Dana Marie Mills

Dana Marie Franxman Mills passed away quietly with her family by her side on January 16, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood. She was 62 years old. Born in Covington, Kentucky, she was the middle child of Judith Campbell and Lawrence Franxman. She grew up in Boone County, in a loving home.

Dana was a true Kentucky beauty. She was bright and articulate with a witty charm. Dana was as comfortable at a formal reception as she was on the warehouse dock instructing the workers. Descended from a long line of Kentucky pioneer women, she could outwork most men. Dana loved people and always kept the conversation bright and happy. She had a talent for making folks laugh. She came by this trait naturally, as her mother was the same way.

One of her greatest achievements and prides in life was being a mother both to her son, Ryan and the beloved family dog, Max. She once said, “being a mother is the greatest gift life can offer”, one that she did exceptionally well.

She was a proud graduate of Boone County High School. Upon graduation she went right to work. Dana was in the grocery business all of her adult life. She met her husband to be, Ronald "Jeff" Mills, while working at Thriftway. They were married for 30 years until his death in 2024.

She was with Thriftway and Remke Markets for decades, after which she managed Fresh Market in Cincinnati. She took pride in her work, and loved her co-workers and customers like family. She was with Fresh Market until her recent cancer diagnosis, one that Dana fought bravely. Her attentive and caring son Ryan was always there looking after her.

Her bright smile and warm ways will be greatly missed by many.

Dana was preceded by her parents, Lawrence Franxman and Judith Campbell; and her husband Jeff Mills. She is survived by her son Ryan Mills; her brother, Tarey Franxman; her sisters, Sharon Burgraph Lathrop and Shawn Franxman Burcham, niece Paige and nephew Ty, as well as many other dear relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Middendorf Funeral Home (3312 Madison Pike, Fort Wright, KY 41017) on Saturday January 24 from 11am to 1 pm.  Memorial donations can be made to the ASPCA in Dana's name at the link provided below.