Dana M Bovill
Jul 26, 1959 — Sep 7, 2026
Dana M. Bovill, 67, passed away on September 7, 2026. A loving mother and grandmother, proud United States Navy Veteran, and patriot to her core, Dana lived a life defined by her devotion to family, her determination, and her desire to help others.
The daughter of Ben Harris and Betty Jo (Barney) Harris, Dana grew up on a farm west of Winfield, Kansas, alongside her four siblings. She attended Winfield High School as a member of the Class of 1977. An avid softball player and talented runner, she earned a scholarship to run track at Wichita State University.
Dana proudly served as a cryptologic technician in the United States Navy from 1982 to 1986, completing her service as a Petty Officer Third Class (CTT3). She always held a deep respect for our country and flag, cherished her time in uniform, and continued to give back to Veterans long after her own service ended.
While living in Winter Harbor, Maine, Dana met Timothy John Bovill, and they later married in Rhode Island. Their life together took them around the world and brought them three sons. Dana first became a mother in Blue Hill, Maine, welcoming Timothy. Joshua joined the family in Italy, born in Naples during their years in Gaeta. Alec later completed the trio in Chesapeake, Virginia. Although Dana and Timothy eventually went their separate ways, their boys remained at the heart of her life.
From Maine to Italy to Japan, Virginia, and Maryland, Dana embraced the communities she called home. She loved learning about local cultures and sharing those experiences with her family, whether traveling throughout Europe during their years in Italy or visiting Korea while living in Japan. She encouraged her boys to explore the world with curiosity and embrace other cultures with an open mind.
As her own family grew, Dana opened her home to the children of other military families, providing home daycare in Okinawa, Japan, and in Maryland and Virginia. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she went out of her way to serve others.
Dana was deeply involved in her boys’ lives, keeping them active in sports and extracurricular activities and giving her time to their teams, schools, and parent-teacher associations. She wanted them to have opportunities, to discover what they enjoyed, and to learn the value of following through. Through both her expectations and her example, she taught them to serve their communities and pursue their goals with passion, determination, and a strong work ethic.
Dana also instilled her patriotism in her boys, along with the values that would guide them in their own lives. Timothy, an Army Veteran, continues to serve through his work as an executive with a defense contracting firm. Joshua followed his love of music, teaching himself his craft and becoming a published musician, while Alec built a successful career as an executive with 84 Lumber. Though their paths are different, each carries something of the mother who had encouraged him along the way. Her love for her boys extended to the next generation, and she adored her six grandchildren.
Dana cherished her roots and enjoyed exploring the generations that came before her. Researching family history was a favorite pastime, and she devoted herself to tracing her family tree and learning the stories behind it. Even after decades of traveling the world, Kansas remained close to her heart, with a special love for The Wizard of Oz and the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Dana was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Betty Jo Harris. She is survived by her sons, Timothy J. Bovill and his wife, Rachel Bovill, of Leesburg, Virginia; Joshua R. Bovill, who makes his home in Europe, close to his Italian birthplace; and Alec M. Bovill of Pasadena, Maryland. She also leaves behind her six beloved grandchildren, Conner (9), Dylan (9), Ellie (7), Camden (7), Calynn (5), and Charlotte (1), and her four siblings, Tresa (Michael) Richardson, Tamra Segree, Dedra (Ernest) Mitchell, and John Harris.
Dana will be remembered for her devotion to her communities, her pride in her country, and her readiness to help others. Her influence lives on in the sons she raised, the grandchildren she adored, and the values she passed down. May she rest in the loving arms of Jesus, whose love for her is everlasting.
Dana wished to be cremated with no memorial service.
The family respectfully requests no flowers or gifts. Those wishing to honor her memory are welcome to make a donation in her name to their local Soroptimist chapter or a charity of their choosing.
