Beverly June Donatelli, 92, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025, embraced by her loving family, after a long journey with dementia.
Born on June 26, 1933, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Beverly was the cherished daughter of Nicholas Bollinger and Emma Zoe Ourso. From a young age, she lived a life guided by love and faith. She grew up in New Orleans and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1951. During her school years, Beverly was an active member of the Omega Phi social sorority and contributed to the staff of The Highlight, a popular radio program. She went on to begin her career at Public Service Company in New Orleans. On August 21, 1954, she married Robert Frank "Bob" Donatelli, and together they shared 42 blessed years of marriage, raising a family that became their greatest joy. A devoted Catholic, Beverly's unwavering trust in God guided every step of her life and shaped the way she loved and cared for others.
Throughout her career as a bank teller and customer service representative at First National Bank in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Beverly's kindness and patience touched countless people. She was recognized as the Chamber of Commerce's "Friendliest Employee of the Month" during her time as a teller. Beyond her professional life, she devoted countless hours to volunteering at St. Pius X Catholic Church and School, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, living out her faith through dedicated service to others.
Beverly was an amazing mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, mentor, and friend. Those who knew Beverly will remember her for her fiery spirit, witty humor, caring heart, and deep love of family-a woman who truly lived a full and vibrant life. She loved staying active, whether it was exercising, taking long walks, or dancing to her favorite music. She was known to be a frequent guest at her son Bobby's weekly poker nights and the first one in the food line at the annual family fish fry.
Beverly lit up every room she entered with her warmth and wit. She loved traveling with Big Bob, whether cruising the seas or exploring new places, and they both shared a love of good food-especially Cajun dishes. However, when it came to Italian cuisine, nothing could ever beat Big Bob's homemade recipes. She was also known for her simple pleasures, like making her signature homemade popcorn served in a brown paper sack-something that became a beloved family tradition. A natural storyteller with a keen sense of humor, Beverly had a gift for making people laugh and bringing joy to every gathering.
In her later years of life, she loved watching daytime television-especially soap operas-tackling word searches and sipping coffee or Diet Coke whenever she pleased. She also cherished quiet moments of reflection, enjoying her daily devotional, prayer, and saying the rosary.
One of her greatest joys was being present for her grandchildren. She attended their games, performances, and activities as they grew, always cheering them on as their biggest supporter. Beverly's legacy of love, generosity, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Beverly is survived by her five children: Lynne Ragsdale, Jan Nolan (Reddell Sr.), Brenda Prater (Joe), Lisa Bell (Kelly), and Bobby Donatelli (Brandi). She was the proud grandmother of nine grandchildren: Lindsay Ragsdale, Joey Ragsdale, Courtney Johnson (Daniel), Reddell Nolan Jr. (Brittany), Nick Donatelli (Tara), Jacqueline Jordan (Jeff), Addie Wyont (Austin), Alexandra Prater, and John Robert Bell (Katherine). She was also blessed with ten great-grandchildren: Kyleigh Mae, Nolan, Piper, Tripp, Bryleigh, Alden, Henlee, Ari, Huck, and Sinclair -each of whom brought her endless joy. Beverly's warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love will be forever cherished by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, her sister, Shirley Chanove, and her parents, Nicholas and Emma, and is now reunited with them in eternal rest.
Beverly's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Franciscan Villa, Emerald Memory Care in Claremore, Trinity Woods, and Seasons Hospice for their compassionate support over the years. We appreciate the love, laughs, and devoted care you gave her.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 29, at 10:00 a.m., where family and friends are invited to gather in prayer and remembrance. Both services will be held at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa, Oklahoma, located at 820 South Boulder Avenue.
If you would like to donate in Beverly's memory, to
Tulsa Catholic Charities
&/or to the
Alzheimer's Association