Danalene "Dana" Sterling Keyser

July 1, 1947 ~ April 2, 2021

Danalene “Dana” Sterling Keyser, of Kooskia, ID, was called home by the Lord on Good Friday, April 2, 2021. Dana was born on July 1, 1947, to Ellis Tinsley and Daniel Sterling in Monticello. She grew up and graduated from high school in Blanding.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Keith; seven children, Grady Keyser, Kaeli Herrick, Cedar Keyser, Audrey Martin, Aaron Keyser, Amber Langford, and Myrna Olsen; three sisters, Frances Horne, Sharlene Cherry and Shauna Vigil; and one brother, Lawrence Sterling.

The beloved mother of seven and grandmother of 42, Dana was the heart and soul of her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and a devoted wife to her husband Keith.

Her husband called her a queen and her friends said she was a pillar of the neighborhood. Dana lived a life filled with adventure, excitement and sometimes hardships while raising a wonderful family. She was an extraordinary lady who lived a Christ-like life and was a great example for us all.

As a member of the Garden Club and a talented gardener, Dana received many awards, and her gardens were often featured in magazines and newspapers.

She was also a member of the Big Cedar Homemaker’s Club where she worked tirelessly to raise money for local charities as well as the restoration and maintenance of the historic old Big Cedar Schoolhouse.

We cannot speak highly enough of this lady. She was a real saint in every sense of the word and will be missed by all who knew her.

Dana was buried by her family in a lovely private ceremony at her home on Easter Sunday. A memorial service to celebrate her life with friends, acquaintances, and family will be held in Kooskia.