a part in my life. My life was richer because of you.
I'm with my mom and dad, my son Andy, my grandson Hagen, and my great grandson Brixton. My grandparents and extended family are close.
Until we meet again, farewell. I'm on to my next adventure.
Love to all! Dana.