Dana M. Johnson of Mesa, AZ., died peacefully at home where she had been under the care of her loving husband Mark and Hospice of the Valley.
Born Nov. 20th 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, daughter of Vernon Morton and Marie (Tribe-Batjer) Morton. She graduated from Pittsford Sutherland High School in 1976.
In January of 1979 she said goodbye to the snow and moved to Tempe, AZ., working for Silk Screen Studio. In 1980 she moved to Tucson, AZ., where she started Catalina Silk Screen as the owner. She sold the business in 1989 and began working in sales.
Her love for animals brought her to the pet food and pet nutrition industry where she was employed until her retirement from Pet Planet following several years helping dogs and owners reach their full potential.
In April of 2023 Dana was diagnosed with leukemia. During her times in the hospital and weekly labs she developed lasting relationships with the entire hospital staff. Dana would want everyone to know that your efforts made the difficult times manageable. Thank you for everything.
Dana married Mark G. Johnson on June 30th 2007, in Niagara Falls. The couple have lived their entire married life at their home in Mesa, AZ.
Surviving; husband Mark and his sons in Redondo Beach CA. and Scottsdale AZ. Mark’s sons and daughter in-laws have (5) children. Mark’s extended family in Nebraska include several nieces and nephews. Dana has two sisters: Pamela (David) Kellogg – NY, and Kari Morton – FL. Dana was also Godmother to Lauren M. Thompson – NY.
Dana enjoyed life; dinners and parties with friends, outdoor activities like golfing, fishing and boating on the Relaxer. Traveling. Their last trip was to Hawaii in January of 2023 with friends. Speaking of friends, Dana was always up for get together or Happy Hour.
Finally, Family – she cherished the visits from the 5 step grandchildren, pool parties, Christmas and Thanksgiving get togethers were events she looked forward to for months and don’t forget the annual pumpkin carving contest.
Donations in Dana’s Memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley at Donate (hov.org) or Rescue Dog – One Love at Donate (oneloveaz.org)
It was her request to have a celebration of her life at a time to be announced.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Our hearts are with the family. Dana was a beautiful and kind person and generous friend. Dana, you are forever with us.
My heart is so sad today. I am so happy I got to meet her and be able to be there for her during this time. She a true worrier.I will miss seeing her smile. You will never be forgotten my friend.
We are sad to hear the news of Dana’s passing. Her presence on this earth will be missed. She was such a kind person and would help anyone in need. Rest in peace, Dana.
I’m so sorry to hear of Dana’s passing. I know the wonderful and beautiful person Dana was through pictures and stories told to me by her sister Kari. I truly wish I had met her and know she will forever remain loved, missed and remembered in the hearts of all those whose life she touched. May she rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear of Dana’s passing. I know the wonderful and beautiful person she was through pictures and stories told to me by her sister Kari. I wish I had gotten to meet her. Dana will forever remain loved and missed in the hearts of all those whose life she touched. May she rest in peace.
I was very sad today about Dana. I got to meet her where she worked at the pet places. She was a very sweet person and helpful. May happy memories carry you through this difficult time.
Dana and Mark have been our next door neighbors for the past 5 years and we are so grateful to have known her. We will always remember her smile and positive outlook. She will be missed greatly.
I had the honor of meeting Dana several years ago at Pet Club and Pet Planet. She was always so friendly, helpful and caring. She became my friend and helped me through my blood cancer and stem cell transplant, never knowing what she was about to endure a year later. I had lunch with her on August 12…she looked beautiful. We laughed and giggled for 2.5 hours. We had plans to meet again…RIP sweet Dana. I will miss you. You brought so much joy to everyone you touched.
My sweet beautiful Dana. I came across a post of you and as I read it and my heart ached and tears came hard to know that I would not be able to see your beautiful smile in person again. I will look for you in the stars, the rainbows, and the wind. You will forever be in my heart. You were beautiful inside and out. You gave me so much love when my Roxy passed. My heart goes out to the family. Just know that Dana was an angel on earth and now she is an angel in Heaven. Memories of her and her love will be held in my heart forever. I am grateful and honored to have met such an incredible human being. RIP my sweet Dana.
Mark, I wanted to say how sorry I am to hear this. I remember when you two got married and how happy you were. Sending much love to you and your family during this very difficult time.
Dana,
You were my very favorite patient on 5E. I always looked forward to your bright personality & kind heart. You never failed to ask about my life, my plans, and my boyfriend. We had such fun times the last few months. I feel so blessed to have been able to be your nurse towards the end of your care. May you Rest in Peace. No more pain, no more suffering, just solely peace & comfort. Wrapping my whole heart around you and your family.