Elaine M. Reynolds

Elaine was born on October 16, 1948, to Daniel and Viona (Sanker) O’Neill in Altoona, Pennsylvania and lived in Cresson, PA in her early years. She was the 2nd oldest of their children Sharon (O’Neill) Hawkins, Cynthia (O’Neill) Hawkins, Mary (O’Neill) Oblander, Daniel O’Neill, David O’Neill, Peggy (O’Neill) Austin, and Kathrine O’Neill and played a large role in the upbringing of her younger siblings. Her family followed her father Daniel’s career to Ravenna, OH where she graduated from Ravenna High School in 1966.

Upon graduation from high school, Elaine attended Kent State University, earning her Bachelor of Education in 1970. This launched a 31-year highly decorated teaching career at Rootstown Elementary School and then at Orchard Elementary School in Solon, OH. Elaine started her career at Rootstown as a 6th grade teacher, then taught 4th grade, and eventually pioneered their gifted and talented (Horizons) program. Elaine became heavily involved with the Future Problem Solving program at Rootstown and at the State, taking multiple students to State, National, and International Bowls during her tenure.

Continuing her passion for education, Elaine went on to complete her Master of Education in Gifted Education from Kent State University in 1982 and earned the Ashland Oil Teacher of the Year award in 1988, which enabled her to attend the International FPS Conference in Sydney, Australia with her family in tow. Elaine’s love for education, creative thinking and problem solving led her to write several books on related topics with her friend and co-author Kathy Frazier. Her legacy of passion for her craft, creative thinking, striving for excellence in competition and energy in the classroom lives on in students all around the world.

In 1967, Elaine met the love of her life and husband of 53 years, Norman Lynn Reynolds at the Sub Hub at Kent State University. She asked him to a Sadie Hawkins dance a few days later. The two were married on August 30, 1969. Elaine and Norman went on to have 2 children, Ryan Donald and Devin Andrew Reynolds. Without a doubt the best mother ever to the two boys, Elaine was heavily involved in their extra-curricular activities including Boy Scouts, football, baseball, track, drama and theater. Elaine rarely missed an event and was consistently active in booster and support roles for the boys.

Elaine loved to cook and her legendary sweet rolls, breads, jellies and cakes were highly sought after by friends and family. Norm and Elaine regularly travelled together taking annual trips to Canada to fish with the family, but also enjoying the National and State parks throughout the United States.

As Ryan and Devin made families of their own, Norm and Elaine followed their kids wherever their lives took them while maintaining their home in Rootstown. Ryan and his wife Kim (Robinson) made their home in Ostrander, Ohio and have three boys (Joseph, Nathan and Samuel Reynolds). Devin and his wife Michele (Moyers), after living in Ohio, South Carolina, and Indiana have made Somerset, KY home, with their two boys (Andrew and Mason Reynolds). Elaine’s grandchildren were the center of her world, even though they were not always close by. The boys’ antics and activities inspired Elaine to write and publish a series of children’s books with her long-time friend Cindy Jarrett (Sammy the Sea Star, Firefly Fourth of July, Adventures with Grandma, and The Old Man in the Tree).

After many years of retirement, Norm and Elaine snow birded to Frostproof, Florida where Elaine was a competitive shuffle boarder, bocce baller, bingo and card player with her friends. Elaine was a devout Catholic Christian attending the Newman Center in Kent, OH and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Avon Park, FL. Her faith in Jesus and the church never faltered.

Elaine’s personality was bright, vivid and complex. She had the charisma and energy to light up a room with her energy and showmanship in the classroom, however kindness, humbleness, selflessness, and generous are more likely descriptors from those close to her. Her mind was never resting, and she was a prolific creator of new ideas on how to teach, how to shape thought, and how to positively impact the world but still pursued the simpleness and quiet of country life. She had a flare for color and all things that sparkle, yet she didn’t like to draw attention to herself. Elaine genuinely enjoyed the emotional roller coaster of a good book, Disney animated creation, or the musical theater, but always strived for stability and calm within her family. While not terribly athletic, she thrived on competition and a was a loyal Indians (Guardians) and Browns fan. For sure, she was kind, good hearted and faithful to God, but she was also a competitor, a hard worker, and a scholar.

Elaine Marie Reynolds: Loving Wife, Grandma, sister, teacher, leader, author, scouter, nurturer, sweet roll and jelly maker, square dancer, world traveler, creative thinker, outdoor adventurer, family organizer, glitter lover, Disney fanatic, and Mom.

Services for Elaine include visitation hours on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 1-3 pm at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St. Ravenna, OH. Visitation will continue at the University Parish Newman Center, 1424 Horning Rd., Kent, Oh on Monday, June 5, from 10-11am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Fr. Chad Johnson at 11 am. A graveside service at Rootstown Homeland Cemetery in Rootstown, OH will proceed after mass. Lunch will be provided at the Newman Center after the burial.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com