Oleta “Bill” Mae Donovan was a beloved mom, nanny, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away on September 22, 2026. She was born on June 2, 1931, to Haskell and Lura Madison in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Oleta graduated from Eureka High School in the late 1940s.

On August 2, 1952, Oleta married the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Donovan. They shared 59 wonderful years together before Gene’s passing in 2012.

Oleta was a member of the Eagles #4277. Her favorite TV show was Gunsmoke. She loved bowling and won several trophies over the years. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, especially eating the catfish. But her greatest joy was her family, especially all her grandbabies.

Oleta was a firecracker. She was sassy, funny, and always had something to add to the conversation. She made sure nobody ever left her house hungry, or without some item she had decided they needed. She was kind and loving, made friends wherever she went, and brought plenty of laughter along with her.

Oleta was preceded in death by her parents, Haskell and Lura Madison; her beloved husband, Eugene Donovan; her sister, Ruby Hendrix, and husband Cecil; and her brother, Don Madison, and wife Joann.

She is survived by her daughter, Myrna Click; her son, Joe Donovan, and wife Joy; her grandchildren, Carrie Cooper and husband Nick, Adam Donovan, and Nathan Click (Cassidy Lyss); her sister, Sharon Petersen, and husband Bryan; her great-grandchildren, Jadeyn Rill and husband Tyler, Donovan Cooper, Lincoln Cooper, and Griffin Cooper; and her great-great-grandchildren, Hezekiah Rill, Samuel Rill, Timothy Rill, and Isaiah Rill.

She is also survived by her best friend and cousin, Sallie Brown, and the girls, Paula and Sheryl, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many others who loved her dearly.

Oleta will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is once again in the arms of her beloved Gene and dancing with Jesus.

Visitation will be held at Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Thursday, September 24, from 4:00–7:00 p.m.

Graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Friday, September 25, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Oleta’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Morrison Community Development Association.