Dana Ruth Templeton, 71, of Festus died Nov. 26, 2025, at her home. Mrs. Templeton retired as a social worker from the Hillsboro office of the Missouri Division of Family Services and later worked for the Disabilities Resource Association in Crystal City. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City and of Elks Lodge 1721. Born July 1, 1954, in Rotan, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Ruth Rebecca (Park) and Narvel Eugene Cooper.
She is survived by her husband: Mark Templeton; a daughter: Amanda (Charles) Escamilla of Honolulu, Hawaii; three grandchildren: Tristan and Kyran Jackson and Finley Escamilla; a brother: Bruce (Zoe Ann) Cooper of Festus; a sister: Bobbi (Larry) Crawford of Fenton; nine nieces and nephews: Sonya (Tyler) Edwards, Toni Cooper, Sara (Gary) Ludvick, Meghan (Cody) Polley, Kyle (Natalie) Templeton, Kayla Crawford, Colleen Crawford, Jessica (Adam) Feltes and Brooks (Monica) Templeton; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a son: Brandon Rutledge Templeton; a granddaughter: McKenna Marie Templeton; an infant sister: Carla Ann Cooper; a nephew: Travis Cooper; and a niece: Kasey Boyer.
Visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m. until services at 7 p.m. today, Dec. 1, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Justin Metiva. Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to Mercy Jefferson Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.