Miriam Ruth Reynolds was called to her Lord’s side on Sunday morning, January 8, 2023. She was born to Hazel (Andrews) and W.E. Rouch on Jan. 3, 1931, in McCook, Ne.
She was a true helpmate in ministry to her husband, Rev. W.E. Reynolds, who predeceased her. Besides her parents and husband, family members who passed before her were her brother, Donald V. Rouch, and her sister, Dorothy Rouch Smith. She is survived by: Gregg Reynolds of Tucson, AZ; Cheri (Terry) Trusty of Edwardsville, IL ; W. Brent Reynolds, Palm Springs, CA; grandson Tyler Trusty, Edwardsville, IL; brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.
Miriam was raised in McCook, Nebraska. Her father wanted her to grow in the arts, and took her to her first orchestra concert. She also got to see Spike Jones. Miriam’s mother also wanted her to have certain appreciations. Hazel would take Miriam to Denver, and they would eat at a place on 16th St. Miriam said there was an organist that would perform while others dined. She showed ability with the piano, and her dad bought her a Chickering Grand piano, when she was 13 (which she owned until the 1970’s). She performed all over Nebraska while still in high school. Miriam went to some summer music camps at Estes Park. She played baritone and trumpet, besides keyboard.
As a teenager, she hung around with the kids from the McCook Assembly of God church. During this time, Wes wooed her. They would go to football games together, while playing in the band. After Miriam and Wes married in 1948, they stayed for awhile in her parents’ apartment house basement. Then they went to Springfield, MO. She went to Central Bible Institute, then transferred to Drury College, and took organ lessons. Wes and Miriam’s ministry was with the Assemblies of God.
In the Reynolds’ first pastorate in Hershey, Nebraska, Miriam put her organ background to good use. She gave organ lessons, then organized, in that rural area, an ‘organ orchestra’. She and her students, many who were farmers’ wives, would load their spinet organs in the backs of pick-up trucks, go to school gymnasiums, and perform in ensemble. They played such pieces as ‘Tico-Tico’, ‘Ebb Tide’, and other popular pieces of the day. Then the ladies (and their husbands) would re-load the organs and move them back home. There was also the day Miriam wanted to practice organ, and the town bank let her use theirs. What she didn’t realize was it was hooked up to a carillon, and as she ripped through her piece, ‘Tico-Tico’ was going through the town- until a bank teller ran in to stop her.
The ministry next took them to Mitchell, Ne. Besides accompanying church and directing choir, Miriam sold sheet music and pianos at Schmoeller-Mueller Music Store in Scottsbluff, Ne. Miriam could wheel and deal with the best of them, and she enjoyed it.
Omaha, Ne., about 1961, was the next calling, to Southside Assembly of God. She built up a choir, and began to bloom as an arranger. This is where she became ‘a music minister before there was such a title.’ Miriam developed an orchestra for Sunday evening service. Sunday morning she would check with her musicians to see who would be attending, and spend Sunday afternoon arranging and hand-transcribing music for those that might attend. This included transposing keys for certain players, and charting for guitar and accompanist. She then built up a violin section by teaching violin on Saturday mornings. Also in this pastorate, Miriam started involving the musicians in the Teen Talent competitions of the Assemblies. An abbreviated time in Cedar Rapids, IA. was the next ministry. Here, Miriam got her two older children scholarships to start harp lessons through the school system, which influenced their lifetime paths.
Miriam and Wes next answered the call to Belleville First Assembly of God in Illinois. It was here that the church board, after some wrangling, agreed to pay Miriam as music director. She developed a cadre of accompanists, using two old upright pianos for youth service. One experienced pianist would provide accompaniment, as another novice learned to play along. Miriam also continued working with instrumentalists and singers in the Teen Talent ministry, winning at state, regional, and national levels. She usually arranged for whatever mix of players and singers were available. Miriam and Wes were involved in district-wide ministry with the Assemblies of God, and Miriam was state- music director for a time. She was called on to accompany Happy and Vestal Goodman at camp one year. Miriam also produced an album, utilizing various ensembles from the local church. While in Belleville, Miriam supported other local entities, including the Belleville Philharmonic, and the music departments of the high schools her kids attended.
In 1985, Miriam and Wes answered the call to Ottawa, Ks. Here she continued to support the ministry with music. While in this pastorate, Wes was diagnosed with cancer, and the couple retired to Springfield, Mo. in 1992. Still not ready for the ‘golden years’, Miriam taught strings and piano to upcoming ministry students at Central Bible College for a time. In 2002, the Reynolds moved to Maranatha Village in Springfield. Miriam stayed there after Wes’ passing in 2017. In 2021, medical needs led to her moving to the Villas of Holly Brook in Bethalto, IL. To the very end, Miriam entertained the caregivers and other residents with her keyboard playing and personality.
