Esther D. Reynolds, beloved mother, grandmother
Esther Donovan Reynolds, 90, of Milton, our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
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 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, Cathy Harris (Bill), with whom she lived, of Milton, Caren Bennett of Milton, Camie Clark (JR) of Milton, and Chris Reynolds of Arkansas; her adopted daughter, Michele Price (Kevin) of Milton; 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 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16, 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 Road, Milton.
A reception will be held at 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 Water’s Edge Church, 13275 Reynolds Road, Milton, DE, 19668.
