A Love Story Built on Purpose: Meet Donita and Jonathan

In the heart of Maple Ridge lives a couple whose story is as unique as it is inspiring. Donita and her husband, Jonathan, are more than just warm and welcoming neighbors—they're pillars of their community, advocates for hope, and living proof that love and purpose can intertwine in the most unexpected places. And yes, they really did meet in prison.
“We love telling people that,” Donita says with a smile. “I was a prison psychologist, and he was the prison physician. Their reactions are always priceless.” That shared mission of care and healing laid the foundation for their life together. In 2020, with the world paused by the pandemic, they didn’t let uncertainty hold them back. Instead of waiting, they packed a bag, drove to Hot Springs, Arkansas, and said “I do”—just the two of them and a kind officiant they’d never met before.
Between them, they share a beautiful blended family. Donita’s son, Nick Harris, works with Edward Jones. Jonathan has two children—Caroline, who’s getting married this fall, and Luke, a recent Metro Christian Academy graduate headed to ORU. Together, the couple is incredibly proud of their children’s accomplishments and the life they've built in Tulsa.
Stevie, their beloved French Bulldog, is the true queen of the household. Affectionately called “the princess,” Stevie enjoys her strolls through Maple Ridge, where the family loves greeting neighbors and admiring the historic charm of the homes around them. “Walking with Stevie is one of our favorite ways to soak in the spirit of the neighborhood,” Jonathan shares.
Their favorite Maple Ridge memories range from quiet evening walks to their now-famous “Run for the Roses” Kentucky Derby party, where Jonathan’s mother-in-law stole the show in a fabulous hat designed by Donita herself.
But it’s not just the festive gatherings that define this couple—it’s their heart for others. Both in healthcare, they’ve dedicated their lives to service. “We do life the same way we do work,” says Jonathan, “trying to help others.”
Donita’s compassion shines brightest in her nonprofit work. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she pours her energy into causes close to her heart. She currently serves on the boards of Project 31 and  Rogers State University. She has also done volunteer work with Resonance, The Demand Project and the Cattle Baron’s Ball for the American Cancer Society. She’s especially known for her signature "jewelry pull" fundraisers—year-round labors of love where she collects, boxes, and donates jewelry to raise money for cancer care and other vital missions.
Together, they attend countless fundraising galas—not just to show up, but to lift others up. Their shared faith fuels their generosity, as well as their deep belief in community and kindness.
In her free time, Donita loves shopping, traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and annual trips to New York at Christmastime. Attending church and celebrating holidays with their now-nearby extended family are favorite traditions. “Some of my fondest memories are from Fourth of July celebrations and spending time at my son's home—he has a beautiful backyard and pool and lives right in the neighborhood," Donita shares.
The couple moved to Maple Ridge about four years ago and quickly fell in love with its charm, character, and location. From Utica Square and Cherry Street to Gathering Place and downtown events, they feel grateful every day to be in a place that blends beauty with community. For Donita and Jonathan, Maple Ridge isn’t just where they live—it’s where their hearts are rooted. “Every walk, every wave from a neighbor, every twinkle of Christmas lights—it all reminds us how lucky we are to be part of a place so full of life, love, and community.”