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Jacqueline McDonald Obituary

Jacqueline "Jackie" McDonald, 85, of Great Falls, died of natural causes Saturday, April 30, at a local care facility.

Her funeral is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Cyril's Catholic Church in Geyser, followed by a reception and celebration of life from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Geyser Community Hall. Private burial of ashes for her and her husband will take place at a later date. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Jacqueline Inez "Jackie" McDonald, beloved wife and mother, passed away April 30, 2011.

Jackie was born Oct. 15, 1925, in Stanford, Mont., first daughter of Marjorie Skelton. After graduating from Stanford High School, Jackie married the love of her life, Jim McDonald, in 1944. They raised their family of six children north of Geyser on the Merrimac Cattle Co.

Jackie was a very active member of Montana Stockgrowers/ Cowbelles and Geyser's St. Cyril's altar society, and was a 4-H leader of Judith Basin County for many years. She was an accomplished artist, seamstress and homemaker. Moving with her husband of 66 years to Great Falls in 2007, