Donna Sue Pyles

Donna Sue Pyles Coe, 85, passed unexpectedly at St. John’s Hospital November 22, 2023 in Tulsa, OK. She was born in Bartlesville, OK on October 24th, 1938 to Henry “Merle” Grooms and Cora Elizabeth (Fields) Grooms, and lived there most of her life. Going all through school in Bartlesville, she graduated high school in 1956. She then attended Central States Teachers College in Edmond, OK. At that time, she met a young man named Donald Pyles on a blind date. They were married in December 1957, as Don had been accepted in Officer’s Candidate School in the Marine Corps. They were stationed in Quantico, Virginia for Don to go through OC school, and graduated as 2nd Lt. They then received orders to Okinawa for 15 months. The Marine Corps did not allow dependents to go overseas, so she came back to Bartlesville to live and work. After Okinawa, their orders were to Camp Pentleton, CA, and Donna lived there on base for one and a half years. After that tour, they decided to get out of active duty. Don stayed in the Marine Corps Reserve unit for over 20 years, and retired as Major. Their son, Ronald Don was born January 4th, 1961 with spinal bifida. Tragically, he died two short months later with complications. They made their home in Bartlesville from that time forward. In January 1985 a precious baby girl was born, and God decided they needed this child in their lives. They adopted her as their granddaughter and were in her life until their deaths. Donna retired from the United State Postal Service with a GS Civil Service Rating. She retired as the Postmaster’s Administrative Assistant with 35 years of service. In retirement, she enjoyed volunteering for different organizations. Her passion was volunteering at Jane Phillips Medical Center. She worked there many years, and was the Volunteer Manager of the Gift Shop as well as Past President of the Volunteer Auxiliary for two different terms. Her final years volunteering at the hospital were spent at the Information Desk, which she very much enjoyed. She was honored to be included in the local Chapter CH, and thoroughly enjoyed knowing and being with each PEO sister. It was a wonderful experience, and something she always treasured. Being so active through the years, it is difficult to credit all the clubs and activities which impacted her life. These include, but are not limited to, Jaycee-ettes, Two-Steppers line dancing, and being a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. She also enjoyed her bridge groups and Friday night dinner group. As an animal lover, she was devoted to her various pets in years passed. Donna was famous within her family and friends for her delicious brownies, candies, and assorted baked goods. As a result of a long friendship, and after Don’s passing, Donna and Darrell Coe’s friendship blossomed into a second love for them both. They were married on July 30th, 2021 at East Cross Church in Bartlesville. In their short time together, they enjoyed trips to Branson, attending concerts to see the Gaithers, and various activities through the church. She was proceeded in death by her parents; infant son, Ronald Don; husband, Don Pyles; brothers, Olin Merle Grooms and Bobby Joe Grooms; and sister, Wanda Lou Baldwin. She is survived by her husband, Darrell Coe; granddaughter, Jenny Beth Jones; sisters-in-law, Margaret Grooms and Lyn Grooms; three nephews, Greg Grooms, Doug Grooms, and Brett Grooms; two nieces, Cindy Grooms Rieck and Rhonda Grooms Armstead; and three cousins. A graveside service open to everyone will be held Wednesday, November 29th at 2:00pm at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville. For those who would like to sign the book and view a collection of photos, Stumpff funeral home will have a room set up for her Tuesday, November 28th from 9:00am to 5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to East Cross Church 820 SE Madison Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006 or Washington County SPCA 16620 OK-123 Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Donna Sue Pyles

October 24, 1938 - November 22, 2023