Rose Hill Cemetery, Grady County, Oklahoma

© The Chickasha Express-Star
February 8, 2011

Dana Jo Dews

Dana Jo Dews, age 93, lifelong resident of Chickasha, Oklahoma, died on January 24, 2011. Interment was on January 28, 2011, at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of McRay Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Barbara Hunt will officiate.

Dana was born at the family home on Chickasha Avenue on July 4, 1917. Her parents were Joe Dews and Blanche Johnston Dews. Dana's sister, Maude, and brother, Rees, preceded her in death. She also had six half-brothers and sisters.

Dana attended Chickasha Public Schools and graduated from Oklahoma College for Women in 1939 with a business degree. Immediately before and during the war, she worked at Borden Park Hospital. It was at this time she met and worked with Dr. R. R. Coates and later managed his ENT practice for over 30 years. Dana also worked with her sister Maude in the family business, Chickasha Greenhouse. Dana's interests included reading mysteries, sewing, bird-watching, picnicking and genealogy.

Survivors include nieces Janie Dews Biltoft, of Littleton, Colorado; Patricia Ellsworth of Mt. Home, Arkansas; Kathleen Ratliff of Edmond, Oklahoma; and nephew Richard Gambel of Little Rock, Arkansas. A local survivor is nephew Burrel Gambel of Chickasha. She is also survived by five grand-nieces and nephews.