Dana Ann Merchant

In Loving Memory of Dana Ann Merchant, December 16, 1953 – August 4, 2025.

Dana Ann Merchant, a woman of immense heart, strength, and grace, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on August 4, 2025, in Indianapolis. She was surrounded by the unwavering love of her husband of 45 years, Neville Merchant, and her devoted daughter, who never left her side and held her hands as she journeyed home.

Born on December 16, 1953, in the charming town of French Lick, Indiana, to Patsy Ann and Earl Adam Eisenhut, Dana’s life was rooted in love, faith, and fierce dedication to her family. She was the kind of woman who made a home not just with bricks and mortar, but with warmth, kindness, laughter, and the unmistakable smell of something delicious simmering on the stove.

Dana was a woman of many gifts and even more grit. A faithful wife and business partner, she stood shoulder to shoulder with Neville to build their commercial construction company from the ground up. She also excelled professionally as a real estate appraiser—bringing the same integrity, determination, and sharp insight to her work as she did to every other part of her life. She was a master of many trades: a stained-glass artist, an expert in home repairs, a skilled cook, and a woman who never shied away from hard work. She traveled with joy and curiosity, especially with her beloved “Keenagers” group from church—making memories and sharing belly laughs across Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, and wherever the road took them. She had once-in-a-lifetime trips with her husband to visit Italy, Greece, Hawaii, Alaska, Jerusalem, and always going to Jamaica to be with her Jamaican family.

But those who knew Dana best know her as “Honey”, “Mom” and “Mamaw”—titles she wore with the utmost pride and joy. She was the best kind of matriarch: tender, strong, honest, and endlessly loving. She could fry chicken better than anyone, and if you stepped foot into her home, you were guaranteed two things—something good to eat (and if you weren’t hungry, she’d feed you anyway), and someone who truly saw and celebrated you. To walk into Dana’s home was to enter a sanctuary—Mamaw’s house—where the front door was always open and you just walked in, where gardens bloomed out back, and love soaked every corner. Holidays, milestones, and ordinary days alike found their heart in that home, where coffee was always on, and conversations stretched long into the night.

Dana was a fearless protector of those she loved. She didn’t suffer foolishness or gossip, but she had the softest heart and the biggest arms, always ready to embrace anyone in need. She was the glue, the rock, the calm in the storm, and the loudest cheerleader in the bleachers—never missing a basketball game for her grandson or a softball game for her granddaughter. Her pride in her family knew no bounds.

Dana’s faith was her foundation. A devoted member of River of Life, she rarely missed a Sunday and found deep joy and fellowship in her church community. Her walk with the Lord was steady and sure, a beacon for those around her. She loved fiercely, lived fully, and prayed faithfully.

Dana is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved daughter, Tonya; her parents, Earl and Patsy; her brother, Michael "George"; and her sister, Cynthia.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith through those who will carry her memory forward: her devoted husband, Neville; her daughter, Jennifer (Markus); her cherished grandchildren, Briant (Khadija) and Victoria; her precious great-granddaughters, Khalese and Amaya; her siblings, Linda, Mildred, and Larry; her brother-in-law, Marcelino; her stepmother, Sara; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and her church family.

In a world that often rushes past what truly matters, Dana Ann Merchant stood firm as a reminder of what counts: faith, family, food, and love—a life well-lived, a woman well-loved, and a legacy that will never fade.

Service will be Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00PM at River of Life Church, 9030 E 96th St., Fishers, IN 46037. Visitation will be from 4:00PM until the time of service at the church. Officiating will be Pastor John Martin. Burial will be at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, French Lick, IN.

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com