Dorothy “Dot” Saunkeah

Dorothy “Dot” Jean Reed Saunkeah, born on July 13, 1934, in Oklahoma City, OK, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at an Oklahoma City hospital.

Dorothy completed religious education studies at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK, and the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX, after which she served in many churches in Oklahoma as well as in the foreign mission field in Costa Rica and Argentina.

After retiring from active ministry, she began a new career as an innovator in early childhood education development, identifying promising sites and establishing multiple new, accredited childcare centers across the U.S. Even during her retirement years, Dorothy continued her passion to serve and support children, volunteering at HeadStart programs and helping to care for her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Austin “Rip” Reed and Bessie Vivian “Honey” Estes Reed; her brothers Bill Austin Reed and Bobbie Lee Reed; her son Russell Lee Saunkeah; and beloved aunt Ruby Reed Kolbenschlag. She is survived by two sons: Bobby Saunkeah, and his wife, Peggy, of Ada; Bruce Saunkeah, of Oklahoma City; her daughter, Anna Saunkeah Jordan, and Eileen Holleran, of Ft. Myers, FL; grandchildren Justin Saunkeah (Shelly), Angela Saunkeah McClung (J.D.), Kelly Jordan (Megan), Kevin Jordan (Olivia), Shelby Jordan, Liliana Saunkeah; and many great-grandsons, other relatives and countless friends who will miss her (and her cookies) deeply. Now she is home.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.