Esther Donovan Reynolds

Esther Donovan Reynolds, our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. She was 90 years old.

She was born July 5, 1935 to Arthur B. and Amy E. Donovan of Milton, and was a lifelong resident of Milton. She graduated from Milton High School in 1953 and married James Reginald Reynolds, of Milton, on March 13, 1954.

She worked as an administrative assistant at several jobs throughout Sussex County, including King Cole and Waste Management, during her lifetime. She attended the Wesleyan Church, in Milton, most of her life, and was a board member and secretary.

Esther enjoyed reading, doing puzzles (she was an avid mahjong player), taking drives to the seashore, going out to dinner and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by husband; her parents; and her siblings, Roberta Walls, Marietta Baker, Rachel Powers, Ruth Schirmer, Imogene Spencer, Aileen Timmons, Leighton Donovan and Amos Donovan. Esther is the last of her generation. She was also preceded in death by her great-grandson, Jason “Bubby” Spencer, and her son-in-law, Bill Bennett.

Esther is survived by her children, Carolyn Flood (David) of Lewes, DE; Cathy Harris (Bill), with whom she lived, of Milton; Caren Bennett of Milton; Camie Clark (JR) of Milton; Chris Reynolds of Arkansas; and adopted daughter, Michele Price (Kevin) of Milton.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Chris Flood (Heather) of Milton; Sara Reichelt (Kara) of Milton; Adam Flood (Nancy) of Latrobe, PA; Cari Bennett (Nick Bekeshka); Katie Clark; Jay Clark, KB Price, Tristan Price, and Emily Price, all of Milton.

Surviving great-grandchildren include Raven Fisher, Irving Flood, Adeline Bekeshka, Florence Flood, Bennett Bekeshka, Eleanor Bekeshka and Chase Clark, all of Milton.

She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom loved watching birds on her deck, with cardinals being her favorite. Not long after she died, we all saw a beautiful, bright red cardinal on the railing of the deck. He sat there for several minutes before flying away. We now know mom is at peace.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where a viewing will begin at Noon. Pastor Tim Wilson, of Water’s Edge Church in Milton, will be officiating the service. A graveside service and burial will immediately follow at Henlopen Memorial Park, 28787 Lockerman Rd., Milton.

A reception will be held at the Milton Fire Hall, 116 Front St., Milton, following the graveside services.

As Esther’s favorite color was blue, everyone attending the service is invited to wear blue or other bright colors.

Donations in Esther’s name may be made to the Water’s Edge Church, 13275 Reynolds Rd., Milton, DE, 19668.