Nancy Boyes

Beloved wife of Jon (who left us in 2004) Nancy Mitchell Boyes, 94,
of Hot Springs Village, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Born February 16, 1929, to Jean and William Mitchell, Sr., Nancy
was the second of 2 children. She was very close to her brother
William, who has also passed on. His children survive their beloved
Aunt Nancy.
Nancy relocated quite a bit during her childhood as her father's
optometry career led them all over the midwest and parts of the
South. She loved meeting new people in new places. As an adult,
she got her degree in Gemology and traveled the world in pursuit of
fine gems and jewels on behalf of major department stores. With
access to any treasure she could find, it was always amusing to her
friends and family that she wore no jewelry. Nancy met and married
Admiral Jon Boyes at the age of 41, (a second marriage for both)
and it was destiny..She wore his ring and he considered her the
jewel on his arm. She had no children and loved his 3 daughters -
adopting them in her heart as her own and welcoming each
grandchild as a gift from God.
Nancy had a broad interest in sports. From time of arrival in
Arkansas, Nancy was an avid fan of the Razorbacks...often making
road trips to the games with Jon and friends...and she was never at
a loss for the names and stats of players. Other annual outings with
family and friends included various meets and derbies at Oaklawn Racetrack in Hot Springs. Not satisfied to be
a spectator, Nancy was also an active participant in sports. She loved to tell the stories of her whitewater rafting
trip down Class lV rapids. As a golfer, she could give you a run for your money. She won at least one
"grandchild challenge" to see who could drink the most Wendy's chocolate "Frosties."
Education played a large role in Nancy's activities in the community. She was a reading tutor for adults. Nancy
was an early and active member of the local chapter of the PEO (an organization focused on the education of
women locally and internationally)
Prior to settling down in Hot Springs, Nancy happily took on the role of military wife and together she and Jon
had traveled the world. When Jon began his diplomatic career as a Deputy Director at NATO, he admired her
clarity of view on issues and valued her input, whether they agreed or not. She was no small part of his
success. Nancy lost her beloved Jon in 2004 but now rejoins him to continue their epic love story..She leaves
behind her 3 loving daughters, Jan, Chris and Li and the 7 grandchildren she so loved, Connie, Nicole, Michelle,
Tiffany, Michael, Victoria and Jon.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on August 26th at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hot Springs
Village
Donations may be to: Susan Peterson, PEO President, Chapter CR, 3 Jumilla Lane, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas 71909