Dana Mathews

Dana Rae Duncan Mathews

August 13, 1945 - September 29, 2025

Dana Rae Duncan Mathews, 80, peacefully passed away in St. George, Utah, on September 29, 2025. She was born August 13, 1945 in Cedar City, Utah. Her mother liked to say the whole world celebrated her birth, as the U.S. announced Japan's surrender the next day.

The eldest of three children of Shirley Neilson Duncan and Raymond Duncan, Dana grew up with her brothers, Neil (Candy) and Jim (Kari). She was preceded in death by her daughters, Paulie Kay (at birth, 1967) and Lisa Danae (2011). She is survived by her husband, Paul Mathews; children Michelle Mathews, Marcia (Mike) Smith, Angel (Eric Cox) Lyn, Adam Mathews, and Aaron Mathews; 18 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

Raised in Henderson, Nevada, Dana began piano at age five and, by ten, was serving as the youngest organist in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A talented dancer, she loved monthly church dances and participating in Road Shows. She graduated from Reno High School in 1963 and completed cosmetology school. While attending the LDS Institute of Religion in Reno, NV, she met Paul. They married September 4, 1965, in the St. George Temple and made their first home in Reno. In 1972, with three children, they returned to St. George, where they have lived since.

A devoted community volunteer, Dana served in PTA, as a hospital "Pink Lady," and led local fundraisers for Primary Children's Hospital after her youngest spent time there. In 1987 she began a 20-year career as an optical technician, known for "going the extra mile," including hand-delivering eyewear to elderly patients.

Music was her lifelong ministry. An outstanding accompanist-soloists said she was "the best"-she helped performers shine, played for The Crescendos women's choir and, more recently, the Master Singers men's choir. In church, she held many callings, but always had a music-related calling as well. She served as ward organist, choir pianist, choir director, and ward and stake music chair. She also founded and ran what is believed to be the first and only LDS stake music library, organizing a lending collection so ward choirs could borrow and return sheet music.

Warm, sassy, and refreshingly candid, Dana anticipated the needs of others and consistently went above and beyond-at church, at work, and at home.

A visitation will be held at Spilsbury Mortuary on Sunday, October 5th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Monday, October 6th, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, located at 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. Interment will take place at St. George City Cemetery.

Those unable to attend the service are invited to watch live through the following link: Livestream Link

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, UT. 435-673-2454.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Advanced Health Care of St George.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Primary Children's Medical Center. https://give.primarychildrenshospital.org/give/395838/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#!/donation/checkout

Friends and family are invited to sign Dana's online guest book at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com