Dana Snook Pyle

Dana Snook Pyle, 81, retired school psychologist, teacher, professional shopper, and beloved sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend, died Monday, July 22 at The Gardens at Columbine Retirement Community in Littleton, Colorado. Dana was preceded in death by her husband, John Morgan, who died April 12, 2024. The two moved to Colorado from Western Kansas in the early 1970s, leading the way for both of their families to migrate West and settle near them in the area.
Dana was born, May 18, 1943 in Dodge City, Kansas. She was the first of seven siblings, and was a loving, fierce, and loyal matriarch to their children and grandchildren. She was known to lavish her family with gifts, especially at Christmas. Dana wasn't just generous at holidays, but also with her time and attention. Up until the last few years, Dana was always on the go, meeting friends and family for lunch, or to cheer on grand kids, nieces and nephews at events. Wherever she went, Dana always showed up impeccably dressed. Her sense of style was legendary, and there are people today who can attest to the rule-breaking mini-skirts she wore teaching English in Dodge City in the 1960s.
She grew up the daughter of a school teacher, Hubert Snook, and followed in his footsteps to become an educator. Hubert was also her debate coach, and Dana was one of his many children who won state titles. Hubert loved to tell the story, not of Dana's debating skills, but rather a time when she lost a debate and stormed off the stage, slamming the door behind her, only to realize she had walked into a closet. Her fiery temperament wasn't dampened by age or illness.
Through her years of teaching and counseling in the Littleton Public Schools, Dana made many friends who remained a part of her life until her death. She would answer her phone, no matter the time, and could be counted on in good times and bad. She could not, however, be counted on in moments of crisis when she would tend to panic and yell the obvious like "the baby is choking!" Dana was loving and gracious, and while she was devoted to family, she had a way of making everyone feel like they were a part of her family.
Her brother, Kent Snook, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children through marriage, Barry Morgan of Littleton, Colorado, and Elizabeth Morgan of Wichita, Kansas, as well as grandchildren Clinton Morgan, Sarah Morgan, and Caleb Rosencutter. Survivors also include siblings and their spouses: Jana and Bob Lewis, Centennial, Colorado; Barbara Snook and Rundell Brown, Denver, Colorado; April Snook, Idaho Springs, Colorado; Robyn and Kent Schoonover, Littleton, Colorado; Jim and Sally Snook, Littleton, Colorado; and Charlie Snook, Newton, Kansas. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were enriched by her generous spirit. There will be a memorial gathering in her honor on Saturday, August 24th, at 2 p.m. at First Universalist Church of Denver, 4101 E Hampden Ave, Denver, Colorado, 80222.