Obituary: Nathala McDonald

On the morning of Sept. 13, 2019, beloved mother, Nathala McDonald, passed away at the age of 93. It is with loving hearts that we bid her farewell. Her greatest joy was her 7 children.

Her greatest sorrow was having two of them pass at such early ages. We are so grateful she can return to them and enjoy that reunion.

She was born into a wonderful family of six brothers and one sister, in the little town of Webb, now Elfrida, in Cochise County, Arizona.

She had a great love of learning as a child, and this love of books and knowledge extended across her entire life.

She met our father, Frank and they were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mother loved serving in the church. She served a mission in New Zealand.

Her son, many grandsons and a granddaughter have also served church missions. Our home was filled with love, laughter and music.

She encouraged all of her children to play a musical instrument and she enjoyed performing music and singing. The different decades of her life always were filled with laughter and enjoyment.

We were fortunate and blessed to be her children. Many tender mercies were extended in her behalf, throughout her life.

Caring and loving staff at the Arizona Pioneers home, along with fellow residents, became some dear friends of Mother’s over her years there.

Heartfelt care was provided by Doctor Downing and Maggie’s Hospice and the Margaret T. Morris Center in Mother’s final days.

We were able to see her gently slip into the loving place that is prepared for her. Mom’s legacy was to endure well. Her mission and a trip to the Holy Land were treasures that she recorded in a journal. She kept a journal faithfully from age 23 up until her passing.

Her church and family life were her greatest love. Her life was filled with prayers of gratitude.

She leaves a legacy of faith.

A funeral is planned at the Whitewater Chapel in Elfrida Arizona, on Sept. 21, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. An internment will follow immediately after at the Whitewater Cemetery.

Nathala is survived by 5 children; Ruth (Van) Cosby of Flower Mound, Texas, Esther (Jeff) Lenk of Hutto, Texas, Martha (Justin) McDonald-Dibben of London, England, Peter (Debbie) McDonald of Riverton, Utah, and Sara (Martin) Lujan of Tucson, Arizona; 22 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren, all who will miss her greatly.

Information provided by survivors.


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