Dana Jean Wallen Saenz

Dana Jean Wallen Saenz entered eternal rest on October 12, 2026. She was born December 12, 1982 to Eugene and Maxine Wallen. Dana was a devoted wife, a loyal friend, and loving sister. But she was most proud to be an aunt to her nephew Jaden.

Dana was a 2001 graduate of Whitmire High School and later attended Piedmont Technical College majoring in Criminal Justice. She spent the last decade caring for her elderly aunt whom she was so lovingly named after.

Dana was always the life of the party, quick witted, and full of laughter. She was not the one to be taken serious in a time that called for it; she'd be the first to blurt out a joke to make the situation more lighthearted. She loved her four legged children dearly and was always on the hunt for her next rescue. Dana was always the first to offer a helping hand and would literally give you the shirt off her back (or the spare bed).

In her spare time, Dana enjoyed hiking, going to the mountains and beach and cheering on the Gamecocks.

She is survived by her husband of ten years, Omar Saenz; her sister Stacy Wallen; her nephew Jaden Clark (Brooklyn); special Aunt Jean Lindler, special cousin Ashley Lindler along with a host of other aunts, uncles, and cousins, and special friends.

Dana was predeceased by her mother and father and her infant son Caden.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Whitmire with Rev. Tasha Cook officiating. The family will greet friends on Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gray Funeral Home of Whitmire. Burial will follow at Whitmire Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Lindler, Jake McCormack, Derrick Jennings, TJ Oliver, Trevor Hunnicutt, Jaden Clark.

Memorials can be made in her honor directly to Gray Funeral Home to help offset expenses for the family.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Whitmire is assisting the Saenz family with services.