Lola Gylling Dana passed away peacefully on October 4, 2021 at the age of 91. She was a longtime resident of Mesa, Arizona and beloved wife of Walter Curtis Dana, who preceded her. Lola is survived by her two younger brothers, Ivan Gylling and J. Gylling along with her six children, Marla Dana, Trish (Wayne) Steffey, Joan (Roger) Grimes, Robert (Jacque) Dana, Julie (Monte) Nevitt, and Gail (Holly) Dana. Her legacy will continue through her twenty-four grandchildren and thirty-seven great grandchildren, who were blessed with her love, kindness, and influence.
Lola was born in La Jara, Colorado on August 17, 1930. She was the daughter of Otto Walter Gylling and Arzella Knight Gylling. She was the third of six children and grew up on a farm. During her high school years, they moved the family to Mesa, Arizona. Lola was very popular at Mesa High School and made friends easily. She was Student Body Vice President and graduated with honors in 1948. She later earned her Real Estate license and a private Pilot’s License.
Lola married Walter Curtis Dana at the Mesa Temple in 1948. They lived on the Dana Ranch on Southern Avenue. Lola was kept busy with her six children. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was very active in a variety of volunteer and leadership positions including President of the Relief Society and involvement with young children of all ages. She and Curt served a Church mission in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lola had many interests and was a talented seamstress. She won numerous awards and ribbons at the county and state level. She enjoyed genealogy research, painting, quilting, ballroom dancing and had a love for playing the piano. She was honored to be the International Flying Farmer Queen, and flew all over the country with Curt, both pilots. She enjoyed spending leisure time at their Prescott cabin and spending time with her growing family.
Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Dana Ranch Ward, 1266 S. 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona 85204. There will be a visitation from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Bunkers University Chapel, 3529 E. University Drive, Mesa, Arizona 85213.
For those who would like to view the funeral remotely please use the following links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/k7iEgNeNccQ
Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94217993863
Sending big love and hugs to you and your family Julie. We remember your moms visits to Prescott. Such a dear lady! We love you!
Sending sincere condolences to the Dana family.