Donna V. Reynolds

She was born in Highland Park, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit) in 1934. She graduated from Lincoln High School, Ferndale, Michigan, in January, 1953 and married her high school sweetheart, Richard, in August of that year. They moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, so Richard could earn his degree from the University of Michigan, School of Dentistry. Donna became the wage earner of the family.

Over the course of time, Donna and her family moved from Ann Arbor to Rome, NY, then to South Lyon MI; Heilbronn, Germany; back to Ann Arbor followed by brief moves to Los Angeles, CA, Oklahoma City, OK and finally settled long term in Norman, OK, where Richard came to help start OU’s College of Dentistry. Those moves were dictated by military, education or profession.

Donna was an avid homemaker and did all things mommies do, i.e., baking brownies, Cub Scouts, community volunteer, Sunday school teacher, sport supporter, etc. Raising her children was her top priority. When people asked if she worked she would answer, “Did I ever”! After her children were grown and out of the house, she worked parttime as a secretary for her church, University Lutheran Chapel in Norman, OK. After that, she went to work full time for the University of Oklahoma, continuing education, Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies. In addition, she was a long time hard working church member of University Lutheran Church in Norman and also of All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City following her move to Epworth in 2010. She was especially proud of her mission with the Assistance League of Norman and chaired the ASL’s Operation School Bell for two years. She devoted herself to many special projects and ministries within her church service and in the community. The Assistance League has a department store filled with new clothing and over 1,000 Norman school children received two complete new outfits (winter coats, shoes and grooming kits) as a result of her efforts. Very rewarding!! Within All Souls’ church she was a dedicated parishioner and a member of the grief group and St. Anne’s Guild as well a volunteer with Vacation Bible School and parish life committee.

Donna is survived by her three children, Dr. David (Carrie) Reynolds of Stillwater, OK; Carrie Reynolds of Moore, OK; Dr. Robert (Suzanne) Reynolds of Nichols Hills, OK; five grandchildren, Amanda (Sam) Balaban of Oklahoma City; Christopher Reynolds of Charlottesville, VA; Caden, Ryan and Annalise Reynolds of Nichols Hills, OK. Two great grandchildren, Elese and Luke Balaban of Oklahoma City, OK. Her sister, Jean Ward, of Clio, MI; her favorite cousin Don Kissack of Florida and many beloved nieces and nephews all in Michigan.

She will be missed by many and especially her lifelong friends, Rita Swanson Dohr and Roseann Herndon.

Donna is preceded in death by her husband, Richard married for 56 years until his death in 2009; her parents, Clarence and Vietta Taylor; her in-laws Floyd and Marie Reynolds; sister-in-law, Jean Reynolds; brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Betty Reynolds; brother-in-law, Robert Reynolds.

A requiem mass will be held on Friday, December 3rd at 1pm at All Souls’ Episcopal Church followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery.