Dana Joyce Witmer

Dana J. Witmer, age 83, of Fishers, Indiana, peacefully passed away on November 3, 2025. She was born on December 10, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest daughter of Melvin and Velma Day.

Dana graduated from Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Illinois. She went on to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Business Education and Marketing from Butler University. For 25 years she dedicated herself to teaching at J. Everett Light Center of North Central High School. In addition, she served for 20 years as advisor for DECA, the student marketing association, guiding students to participate in conferences and competitions across the United States.

Her commitment extended beyond the classroom. In 1970, she was one of the members of Ardath’s Army, a woman-led volunteer fundraising group working to bring telecasting of Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to the children of central Indiana. In more recent years, Dana volunteered with Assistance League, helping outfit schoolchildren in new clothes and distributing teddy bears to patients at Riley Children’s Hospital.

Grounded in service and faith, Dana was a devoted member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis since 1978. For the last 25 years of her life she sang in the Chancel Choir, and one of her fondest joys was traveling abroad with choir members to perform.

Yet above all her accomplishments, Dana’s greatest joy was found in the simple, meaningful moments of everyday life. She loved spending time outdoors—bird-watching, potting flowers, and sitting on the beach. She adored cuddling with her many pets, sharing dinners with friends and family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and listening to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Nothing brought her more happiness than listening to her grandchildren share their latest adventures. In all these moments—both grand and ordinary—Dana found true joy in the love of family, the warmth of friendship, and the beauty around her.

She is survived by her sons Jeff (Terri) Witmer and Craig (Debby) Witmer; her daughter Jeanne Witmer (Lowell Davis); and her grandchildren Jonathan Witmer, Zachary Witmer, Tyler Brooking, Haley Brooking, Cole Witmer, and Adelyn Witmer. Also surviving are her sister Janet Meyers (Jim); her cousins Doris (Charles) Leverett and Jim (Barbara) Dickinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Velma Day.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.