Memorials: Donations may be made to Maranatha Village Chapel ministry, of Convoy of Hope, Springfield, Mo.
Services: A service for Miriam Reynolds will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. Visitation is from 1-3 pm. with a service at 3 pm, officiated by Rev. Dale Edwards. Miriam will be interred in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, and there will be no graveside service.
18 Comments To "Miriam Ruth Reynolds"
#1 Comment By Carol Cichon On January 12, 2023 @ 6:50 pm
What a wonderful tribute to your mom. She was a “force” and touched so many lives. Thankful to have known her.
#2 Comment By CINDY TOURTELLOTTE On January 13, 2023 @ 1:08 am
Great to hear some of the stories of this remarkable woman…my aunt.
#3 Comment By Linda and Phil Davis On January 13, 2023 @ 9:04 am
It was so nice to read about some of the things in which she was involved in her younger years. She definitely was a go-getter! She was a blessing to us and to so many.
#4 Comment By Dennis Davis On January 28, 2023 @ 2:28 pm
To the family. Your mother was very instrumental in my time in Belleville 1st. Good life singers was great. Under your mom and dad’s ministry I got saved. She got us connected to other young couples who have gone on to be lifelong friends. I loved her very much. Dennis Davis
#5 Comment By Paul Janssen On January 13, 2023 @ 11:04 am
Cheri, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Heavens choir just gained a wonderful member and I’m sure your father is jumping for joy. Your parents were such sweet people and I enjoyed visiting with them. Many saints welcomed her home I’m sure. Please accept our sympathy, I know she’s glad to be home!
#6 Comment By LeAnne Rutt On January 13, 2023 @ 11:14 am
What a remarkable history! I learned a lot I did not know about my Aunt Miriam. She truly used her God given gift in great ways all of her life.
#7 Comment By Jenny Land (Caswell) On January 13, 2023 @ 11:21 am
I will always cherish our time with your Mom. I hold fond memories of playing flute in the orchestra with her, going to Teen Talent with her, learning piano by her. Oh la la! Stuart E. and I gave her a time trying to teach us how to play. Hahaha! She always called me Jenna instead of Jenny & served us orange spice hot tea ❤ She was so gentle, but serious in her teaching. What a treasure. Deepest Sympathy to the family. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
#8 Comment By John R Akins On January 13, 2023 @ 8:28 pm
The earth will be the poorer for Miriam’s passing, but she has undoubtedly earned her heavenly reward. After teaching her son Brent at Evangel U a few decades ago, we enjoyed getting to know her and Wes better in recent years, during which time the unrelenting “saleswoman” finally twisted my arm strongly enough to get me to join the Maranatha orchestra which she led. Those were very enjoyable years of working with her. God bless and be with her family during this time.
#9 Comment By Jane Woolard On January 13, 2023 @ 8:42 pm
Miriam was so much more to me than I can list here. She was also my second Mom and always treating me as her own. Cajoling, scolding and gently reprimanding but absolutely all with love. She tried her best to teach me piano accompaniment but I just didn’t catch on… especially those “scale cords”. She insisted on but tight harmony is what she taught me and not to fear that sound. Heavens angels will learn from her and I can’t wait for that concert!
#10 Comment By Rev. Tim Anna On January 13, 2023 @ 11:09 pm
I would like to say thank you for sharing your parents with us. Some of my fondest childhood and teen years memories are because of the love and leadership of Bro and Sis Reynolds. They were precious souls!
I just know my mother Karen Anna is singing in Sis Reynold’s choir today!!!
#11 Comment By Helen Reimann On January 15, 2023 @ 11:01 am
The Reynolds family was a great blessing to us at First Assembly of God Belleville. May God comfort you hearts.
#12 Comment By Heather (Jones) Tabor On January 16, 2023 @ 8:27 am
What a treasure Wes and Miriam were and oh how we have such fond memories of them. This is an excellent tribute and I learned things about her I didn’t know. She has left an incredible legacy that is carried on in your family and through all who were touched by her teaching and ministry.
#13 Comment By Wayne Wiggins On May 16, 2023 @ 12:22 am
I am saddened to read of Miriam’s death and homegoing. Pastor Wes and Miriam pastored my parents in Ottawa, KS. The Reynolds were wonderful and godly people. When my wife and I visited from Tulsa, I always enjoyed listening to Miriam play the piano with Rosemary Clevenger at the organ.
When Wes and Miriam moved to Springfield, Miriam and I would occasionally keep in touch by email. When one of those emails was returned last week with no recipient, I did a search and learned of her death.
My condolences to the family on their loss of a wonderful, classy lady.
#14 Comment By Sheila Cheasbro-Harreld On August 3, 2023 @ 11:09 am
Please forgive me for writing such a tome, but the life of such a dearly loved, highly respected, and talented woman as Miriam Reynolds cannot be summed up in just a few sentences.
