Obituary: Donna Rae Dean

Donna Rea Dean was born April 26, 1932, in Elk City to Lorene "Rene" (Brown) and James Haskell Rea. She passed away May 25, 2020, at Elk City, at the age of 88 years and 29 days.

Donna grew up in Canute where she attended school until she married James C."Jimmie" Dean, Jr. on July 30, 1949. She finished school and graduated from Weatherford High School. They lived in Ponca City for a time and then returned to live north of Canute for several years. In the early 1960s the family moved to the Rea homestead south of Canute.

Donna was very active in the Church of God in Elk City, playing the organ or piano, or directing the choir in succession through the years. She spent many hours, along with choir members, on developing Christmas and Easter Cantatas. She has sung solos, and in duets and trios for numerous weddings and funerals in every church. She loved music all her life. She was also a long-time member of the Gideons Auxiliary, giving Bibles and promoting the Bible at every opportunity.

Donna was a homemaker. When her children were young, she had large gardens, put up a large pantry full of food, and provided well for the family table. The table was beautiful for holidays, with a tablecloth she embroidered. She and Jimmie had nightly devotions and prayer time with the children before bed. The whole family attended church almost every time the doors were open for years. Donna made clothes, sewed curtains, recovered, and refinished furniture. She decorated her home with care and with style. In every way she "made" home. Her family was well cared-for.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents; husband of more than 69 years, Jimmie; and uncle Robert Rea.

Donna's memory and legacy will be kept alive through the family and friends she leaves behind which include her four sons, Rannie and wife, Cyndi Dean of Valdosta, Ga., Norman and wife, Kathy Dean of Oklahoma City, Ricky and wife Cheryl Dean of Denton, Texas, and Clinton and wife, Sherri Dean of Canute; one daughter, DeAnn and husband David Gaddis of Ulysses, Kan.; 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Canute City Park officiated by Pastor Joe Thompson. Due to the remaining Covid 19 concerns we ask that everyone bring a lawn chair and sit at the park. A private family graveside will be held at Page Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Chris Whinery and the staff of Affordable Cremation Service - West. Condolences can be made online at www.classicfunerals.com

Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International in memory of Donna Dean.