Mrs. Madonna Jean Reynolds (née Miller), age 92, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at Pine Village in Moundridge, Kansas. Her long and fulfilling life was marked by dedication to family, faith, and service to others.
Born on August 24, 1933, in Skidmore, Missouri, Madonna was the eldest child of Floyd and Kathryn Miller. She spent her early years in Iowa, beginning school in Elkhart Consolidated Schools in 1938 before continuing her education at Ankeny Consolidated Schools from 1946. She graduated from Ankeny Consolidated School in 1951. Her commitment to lifelong learning continued well into adulthood; in 1987 she earned an Associate of Arts degree from Barton County Community College to fulfill the requirements for her Adult Care Home Administrator license.
On September 16, 1953, Madonna was united in marriage to Everett Dean Reynolds at the Des Moines Valley Church of the Brethren in Ankeny, Iowa. They were married 63 years before Dean’s passing on July 5, 2017.
Madonna’s professional journey began at Meredith Publishing in Des Moines, Iowa. After moving to Kansas, she worked at McPherson College where she contributed her skills as a typist and editor to a book authored by her future daughter-in-law's grandfather—an early sign of the deep interweaving of her personal and professional lives.
In 1975, Madonna began working at The Cedars retirement and health care community in McPherson, Kansas. Starting as an administrative secretary, she transitioned to health care administrator by 1987—a position she held with distinction until her retirement in 1997. Her leadership and compassion left a lasting impact on residents and staff alike.
Even after retiring from full-time work, Madonna remained active and engaged with her community. She worked at The Buttonhole fabric and quilting store where she shared her love of sewing by teaching classes and helping others find joy in fabric arts.
Madonna was a woman of many talents and interests. A gifted seamstress and homemaker, she found joy in sewing and quilting projects that reflected both creativity and precision. She loved gardening and took pride in cultivating beauty around her home. Reading short stories, magazines, and newspapers kept her mind sharp and curious throughout her life. She also enjoyed traveling—exploring new places while always cherishing time spent at home with family or alone enjoying her hobbies.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Raised in the Des Moines Valley Church of the Brethren near rural Elkhart, Iowa, she became an active member of the McPherson Church of the Brethren upon moving to Kansas in 1963. Her decades-long involvement reflected a deep commitment that guided her actions and relationships.
Madonna’s family was central to her life. She is lovingly remembered by her son Brian Reynolds and daughter-in-law Kristen Reynolds; son-in-law Gary French; grandchildren Greg (Colleen) French, Amy (Cody Deegan) French, Dan Reynolds, and Lindy (Mikayla Craver) Reynolds; brother David Miller; sister Barbara (Gary) Fry; sisters-in-law Sara Miller, and Dee Reynolds; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dean Reynolds; daughter Brenda French; parents Floyd and Kathryn Miller; brother Maury Miller; brother-in-law Fred Reynolds; sister-in-law Betty Romick and brother-in-law Ray Romick.
A come & go celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the McPherson Church of the Brethren Social Room. The final resting place will be in McPherson Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McPherson Church of the Brethren in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.