On March 17th, 2018, Gwynn Ellen Douglas joined her Heavenly father and her earthly father in eternal life of peace, joy and love.
Gwynn was born on February 25, 1953 from the union of Jess and Betty Reed and lived all of her life in Joplin. She attended Joplin schools and graduated from MSSC in 1975 with an accounting degree and later obtained her C.P.A. license.
Gwynn's working career of over 40 years was built around her degrees with the last 17 spent with Catholic Health Audit Network, where she retired from in October of 2016.
Gwynn loved nature and everything that had to do with being outdoors, she got that from her dad. Mom, dad and the three girls traveled thousands of miles in the station wagon, pulling the camper visiting many of our National parks.
Gwynn was a Missouri Master Naturalist and served as president of the local chapter as well as many other duties. She spent many weekends at local events and parks teaching young people about nature, plants, animals and all it has to offer and why it's important to protect the environment.
Gwynn loved to watch the birds while working in the back yard or sitting by the pool. In one day, she counted over 29 different species, plus more than 45 humming birds swarming the 15 feeders she would put out every year.
Gwynn was also a horse owner for over 30 years and excellent rider. She would ride for hours up to 35 miles a day on her first horse Shima (Arabian) and her last horse Buster (Tennessee Walker). For 25 years, Gwynn and her husband would go to the Cross-Country Trail ride for 2 weeks, twice a year at Eminence, Missouri. She became a friend to many other horse lovers from all over the country, even riding in the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans.
Gwynn had 13 animals at one time, while living on 20 acres South of Joplin. Five horses, four dogs and four cats. Most of the dogs and cats were strays that knew where Gwynn lived.
Gwynn also loved to travel and cruise and was able to enjoy an 18 day road trip to Yellowstone and a two -week cruise to Hawaii in July and November this past year.
Gwynn was baptized at First United Methodist Church in Joplin and was a member for many years, beginning as a child, later joining St. Paul United Methodist Church and was a member at the time of her passing.
Gwynn was preceded in death by her father, Jess Reed.
She is survived by her mother, Betty Reed; husband of 33 years, Stan Douglas; stepsons, Brad and Stan Douglas; grandson, Chance Douglas; sisters, Kate Simpson and husband, Rick, Sally Stephan and husband, Doug; nephews, Matt Stephan, Zach Simpson, John Stephan; great nephew, Luke Simpson; sister-in-law, Marsha McPheron and husband, Danny and their daughters, Kim , Danielle, Dawn, Cecelia and families.
At this time of sadness, while we all will dearly miss Gwynn, we must remember that before we have a chance at eternal life, we must experience death, but as long as Jesus is your Lord and Savior, death never wins, LIFE WINS.
A special thanks to doctor Anisa Hassan and nurse Brea for not only giving excellent medical care but, also for the love they gave to Gwynn. The family would like to also thank the Compassus Hospice Team for the compassionate care given to Gwynn and the family during this difficult time.
Gwynn's wish was that instead of sending flowers, hug your pet today, or better yet, adopt from the Humane Society or support organizations that survive to save the environment.
Gwynn's other wish was to be cremated and have the ashes of her beloved yorkie, Maddie, her beagle, Bailey and her cat, Annie added when they leave this earth.
Memorial services are planned for Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.
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