Dana Vowell

She was born on January 16, 1937, in Lubbock, TX, an only child to Omega (Hilliard) and Masten Dan Portwood.

She happily married Dru Vowell of Colorado City, TX on August 25,1962. For 62 years, they were constantly loving on each other and holding hands until his death in September 2024. Between them they had four daughters, Jeanine Wilder of San Marcos, Jeanette Stafford of Lubbock (deceased), Denise (Scott) Jones of Choctaw, OK and Valessa (Don) Stull of Lubbock. She had eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren that she enjoyed immensely.

Mom or Grandmom relished being with and celebrating with her family. She was like a little kid when it came to the holidays, getting so giddy and excited with anticipation. She and my dad planned “Camp GG” for a week several summers to delight in and play with their grandkids in Ruidoso, Six Flags, San Antonio and Lubbock.

Dana graduated from Lubbock High School in 1955, the year before Monterey opened. Buddy Holly was in her graduating class and band, she thought he was nerdy.

She was an instructor at Jessie Lee’s Hair Design, for a period, and got to work alongside her mom, who was the office manager. After that she enjoyed being a homemaker and staying home with her girls. She was very involved in PTA and always volunteered to be head Room Mother in Valessa’s classes.

Dana Fay, as her friends and relatives called her, thoroughly delighted in playing bridge, bowling, dancing and traveling extensively with Dru. After Dru’s passing, she moved into Raider Ranch where she quickly became a favorite resident. She made so many new sweet friends there who loved her and cared deeply for her. She was a spunky redhead for sure. Once she made her mind up about something, she didn’t back down or give up until that something was done. Her persistence was well known to all who knew her.

She was a longtime member of St Luke’s Methodist Church and the Seekers Sunday School Class. Dana, Mom, Grandmom will be remembered as a loving, kind, gentle soul, and a peacemaker between everyone she knew. She deeply loved God, Jesus, her family and friends. We will miss her love, hugs, kisses, prayers, compassion and care.

In her honor, there will be a private gravesite goodbye and future gatherings to celebrate her legacy. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Luke’s Methodist Church, general tithing.