Donna Ruth Lee

Donna Ruth Lee, age 82, of Clinton, Oklahoma, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the River Valley Nursing Home in Clinton. She was born in Altus, Oklahoma, to Robert and Wannie (Osborne) Cyphers.

Raised in Altus, Donna graduated from Altus High School and married Max Bearden on October 10, 1958. Throughout their marriage, Max managed several United Grocery Stores, leading the family to move from Altus to Walters, Woodward, and finally Hollis. After Max's passing in August 1989, Donna continued to reside in Hollis for several years before moving to Weatherford. There, she met and married Lyle Lee on December 9, 2010, at the First Christian Church in Clinton. The couple enjoyed a life together, moving between Clinton and Weatherford before settling back in Clinton.

Donna dedicated much of her professional life to serving as the Hollis Librarian and contributed her time and talents to the libraries in Mangum, Weatherford, and Clinton. In retirement, she volunteered at the Clinton Library and the Route 66 Museum, sharing her love of learning with others.

An avid enthusiast of sewing, storytelling, and cooking, Donna enjoyed hosting family gatherings and connecting with her neighbors. She had a deep appreciation for Native American and Oklahoma history, genealogy, and bluegrass music. Donna also had a passion for collecting dolls, dedicating an entire room in her home to her cherished collection.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Max Bearden. Donna is survived by her husband Lyle Lee of Clinton; her children, Larry Bearden and wife Stephanie of Havre, Montana; David Bearden and wife Kara of Austin, Texas; Ken Bearden of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; and Johnna and spouse Jamie of Denmark. She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara Smith and husband Lester of Amarillo; Robert Cyphers and wife Sue Ellen of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Carolyn Flowers and husband Wayne of Livingston, Tennessee. Donna cherished her six grandchildren—Zack, Celeste, Matthew, Jennifer, Kimberly, and Bailey—and ten great-grandchildren—Brody, Ayva, Cooper, Adalyn, Hollis, Hannah, Laney, Drevyn, Remy, and Bronx—as well as a host of friends and family.

A private burial will be held in Altus. Services are under the care of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.