Donna Lou Boyles

DONNA LOU BOYLES

Donna Lou Boyles, beloved wife, nurturing mother, adoring grandmother, wonderful friend, and beautiful spirited woman of 75 years, passed away on Sep. 2, 2010 after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer.  Donna was born on July 15, 1935 in Dexter, Kansas, to Mr. and Mrs. Fay Felix & Sarah Opal Cochran, and was a resident of Henderson, NV., for the past 13 years.  She spent her early life growing up in rural Kansas and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dexter High School where she was the band’s Lead Majorette and Senior Class President.  Donna moved to Arkansas City, KS., working as a receptionist for the Kansas Gas and Electric Company, and eventually met Murry Boyles while he was serving in the US Marine Corps.  They were married on June 5, 1955, and Donna attended Arkansas City Junior College until starting a family.  In 1959, she gave birth to her first child, Bradley Lee, who was sadly taken by the Lord shortly after birth.  Three more children and several moves later, Donna arrived in Sunnyvale, California, where she continued to raise her family and further her education, culminating in a Business Marketing degree from San Jose State University and position with the Hewlett-Packard Corp.  Donna spent the majority of her life in Sunnyvale but was never one to be tied down.  After several years as a Real Estate Agent in Silicon Valley, a move to Phalaborwa in the Republic of South Africa, where sliced bread was a novelty, convinced her that her true calling was in travel and introducing others to the beauty and contrast of our world.  In 1982, Donna became an International Tour Director, coordinating and leading tours for several global companies.  The positive reviews and critiques she continually received were a testament to her devotion and drive to enrich the lives of others.  In 1996, after conducting 98 tours and 14 cruises, she retired to Henderson with her husband Murry.  In her later years, Donna fought many ongoing and chronic health problems with grace, toughness, and an indomitable spirit and was always smiling.  She showed all who knew her the meaning of true courage.  Donna is survived by her husband of 55 years, Murry Boyles of Henderson, NV.; her three children: Belinda Boyles of Queen Creek, AZ.; Lt.Col Bryan Boyles (USAF) of Highlands Ranch, CO.; and Blaine Boyles of Camino, CA.; her two sisters Rita Sue Davis and Karen Marie Hanks of Wichita, KS.; and her granddaughter Alana Boyles of Highlands Ranch, CO.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Memory of Donna L. Boyles  to the Susan G. Komen Foundation via their website.  Donna’s viewing will be held at the Miles Funeral Home in Winfield, KS.; followed by a memorial service at the Dexter Christian Church and graveside service at Dexter Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her first-born son.  Donna leaves behind many acquaintances across the world, and she will be greatly missed by her husband, children, granddaughter, and all her friends and relatives.   We love you so much, Mommy...May you rest peacefully with Bradley.