Leora “Toots” J. Reynolds 1932-2026

Leora “Toots” J. Reynolds, age 93, formerly of Dorchester, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Country Gardens in Medford under the tender care of Hope Hospice of Medford. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. Inurnment followed at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery South. Family and friends were welcomed to greet the family from 9 a.m. until time of the service Wednesday at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Leora was born on Aug. 16, 1932, the daughter of Ambrose Dewey Oehler and Sophie Sarah Jacobs in the Town of Deer Creek, Taylor County. She grew up on the family farm. Leora was united in marriage to James Reynolds on July 1, 1950 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester. Together they farmed for 30 years in the Town of Holton. He preceded her in death on Nov. 29, 2020.

Leora loved to cook and bake and worked at various establishments as a cook over the years. She was accomplished at sewing, knitting and crocheting, making many of her children’s clothes. Leora was always proud of her gardens and yard. In retirement, she taught herself how to weave and make rag rugs and other items on her large floor weaving loom. Leora also was an avid reader with a stack of books always at the ready near her favorite chair. Jigsaw puzzles were another favorite pastime.

Leora is survived by her five children, Nancy (Bill) Leichtnam, of Nekoosa, Maggie Gebauer (Steve Budzinski), John (Lori Janko) Reynolds, and James (Diann) Reynolds all of Medford and Joseph (Christine) Reynolds, of Colby; six grandchildren, OraLee (Mike) Dittrich, Seth (Katie) Gebauer, Jerid Reynolds, Jenna (Nathan) Jakel, Jamie Reynolds and Casey Jo Reynolds; two step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her two brothers, Gary (Paula) Oehler, of Pleasant Hill, Iowa and James Oehler, of Colby; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Meyer, of Medford; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother, Harold Oehler; two sisters, Marcella Bredlau and Nelrose Carpenter; and her son-in-law, Lex Gebauer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be given either to St. Louis Catholic Church or Hope Hospice of Medford.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com