Dana M. Hackler, age 67, of Galax, Virginia passed away Friday, July 15, 2016 at her home. She was born September 22, 1948 to the late William Eugene Hackler and Sarah Katherine Smith Hackler in Grayson County, Virginia.

She is survived by her fiancé Charles Stanley of Galax, Virginia; son Keith Martin and daughter Heather Pyles both of Galax, Virginia; very special granddaughters Alex Pyles and Hylea Pyles; sisters and brothers-in-law: Shirley & Victor Eugene Tucker of Pellam, North Carolina; Barbara and Theron Hall of Danville, Virginia; Patricia and John Fielder of Galax, Virginia; Sandra Coomes (Buster deceased) of Galax; brother Warren Eugene Hackler of Galax. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Dana came into the world, the last of five girls, with curly blond hair and blue eyes that would later become a beautiful green. Her mom described her as her "little angel". Dana was a caring person who loved others, whether it was family, friends, or a stranger. She always took the opportunity to help those in need, often nursing stray and even wild animals back to health, or stopping to give someone a ride or offer assistance. She was seen as a "tomboy" growing up. Dana loved nature and would spend what time she could hiking, fishing, or just watching the beauty around her and capturing the moments in pictures. She loved both the beach and mountains and particularly enjoyed watching the sun rise or set, finding beauty that was simply beyond most. Her love of nature led her to take in orphaned squirrels, a raccoon, a skunk, and chipmunk. She felt at home wherever she was, be it traveling abroad or locally. Her time in the wilderness gave her great pleasure and wisdom beyond measure and being around her was always an educational experience.

Family was extremely important to Dana. Nothing brought her more joy than to spend time with her children and especially in her role as "Mimi" to her two beautiful granddaughters.

Her relationship with Jesus Christ was an important part of her life and her faith was evident in how she lived her life. She prayed often. As her ability to get out diminished, she used that time to pray for all that needed it. Her exceptional faith and love of family along with her fighting spirit gave her extra time to be with us.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Mountain Valley Hospice, 1477 Carrollton Pike, Hillsville, VA 24343 or St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
A guestbook is available online at www.vaughanguynn.com