Lola Jean Dannenfelser, 87, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023, and went home to be with her Lord. She was born on September 13, 1935, in Floyd County, Kentucky, to John R. Bays and Bertha C. (Bentley) Bays.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Roger Allan Dannenfelser; her sisters, Helen Hubler (Victor) and Charlene R. Rothenberger (Boyd); brothers, John R. Bays, Jr. (Patricia & Vickie), Raymond D. Bays (Gail), and Robert L. Bays (Gretchen); and brother-in-law, Joseph Dannenfelser (Gloria).
Lola is survived by her daughter, Ruth Ann Gillespie (Drew) of Fishers, Indiana; son, Randal A. Dannenfelser (Camila) of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Patricia A. Everly (Jerry) of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Janessa L. Dannenfelser of Columbus, Ohio, Scott L. Gillespie (Rachel) of Fishers, Indiana, Melinda L. Dannenfelser (Mike Sinkovic) of Columbus, Ohio, Shannon I. McDonald (Parker) of Spartanburg, South Carolina; great-grandchildren, Elaina Nicole Gillespie, Elijah Scott Gillespie, and Jacob Bradley Gillespie of Fishers, Indiana, and Andersen Ruth McDonald of Spartanburg, South Carolina; brother-in-law, Sandy Dannenfelser (Phyllis) of New Albany, Indiana; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Lola worked as an executive secretary at U.S. Steel Homes and the New Albany-Floyd County Chamber of Commerce. She retired from the work force in 1990 after running the Health Office at New Albany Senior High School and Floyd Central Junior and Senior High Schools.
She was active in her church, Floyds Knobs Christian Church, for many years. She served as Youth and Able class teacher, secretary to the church board, and deacon, and she was the first female elder in the church. She was presented with the Elder Emeritus award in 2022. Starting in 1957, she and her husband were active in square dancing with Merry Makers, Do-si-dos, Skyliners, and Sunnyside Solo clubs. They served the offices of the Kentuckiana Square Dance Association twice, chaired many committees, and served on the board of two national square dance conventions.
Lola was a people person and an intermediary and could always find something to love in anyone she met.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). Her Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Floyds Knobs Christian Church (3838 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs) with burial to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Corydon, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Floyds Knobs Christian Church (3838 Paoli Pike, Floyds Knobs, Indiana 47119).
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