Dana Lynn Breeding

Dana Lynn Breeding passed from this life on Saturday, July 25, after an unbelievably strong and courageous battle with cancer. So much so, that when diagnosed in the fall of 2019, she was told by her doctor she had a year and a half to two years to live. Since she could be a bit stubborn, she proved him wrong and had fun making seven years of memories with her family and friends, but most importantly, getting to watch her grandkids grow up.

Dana was the only child born to Calvin and Jenalee Appelhaus on October 7, 1954. Though she lost her mom as a young woman, she was lucky to have her dad in her life until 2022.

To occupy her free time, Dana enjoyed traveling, her most loved trips were those spent relaxing at the beach with her favorite people. Since her diagnosis, she was able to take 15 vacations. At 67, she decided it was time to take her first flight AND get her ears pierced, two things she was always too scared to do. Her love of beautiful things showed in the flowers she planted around her home. Dana had fun playing cards, reading a good book, cheering on her Hoosiers, watching her favorite TV shows, and working challenging puzzles. Dana also had a soft spot for her pets. She took pride in knowing that they opened their home and loved five rescue pets.

Dana attended Pine View Elementary, Scribner Junior High, and graduated from New Albany High School in 1972, where she made lifelong friends. She participated in theater and choir and was very active at Wesley Chapel UMC. After high school, Dana chose to further her education at Ball State University, to become a special education teacher. She spent her career first teaching at Milltown Elementary, then at Georgetown Elementary, and retired after teaching at Mount Tabor Elementary for 38 years. She touched the lives of many students over the years, who oftentimes remember her fondly as one of their favorite teachers.

While attending Ball State, Dana met the love of her life, John. They have dedicated their lives to each other and their family. Anyone who knows them, knows that they exemplify the saying, “opposites attract”, but you couldn’t deny their love for one another, as they celebrate 50 years of marriage this year. John always said, “Dana is a saint for putting up with me”, to which Dana would have a quick comeback of “that’s for sure”! Dana had the opportunity to be a lifelong Bulldog fan, because she took on the role of being a “coaches wife”. She was an endless supporter of John and the New Albany Volleyball program, where she mentored many of his players over the years.

Dana and John share two kids, Allyson Kiesler and Christopher Breeding, and they welcomed their spouses, Adam and Errin into their family with open arms. Dana’s absolute pride and joy were her granddaughter, Avarey Lynn Kiesler, and her three grandsons, Wyatt Matthew Kiesler, Calvin Curtis Breeding, and Blake Allan Breeding. They were so lucky to be loved and supported by their Grandy, who has always been at every volleyball game, tennis match, soccer game, performance, or any other event in which they were involved. She was there for them in every moment, big or small; every conversation, life lesson, and piece of advice came from the heart. She was always available for a good back scratch and cuddle on the couch. They will carry her in their hearts forever.

Dana is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Everhart (Keith), nephew, Nicholas Everhart (Gabi), niece, Sarah Cameron (Scotty), great-nieces Addi, Olivia, and Blake and great-nephew, Caleb. Her uncle and aunt, Ed & Bev Juliot, and close cousins, Eric, Greg, and Chad Juliot, Ellen Miller, Jill Hornung, and Tammie Ricke. Her life was enriched by many friends who have been like family to her. She also leaves her spot on the couch to her best boys, Max and Oscar, who have been her constant companions for the past five years. They rescued each other.

When nearing the end of her life, she wanted to make it clear to those mourning with us, not to dwell on the sadness and loss. She wants everyone to know that she lived a beautiful and happy life and that she made many wonderful memories with all of the people she loved. She wants her visitation to be a celebration of a life well-lived, with her favorite music playing and your best memories of her to be shared with her family. Please wear your favorite color (as long as it’s not black) and at her request, if a song moves you, sing along or bust out your best dance moves!

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, August 6, 12:00pm to 6:00pm, with a celebration of life 6:00pm, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN, 47150.  

Dana requested that donations be made to the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana, in memory of Nelson “Tyler” Gunterman (https://p2p.onecause.com/honortree/donate), Southern Indiana Animal Rescue (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=DBeod9ff42at_1Rm1xB8QWpoBbzn7dqeeHhOrO_D3XvK98oWd0qYJ9zkRvl5GaZY2bU1Ug6uyF7LrijK), or Floyd County, IN Blessings in a Backpack (https://biabfloyd.com/donate/).