Donna McCoy

Donna Marie (Hudelson) McCoy, the daughter of Bertilla Hess and John Orion “Red” Hudelson was born October 5, 1944 in Kent, WA. On June 2, 2025, after a courageous and hard–fought battle, Donna was set free of her suffering and was called home to her eternal resting place.

Donna grew up and attended Catholic and Newkirk public schools in Newkirk, OK. On June 24, 1960, she married her one and only love, Nathan McCoy, in Newkirk. Theirs was to be a blessed union spanning over 64 years, until Nathan’s passing in Dec. 2024.

In the early years of their marriage, the couple lived and worked in Florida, Texas, and California before returning ‘home’ to Newkirk to live and raise their girls, Natalie R. (McCoy) Welch and Dawn G. (McCoy) Brown.

Donna had various jobs over her long life, but one of her greatest joys and accomplishments was running an in-home, licensed day care. Over the years, she cared for many of Newkirk’s children in her home. Countless residents, or their children, were recipients of her warm and loving guidance.

Donna enjoyed crafting and participated in various local craft shows with various family members over the years. A long standing member of TOPS Club, Inc., Donna held numerous offices over the years. TOPS was a big part of her life, which she enjoyed sharing with her daughter and friends.

Donna had the most beautiful smile, and she wore it constantly. Her laugh was contagious, and no matter who you were, you couldn’t help but laugh with her. She was a kind, unpretentious, and humble woman-and the best friend anyone could have. Donna made friends easily, and once she met you, she remembered you always. Regardless of life’s adversities or hardships, she didn’t stop living each day as a new day. She drew on her faith, family, and remarkable inner strength to face whatever came her way-and always with that smile of hers.

Those left to love and remember her include daughter, Natalie Welch; granddaughter, Meghan Stafford & husband, Brad; great grandchildren, Breleigh Welch and Gunnar Stafford, all of Ponca City; a multitude of friends, neighbors, and many for whom she had cared for as young children.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Nathan; daughter, Dawn G. Brown; son in law, Michael L. Welch; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Graveside services will be conducted Tuesday, June 10, at 10 a.m. at the Newkirk Cemetery.