Lela K. Kovarik of Fairfax Virginia , died on November 15, 2021, after battling a series of illnesses. Kitty , as she was known , loved meeting people and would light up any gathering she attended. She was born in Huntsville , A labama, on February 28, 1958. She grew up in Conyers, G eorgia , riding horses with her sister and brother on the family's farm. Kitty mo ved to the Washington area to pursue a career in government, first with Air Force, HQ Office of Special Investigations (OSI) , then A ir Force Intelligence , Det 21 , and then with DoD , On-Site Inspection Agency (OSIA). She loved b eing a military wife and mother and being invo lved in all aspects of family life. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, L t. Colonel Daniel Kovarik, US Army R etired ; son Robert Kovarik and his fiancé Jessica Ruiz ; son Thomas Kovarik ; stepson David Kovarik ; stepson Michael Kov arik and his wife Mackenzie Kovarik ; stepdaughter Kat h erine Funk; sister JoAnn Case ; brother Joseph Galloway; and three wonderful grandchildren . Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am , November 23, 2021 , at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 10127 Plank Road , Spots ylvania, VA 22553.