Dana Ruth Gant of Plano, Texas passed away July 9, 2021 at the age of 78 after a four-year, courageous fight against cancer. She was born on November 13, 1942 to Chauncey Barrett and Ruth (Caves) Barrett in Altus, Oklahoma. Dana spent her childhood years on the farm in southwest Oklahoma where her father and his twin brother farmed wheat and cotton. She and her sister grew up in a close-knit family with double cousins and the richness of aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Music was always a part of her life as she could play most anything by ear. She was called on many times to sing or play the accordion or piano. She treasured her upbringing and always felt a connection to the land in Oklahoma.
Dana was married to Joe Gant, and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage. They were blessed with three daughters, and Dana loved being a stay-at-home mom. She was a wonderful mother and, along with Joe, worked to teach them about Jesus and God’s Word.
She excelled in the classroom both as a student and a teacher. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Oklahoma State University and her master’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Oklahoma. Dana also completed postgraduate work at Texas Woman’s University to earn her Mid-Management Certification. She taught elementary music for Richardson Independent School District for 14 years and later served as Principal of Northrich Elementary School in RISD. Upon her retirement, she enjoyed being involved with the Richardson Retired Teachers Association and served as President.
Dana was a faithful member of Prestonwood Baptist Church and enjoyed attending the women’s Bible studies there. In addition, she enjoyed singing and traveling with her many friends from FBC, Richardson, in the Goldenaires Choir.
Dana is survived by her husband, Joe Gant of Plano, Texas; daughters, Melinda Burns and husband Mike of Longview, Texas and Lisa Hollin and husband, Jeff of Cross Roads, Texas; grandchildren, Katie Martin and husband, Wade of Lewisville, Texas, Kristin Cortner and husband, Nathan of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Barrett Burns of Dallas, Texas, Joshua Hollin and wife, Beth of North Richland Hills, Texas, Hayden Hollin of Cross Roads, Texas, Lauren Hollin of Cross Roads, Texas, Luke Montgomery of Plano, Texas, and Jake Montgomery of Plano, Texas; great-grandson, Ford Martin of Plano, Texas; sister, Betty Barrett of Los Angeles, California; and son-in-law, Chris Montgomery and wife, Lainie and grandchildren in love Reece, Connor and Ella Moore; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chauncey and Ruth Barrett and daughter, Stephanie Carol Montgomery.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The family will receive friends afterward from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. The service will also be live-streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Dana's obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/dana-ruth-gant. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Blair Cemetery in Blair, Oklahoma.