Elida Marie Reyna Donaldson

1933 - 2025

Elida Marie (Reyna)

Donaldson

Elida Marie Reyna was born November 20, 1933 in Old Gulf, Texas to her parents Jesus Reyna and Maria Hernandez. Elida moved to San Diego, California with her mother and grandmother in the 1940s where she attended school, eventually graduating from Hoover High School in 1951.

After high school, she attended San Diego Business College for 1 year and was President of the Girls Service Organization for the U.S.O. from 1951-1954. The U.S.O. is where she met her future husband, Robert (Bobby) H. Donaldson who was a Marine stationed in San Diego. They married in 1955 and eventually settled permanently in Porterville, CA. where they had 4 children. David (Jennifer), Greg, Debra and Angela (Chris). Elida had a variety of jobs before going to work for Tulare County as a Social Worker. She retired after 32 years of distinguished service.

She loved cruise ships and went on multiple trips down to Mexico. Cross country road trips to Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana to visit family were common. She also traveled to New York and Washington, but her all-time favorite trip was in 2005 when she spent 10 days in China. She would speak very fondly of that trip and of all the memories made. She recounted how beautiful the cities were and how the people were so friendly to American tourists.

As much as she loved to travel, her first love was her family. Elida was the proud matriarch of 10 grandchildren (Bredana Celaya, Brent, Krystal Honeyman, Joey, Katy Hernandez, Jacob, Nicole Jimenez, Sharlene, Christopher and Wyatt); 18 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. If there was a game, a concert, a dance recital, an art show, or any other activity they were involved in, she was there cheering them on and supporting them in every way. She never missed a birthday party up until the last couple of years when she started to decline.

Elida (mom) passed away on Thursday September 18th, 2025 in her home, surrounded by her loving family. It was raining that day, which was appropriate, because she loved the rain and would talk about it often.....we knew it was a sign that she was going home. Elida was a Christian. She leaned on her faith when life was challenging and prayed for her family all of the time. We were all so blessed to have her on this earth for over 91 years. She was the best mom, grandma, great-grandma and great-great grandma we could have asked for.

She left this hand-written message to our family "If you are reading this it is because I am gone, but my love will still remain on earth for all my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and someday we will all meet again. I want you to know that I love every one of you and only want the best for all of you. Know also that I am in the most beautiful place with my Heavenly Father and will see all of you someday......"

A Visitation will be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, California on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Porterville, California on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.