Donna May Oliver

Donna May Fryrear Oliver was born to William Alfred and Marjorie (Adams) Fryrear on November 19, 1932 at the Haxtun Hospital.  Welcoming her home to the family farm south of Paoli, Colorado was older sister Gloria Jean.  Later they would be joined by sister Joyce Aileen and brother Donald William.  Donna attended the McKelvey School in the rural Wages community along with her sisters and brother.  They drove a horse and buggy to and from school. Later the four children shared a bicycle for transportation.  Many of Donna’s lifelong friendships were first begun in that small one- room school house.  After the McKelvey School she attended Phillips County High School for one year before completing her education at Haxtun High School where she graduated in 1950.

The Fryrears were a farm family and Donna was a true country girl.  She worked hard to help make the farm prosper and the home run smoothly.  Like any farm kid she milked cows, gathered eggs, fed the livestock, gardened, canned and cooked.  Donna and the rest of the Fryrear family were early 4-H members in Phillips County.  She exhibited cattle at the county fair, the Colorado State Fair, Fort Worth and National Western Stock Shows.  She was very proud to have exhibited the Reserve Champion Steer at the State Fair in 1948.  It was at the county fair she first met Billy Oliver and the couple began to date.

After graduation from Haxtun High School, Donna went to work in the First National Bank.  In 1955 Donna was united in marriage to William G (Billy) Oliver on July 3rd at the Holyoke Methodist Church.  The young couple moved to the country north of Holyoke to begin life as a farm couple.  Donna and Billy had three children Lynda May, William Randal, and Kathy Jean.  While she cared for the children and kept a comfortable and welcoming home, she also helped Billy in the fields and with the livestock.  In 2002, Billy and Donna moved into town where they had more time to socialize with friends and enjoy a semi-retirement lifestyle.  This gave Donna more time to volunteer.  She had always been very active in the Methodist Church where she served as Lay Leader, was president of the United Methodist Women, and always stepped forward to help where needed.  She was honored and recognized for her many services to her church and was especially proud of being named a “Quiet Disciple”.  She also volunteered at the museum, the hospital, the library and was a member of the Agenda Club.

Donna had a creative soul.  She loved to sew and made clothes for her family as well as countless quilts.  She mended and altered clothes for friends.  She liked to knit and crochet and made many clever and crafty things.   Donna was also a collector.  She collected things such as teapots and tea cups, sewing knick-knacks, books, china, glassware, and angels.  But the one thing she collected in abundance was friends.  She loved to visit and always had time to share.  The door to her home was always open to anyone who wanted to stop in for a chat and a glass of tea or a cup of coffee.  She absolutely loved to help others and could always be counted on to help a sick friend or neighbor. 

Donna was preceded in death by her parents William and Marjorie Fryrear, Father and Mother-in law Maynard and Agnes Oliver, beloved husband Billy Oliver, and brother in law Chuck Toyne.

Donna is survived by son Randy (Becky) Oliver, daughter Kathy (Tim) Bornhoft, and daughter Lynda (Randy) Firme.  Grandchildren Ryan (Jessica) Oliver, Gentry (Jeremy) Wolfe, Jeff (Kortney) Firme, Carly (David) Risley, Drew Bornhoft and Tate Bornhoft.  Great Grandchildren Addison, Paige and Reid Oliver; Lily and Max Firme; and Jack Risley.  Sisters Gloria Jean Toyne, Joyce (Don) Zwirn and brother Bill (Sherry) Fryrear.  Many cousins and other family members along with a host of friends morn her passing.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 26, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. in the United Methodist Church of Holyoke with Pastor Paul Brunner officiating.  Memorials are preferred.

The family of Donna Oliver would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Melissa Memorial Hospital for the skilled and tender care she received throughout her many hospitalizations and especially during her final days.  We also thank the management and staff of Regent Park.  Throughout her stay Donna was happy and content.  She made many new friends and appreciated all the many kindnesses of the gentle and dedicated people who helped her so much.

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