98 RANW loses civilian employee Published Aug. 27, 2010 Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Members of the Nellis community will gather at the Base Chapel Aug. 28 to celebrate the life and service of Teresa "Terry" Dana-Witmer, who passed away unexpectedly at her home Aug. 23. A civilian employee at Nellis Air Force Base since 1993, Mrs. Dana-Witmer was serving as the office manager within the 98th Range Wing's Plans and Programs division at the time of her loss. "Terry was a cherished member of the 98th Range Wing," said Warren Lee, director of plans and programs. "She always made everyone feel like they were part of our family. We've been blessed by her dedicated service and professional commitment to the mission." A native of Salinas, Calif., Mrs. Dana-Witmer was the oldest of three siblings and graduated from North Salinas High School. After high school, she studied in France and worked as a nanny in San Jose, Calif., to put herself through college. She then returned home to be closer to her family and began work for the federal government. Mrs. Dana-Witmer held numerous managerial positions at Silas B. Hayes Army Community Hospital until she was transferred to Nellis Air Force Base. Mrs. Dana-Witmer was active in her church as a Eucharistic minister and marriage encounter team member; and was member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 30 years. She also loved spending time with her family and friends, the arts, cooking, baking, traveling, scrapbooking, and living life to the fullest. "Terry will surely be missed by me and all that truly knew her," said Shirley Brown, the 98th Range Wing commander's secretary. "She was my sorority sister years before I started working with her. Over the past five years, we have been sharing many personal, happy and sad moments as we worked only 18 steps away from each other. From her office, I brought back one plant she's had forever knowing it would remind me that she may be gone, but happy, thoughtful, heartfelt memories of her will last forever." Mrs. Dana-Witmer is survived by her husband, Wells; children, Marisa and Todd (Adelina) and three grandchildren, Irving, Antonio and Meghan. Visitation will be noon-2 p.m. Aug. 28, at the Nellis Air Force Base Chapel with funeral services and a celebration of her life following. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Aug. 31, at the Mission Memorial Cemetery, in Seaside, Calif. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association.
