Obituary of Dana Sensabaugh Arthur

Dana Sensabaugh Arthur, 66, of Roanoke, went to dance with the angels on Saturday, December 23, 2023.  She was reunited with her mother, Kitt Sensabaugh of Staunton; her walking buddy, Phil; and many other friends and family members, just in time to celebrate her birthday.

Dana is survived by numerous family members who will miss her immensely, including her husband of 39 years, Roy; her daughters, Jennifer and Ashley; her granddaughter, Emma; her grand-dog, Gracie; her father, D.W. Sensabaugh; her mother-in-love, Katherine; numerous brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and a special aunt, Darlene.  She also leaves behind friends and neighbors, who are going to miss her laughter, stories and event planning, Dana loved her friends, family, and neighbors fiercely, and showered them with gifts and food as much as she could.

Dana always wanted others to be able to live their best and longest life, even when faced with challenges.  She struggled with multiple health problems, including polycystic kidney disease and two strokes.  Throughout all of these battles, including nine years on dialysis, she showed as unmatched level of strength and determination that allowed her to continue to live her best life.

She felt proud of the life she had lived, and made the selfless decision to forego a kidney transplant - she wanted another person to be able to have extra time in their life instead.

With this in mind, she requested that, if inclined to do so, family and friends make memorial gifts to the American Kidney Foundation or St. Jude Children's Hospital in lieu of flowers - she would rather that money go to helping enhance research and medical care options to those in need.

Equally as much as she loved being with friends and family, she also loved supporting local musicians and businesses, visiting the beach, carpooling around her daughters and their friends, and working puzzles.  She was known to tell the best stories too.

In her honor, others are encouraged to support local live music in 2024 or take a trip to the beach.

Dana's family invites others to help remember and celebrate her life at a visitation on Friday December 29, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road.  A memorials service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Simpson Funeral Home.  Those planning to attend the visitation and/or the service are requested to please dress casually and to consider wearing something with a beach theme, blue or snowman related.  Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.  Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home.