Dana Gay Callen's Obituary
Dana Gay Callen, 79, passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida. Dana was born June 2, 1943, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Robert and Bess Zook. Dana was beautiful, bright, engaging, and colorful. She was a gift to this world, and if you knew her for more than ten minutes, you were likely to receive a gift from her.
Dana loved her family and friends. She married Ronald Charles Callen on December 27th, 1969, just after Ron graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. They had a beautiful love story, which started in middle school, and they remained inseparable for nearly 53 years of marriage. Dana exemplified unwavering commitment, deep faith, and sacrificial love as she cared for Ron in his last years of life, making them as special as possible. Dana was a source of inspiration for her children, Ryan Scott Callen and Lisa Michelle (Callen) Soltz. She encouraged her children to pursue their dreams and created many wonderful memories for her children and grandchildren. Dana had deep friendships that lasted a lifetime, and she made friends with anyone in her path.
Dana (also affectionately known as “Doc”) also had a passion for education, which spanned more than 30 years. Dana obtained three master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Language Arts Education from Florida State University. She was selected for Harvard University’s Writing, Reading and Civic Education Institute, and she held Principal and Educational Leadership professional certifications. Throughout her career in education, Dana made an important, and lasting, impact on students, teachers, education professionals, the Leon County School District, school curriculums, and testing strategies. She excelled in educational instruction for special needs students, middle and high school students, providing training for educators, and serving in many school administration roles.
Dana is survived by her son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons, Scott, Krista, Taylor and Bryce Callen, of Tallahassee, Florida as well as her daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and grandson, Lisa, Aaron, Leah, and Jacob Soltz of Prairie Village, Kansas, and many friends and extended family. The family is deeply grateful for Shannon Schei, and many friends along the way, for helping in the care of Ron and Dana. Dana will be laid to rest at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her husband, Ron, on February 10th.
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