Dana Lynn Smith

Dana Lynn Smith, 69, of Maryville, IL, formerly of Vandalia, IL, passed away on December 16, 2024 after a 4-year battle with cancer.
Dana was born on December 27, 1954 to Edward and Donna Taylor in Vandalia, IL. After graduating from Vandalia Community High School in 1973, she went on to study music at Greenville College. In that same year, she wed Mick Smith, going on to have three boys, Justin, Lucas, and Seth.
While raising her family and tending to her family business, she finished her academics at SIUE earning a Bachelor's degree in accounting. She became a certified CPA in 1991.
After graduation, Dana landed her first job as a secretary for the First United Methodist Church in Vandalia, IL. She went on to perform accounting for Wolff Oil Co. in Litchfield, IL, taught business math at Kaskaskia College, and became the General manager for Days Inn (America's Best Value Inn) in Vandalia, IL, from 1996 to 2019.
Dana carried her love of music throughout her life playing the recorder with her Baroque Folk music group, the piano and organ for many weddings, and participating in a handbell choir at FUMC.
She met her partner, Joe Dutchik, in 2013 and retired in 2019. She and Joe enjoyed traveling, friends, and music concerts for the past 11 years. They frequently hosted family gatherings, as they loved to cook together. Dana also enjoyed quilting and sewing and made many beautiful works of fabric art. She was most delighted in her great-granddaughter who just turned 1-year-old.
Dana was preceded in death by her father, Edward D. Taylor and brother, Stephen A. Taylor. She is survived by her beloved partner, Joe Dutchik of Maryville, sons: Justin Smith (Kim Frutiger) of Brownstown, Lucas (Karla) Smith of Shobonier, and Seth Smith of Vandalia, mother Donna Taylor of Vandalia, sister Beth Huth of Slippery Rock, PA, brothers Edward Taylor of Brownstown, Mark Taylor of Foley, AL, and Paul Taylor of Fillmore, 6 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 2 step-great-grandchildren, and former father-in-law and friend Max Rench of Vandalia.
Services will be held on January 30, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia, IL. Visitation starts at 9am with the funeral following at 11am. Burial will be in McInturff Cemetery in Hagerstown, IL. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital or the American Cancer Society. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.