Obituary for Michelle Mays-Reeves

Michelle DeAnne Mays-Reeves

September 24, 1953 – November 10, 2019

Michelle DeAnne Mays-Reeves, age 66, resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Tribal member of the Cherokee Nation passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019 at her home.

Michelle was born in Miami, Oklahoma on September 24, 1953 to Robert D. Mays and Dorothy Rose Oakley Mays. Michelle was their third of five children.

Paul Reeves and Michelle were married on July 24, 2000 in Ponca City, OK.

Michelle was born into a musical and performing family. She was an accomplished Musician Singer/Songwriter that wrote, recorded, and produced 3 albums. Music has always been a big part of her life. She has performed for audiences of over 3000, Folk Hootenannies and lullabies to her children in the quiet of the night.

Michelle was a Silversmith and sold her designs and art work, winning numerous awards from several organizations including: Silver Dollar City, Five Civilized Tribes, QVC, and the Cherokee Nation Cherokee Creations Division, samples of her work were on display at the Smithsonian Institute in the early 90’s as one of the Contemporary Cherokee artists.

Survivors include her beloved husband Paul Reeves of the home. Her children: daughter Sunshine Rhoten and David Price of Austin, TX. Her sons Zach Rhoten and wife Kandie, Nathan Rhoten and wife Robin of Ponca City, OK. Grandchildren Cash, Elliott, Angel and Wyatt. Her dearest friends Rona and Jim Stephens of Ponca City, as well as all of her cherished fur babies.

Michelle was preceded in death by her parents.

Family and close friends will celebrate Michelle’s remarkable life privately.

In recognition of Michelle’s love of animals, contributions in her memory may be made to the Ponca City Humane Society, 900 West Prospect, Ponca City, OK 74601, www.pchumane.org .

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Source: Trout Funeral Home