Donna Gayle Nye

Donna Gayle Nye, of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at the Hillcrest Medical Center at the age of 72 years eleven months and 8 days. Donna was born on November 4, 1940, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Ray and Edith (Owensby) Cousins. At the age of two Donna moved to California with her parents. Donna was raised and began her education in Lynwood, California. She later graduated from Lynwood High School with that Class of 1959. Following high school Donna remained in California and later joined the United States Army on November 8, 1961. Donna served her country in Anniston, Alabama as well as at Fort Sam Houston in Texas as a clerk and typist. On November 6, 1964, Donna was honorably discharged from the United States Army. During her time in the Army, Donna received a Good Conduct Medal. Following her discharge Donna returned to California. She later moved to Alton, Illinois, before returning to the Pauls Valley area where Donna raised her two sons John and Dale. During her time in Pauls Valley, Donna worked at the local hospital for a short time before accepting employment at Macs Construction. Donna worked as their secretary and bookkeeper for over 25 years. On April 18, 1985, Donna was united in marriage to the love of her life Alfred Clarence Nye. Following their marriage the couple made their home in Lindsey, Oklahoma. Al started his own construction company R & N Completion Service and Donna worked as the company secretary for many years. Donna and Al also lived in Maysville before moving to Cleveland in 1997. They later moved to Thomas, Oklahoma but still called Cleveland their home and in 2006, returned to where they have continued to live. Donna loved to help others and volunteer. She volunteered at Tulsa Regional Medical Center for many years in the gift shop and as a nurses aid. Donna was very active at the Baptist Village volunteering as well. Donna and Al have been faithful and active members of the Westport Baptist Church for many years. Traveling was a passion of Donna and Alís. They have visited nearly every state in the Union except for two which were Michigan and Florida. They have taken numerous vacations including Alaska, Australia, Canada, a Caribbean Cruise and Hawaii for their 25th Anniversary to name a few. However they have also taken many trips local with their friends Don and Jean Smith and Lelon and Jan Draper on numerous occasions which they really enjoyed. Glacier National Park in Montana and Arcadia National Park in Maine, Donna felt was two of the most beautiful places she has ever visited in her travels. Donna enjoyed sitting at home as well make arts and crafts for her family and friends. She quilted, painted and scrap booked taking the pictures of her family and friends and preserving the memories that she cherished. Donna is described by her family and friends as a very giving person always putting others in front of her and her needs. Survivors are her husband Al of the home, two sons John Wesley Martin and his wife Susanna of San Diego, California, Dale Wayne Martin of Denver, Colorado; step daughter Melea Ann Hughes and her husband Rick of Tuttle, Oklahoma; one brother Larry Michael Cousins and his wife Sydney of San Diego, California; five grandchildren Shawn Martin, Hunter Hughes, Edith Martin, Tirso Martin, Alexander Martin; one great grandson Shawn Martin Jr. and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn her passing. Donna was preceded in death by her father Ray Earnest Cousins and mother Edith Fern Cole. Church Services will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at the Westport Baptist Church with Rev. Ray Earley and Rev. Ben Lacey officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma next to her mother under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to any Cancer Research Facility or Lymphoma Society in memory of Donna Nye.