Dana Karol Welty Kappen

Dana Karol Welty Kappen, 51, of Rogers died Friday, May 25, 2018 at Northwest Medical Center located in Springdale. She was born January 4, 1967 in Hobbs, New Mexico, the daughter of Koenia Palmer and Wayne Welty. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1985 where she excelled playing the saxophone and loved playing in the Jazz Band. She was also member and past-president of the Key Club. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arkansas in Mathematics and her Master's Degree in School Counseling from John Brown University. She was a teacher for many years, beginning her career in 1990 at Siloam Springs Junior High School. She taught Mathematics at Oakdale Junior High in Rogers where she was a faculty sponsor of both FCA and Odyssey of the Mind. She completed her teaching career at Lingle Middle School located in Rogers. Dana was an active member of First Baptist Rogers, where she worked with the College and Careers Life Group for many years, and has served faithfully as greeter at the Friday Community Meal served at the church where she enjoyed visiting and ministering to those who were served weekly. She loved traveling especially to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and many other places. Dana loved to go on cruises and spend quality time with her family. Dana is survived by "The joy of her life" one daughter, Erica Kappen, of Rogers; her parents, Koenia and Wayne Welty, of Rogers; one sister, Lisa Auten and her husband Trey, of Rogers; the father of her child, Eric Kappen, of Bella Vista; her faithful companion of 13 years, Bill Moore, of Rogers; one niece, Emily Auten, of Rogers; her maternal grandparents, Vida and Patrick F. Palmer, of Texas; her aunts and uncles, Vanessa Engeldahl, of Texas; Pamela Fritz and her husband Eric, of Colorado; Tamara DeGraffenried and her husband, Doug, of Louisiana; Scott Palmer and his wife Donna, of Texas; Randall and Shirley Welty, of New Mexico; Connie Welty, of New Mexico, many cousins, including Becky Welty, of New Mexico, and many other extended family and friends. Visitation will be: Tuesday from 6-8 pm at First Baptist Rogers located on Pleasant Grove Road. Funeral service will be: Wednesday at 10:30 am at First Baptist Rogers located on Pleasant Grove Road with Pastor Wes George and Pastor Mark Maier officiating. Interment will be at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens located in Rogers. Memorials may be sent to: First Baptist Rogers to the "Community Meal." Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.