Dannielle Mardi Robertson, 80, of Valparaiso, IN passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Born on April 16, 1944, in Oklahoma City, OK to Noel & Helen (Hutchinson) Boggs, Sr., she graduated from Warren High School in Downey, CA, before attending Whittier College in Whittier, CA where she received a B.A. and M.A. in English and Philosophy. Learning at an early age from her showbiz family of steel guitar player Noel Boggs and her godfather, guitar pioneer Leo Fender, the spotlight beckoned. Beginning as a dancer in the Golden Horseshoe Review at Disneyland on opening day, she danced her way into the hearts of us all. Honored with the title of “Miss International Showgirl 1970” in Las Vegas, Nevada, her job experiences crossed paths with the legendary Rat Pack, affording her the opportunity to tour with Dean Martin as part of a USO Tour during Vietnam. Switching gears from the stage to the screen, her television career included a recurring role on the Beverly Hillbillies as Helen Thompson, the British secretary with flowing golden locks and white go-go boots. Thanks to our age of technological advancement, you can still find episodes of a young Dannielle on the screen. Never ceasing to grow as a performer, her immense talents led her to the sound stages of Hollywood, where set design, prop building and construction became her trade in later years where her creative eye flourished.
Leaving the shine of Hollywood behind her, she relocated to Indiana from California twenty years ago to be near her family and be present in the lives of her grandchildren. Family at the core of her heart, she never failed to put them first in all aspects of her life. During her years in Leesburg, Indiana, she felt the urge to share her background, expertise, and talent with the neighboring community of Warsaw, Indiana. Beginning a second act of her stage career at the Wagon Wheel for the Performing Arts, she shared the spotlight with young actors beginning their entertainment career. Serving as a teacher, a mentor, fellow actor, and friend, she helped guide these young people toward their future dreams. A natural educator, she led drama clubs, theater summer camps, and acting classes. Dannielle enjoyed every moment with her students as she helped them discover, not only their passion for theater or dance, but the wondrous potential that life holds for us all. She spent her time in Warsaw, helping the Warsaw High School and Grace College Drama Departments by building sets, creating props, and coaching students. Regardless of her busy schedule, she was always free to lend an ear, provide a shoulder for comfort, or encourage others. Her home was her sanctuary. On any given day, you could find her building something magical in her workshop or tending to her garden, welcoming everyone with a wave and a huge smile.
Survivors include her daughter, Erryn (Todd) Blake of Valparaiso and two granddaughters, Winnifred & Gwendolyn Blake. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Noel Boggs, Jr. and sister, Debra Sue Boggs.
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a family celebration of Dannielle’s life will be held in the home that she loved, to honor her presence in all of our lives and the legacy of love that she left behind.
GUESTBOOK
My heart hurts for all of us. Dannielle was such an irreplaceable LIGHT in this world. I send all my Love to you Erryn, and to the girls. -Steffny Wallace
What an amazing woman whose life and experiences touched so many others along the way! She raised an incredible daughter whose joy and enthusiasm impact everyone she meets! Her two precious granddaughters are true treasures with many special memories of time and adventures with Tink! -Robin Reichard
Danielle was an incredible person! My heart hurts for her family. She taught my drama club and was without a doubt one of my favorites. She touched so many lives! -Tiffany Stevens
Dannielle and my family had so many fun times together, from appearing on Pawn Stars to doing a Noel Boggs All-Star Band dedication in Nashville along with many performances she did and attended with my daughter Brittney Bressler. She was so knowledgeable, funny, sincere, and a beautiful person that had so much to offer all of us. I am forever in her debt for bringing so much joy into our lives. I look forward to seeing her in perpetuity on METV "The Beverly Hillbillies" reruns. She will always hold a special place in my heart. We love you and miss you Dannielle. -Gary Bressler
As I know her as Sandy Boggs, a classmate I knew little about at the time we were in high school together. She was popular, part of the ‘A’ group and was active in school activities but I was unaware of her musical and theatrical talents. She was very close to our Principal Hanford Rants and shared with some of us his World War II journal. This was at our 50 year reunion and I don’t know that anyone at Warren High School ever knew of his heroics in the war. It was Sandy who he shared these accounts with and after the reunion she and I printed copies of this first hand account. I spent some time at Sandy’s home town after the reunion and learned about her life which was a real journey of different paths. She often told me that she was documenting her life and I hope her daughter will share it with her family and friends.
She was a remarkably talented person that the fame it brought never impressed her. She was very humble and happy to just be a part of sharing and teaching her talents to others. Sandy was one of few individuals that was accepted into the homes of Amish families in her area. They allowed her to physically take part in some of the farming that they still do without mechanized equipment. What a special soul that I will forever wish that I could have spent more time about her storied life! In most of our conversations, communications over the years we referred to each other as ‘Spaz’ because we were both a little odd and did goofy things. I love you Spaz and will dearly miss you until we meet in the home of the ‘BIG’ guy…… -Harry Gordon Fahnestock
