Denelda McClellan

Denelda Ruth McClellan, born on September 30th, 1946, in Hugo, Oklahoma, embarked on a remarkable journey through life until she passed from this life into the next on May 12th, 2023, to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the youngest of nine children born to Nelson Lee Butcher and Mary Margret Butcher, her vibrant spirit and, later, her steadfast faith in the Lord left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In 1959, Denelda's family relocated to Oregon, where she blossomed into an extraordinary individual. The loving influence of her parents shaped her formative years. Denelda acquired a profound appreciation for laughter, a sense of humor, and the joy of exploration from her father. Her father ignited in her a sense of adventure, cultivating a deep love for travel which would become a defining aspect of her life.

It was her mother, however, who instilled in Denelda the foundations of her faith. Mary Margret Butcher nurtured Denelda's love for God and His word, the Bible. Through her mother's teachings, Denelda learned the importance of serving and loving the Lord, principles that would guide her throughout her journey. Moreover, her mother's profound naming of her Denelda gave her a sense of uniqueness and cherished identity.

Despite facing challenging times, Denelda's spirit remained resilient as her life was further enriched when she joined her life with Brian McClellan. Together, they weathered the storms of life and enjoyed 30 years of marriage. Anthony Reeder and Flint Reeder, Denelda’s two adult sons, can testify of their mother’s nurturing and resilient spirit firsthand. Their collective strength and unity fostered a legacy of love, showcasing Denelda's unwavering devotion to her family and her boundless love toward her husband and sons.


Even in her passing, Denelda left behind a profound impact on those she cherished. She is survived by her loving husband, Brian McClellan, who will forever hold her memory close to his heart. Her sons, Anthony Reeder, and Flint Reeder, carry on her spirit, guided by the values she imparted to them. Denelda's sister, Mary Cline of San Jacinto, CA, and brother Richard Butcher of Temecula, CA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members, share in the grief of her loss while cherishing the precious moments they shared with her.

Denelda Ruth McClellan will forever be remembered as a beacon of light and love, a woman who embraced life with laughter, served the Lord with devotion, and treasured her family above all. While her physical presence is certainly missed, her eternal love and the impact of her beautiful soul will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to have known her. She is dearly missed but eternally lives on in the arms of Jesus.

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