I am so saddened to learn of Ms. Miriam’s passing (we just learned of it yesterday – 8/2/2023). She and Pastor Wes were my pastors at First Assembly in Ottawa, KS from 1985-1992. For me, that was between the ages of 8-15.
Prior to the Reynolds’ arrival, our church had struggled with maintaining a pastor for more than 1-3 years at a time. By the time they came to Ottawa First Assembly in 1985, I had already had three pastors. Under their direction, our church grew and even expanded through a building program – a first for the church since it was built at that location in the 1950s.
Ms. Miriam was quite a woman – refined, poised, seemingly quiet (although she did have a bit of an ornery streak and couldn’t resist a few good practical jokes), confident, and immensely gifted – no only with music, but with her wisdom and words.
Our church had never really had a structured music department until her arrival – from that point on, we had a full choir, seasonal musical productions, cantatas, and a full-fledged music director. We bloomed and blossomed as a church under the Reynolds pastorate.
She taught me so much about music as I was just beginning to play the trumpet/cornet in 1988 (6th grade) as I participated in our church orchestra and other musical opportunities. As an awkward pre-teen (and into my teenage years) girl, Ms. Miriam took the time to pour in to me and invest in my life.
However, Ms. Miriam’s teaching moments did not stop at the music stand. Ms. Miriam was instrumental in guiding our young Missionette’s group (on occasions) in the areas of manners, being graceful as a woman, teaching fashion/modesty to the young girls so they could be both stylish and exemplary in being a future Proverbs 31 woman.
I recall at one point when I was in Missionettes that she produced a “fancy” dinner replete with all the accoutrements (fancy china, formal dinnerware/flatware setting, fancy tablecloth, and uniquely folded napkins – definitely fine dining) so that we could employ the culmination of our new knowledge. The funny story about that dinner was that I’ve always been left handed so all of the flatware settings on a formal table are always arranged backward to me. Ms. Miriam just shook her head when I proceeded to rearrange my setting to accommodate being a southpaw.
Another quick story – one Saturday, there had been a practice for an upcoming Christmas cantata that I had some kind of part in. My parents had dropped me off for practice but then somehow, inadvertently forgot they had a daughter to pick up. After waiting for a long time at the church outside, I suddenly saw Pastor Wes, in his little silver Mazda RX-7 shoot straight up the walking path from the street to just 4-5 feet from the church’s front door. I got in and was escorted to the parsonage next door. Ms. Miriam and Pastor Wes proceeded to feed me lunch (although I could not be talked into all the fresh veggies that Ms. Miriam was just sure I should try) and Pastor finally broke out his hidden stash of potato chips, much to Miriam’s chagrin. Ha! Eventually, my parents realized they were missing a daughter and I was picked up.s
I will never forget the kindness, grace, loving attention, and investment in my life that Ms. Miriam and Pastor Wes poured into during those formative years.
Ms. Miriam was always on point, confident, and flawless in her appearance before others and highly regarded for her taste in high heeled shoes. Her dignified presence, gently spirit and bright smile always lit up any room that she walked into. Truly a force to be reckoned with, she was definitely an influence on countless lives throughout her ministry and a reflection of Jesus everywhere she went. I’m not sure there can be any higher compliment that that – living out and being a reflection of her Savior throughout her days.
I’m pretty sure that if heaven didn’t have at least an organ and a few grand pianos when she arrived, we can rest assured that there are amassed choirs, orchestras, and all manor of a musical party happening – and she’s right in the middle of it.
Thank you, Lord, for sharing Miriam with us for her time on this earth and for the impact she had on so many lives. May her family always know how much she was loved by others and may the vast memories Miriam left behind always be a comfort and source of amusement and encouragement to them. Amen.
I will always miss her dearly.
#15 Comment By Sheila Cheasbro-Harreld On August 3, 2023 @ 11:12 am
This is a photo of my Missionette Honor Honor Star Crowning at Wheat State Camp in Augusta, KS – Summer ~1992/92.
#16 Comment By Lisa Winkler On January 31, 2024 @ 1:42 pm
Beautiful words
#17 Comment By Karen Ratay Green On October 26, 2023 @ 7:30 pm
The Rev. and Mrs. Reynolds had a profound impact on my formative years, when I was attending First Assembly of God in Belleville. I have such wonderful memories of that time. Miriam specifically was such a talent. We always felt so lucky to have her. I’m so sorry for your loss, but it makes me happy to think of the two of them together again.
My sincere condolences to the family.
#18 Comment By Pam Patrick Milbrath On October 29, 2023 @ 2:53 am
I had the honor to take piano lessons from Sis Reynolds in the 70’s. She came to Southside in ST. Louis and gave piano and organ lessons. She arranged my piece for teen talent and to this day is my favorite to play. I learned more from here in 2 years than the rest of my lessons combined. She made playing fun and gave me a deep love for the piano. What a beautiful of God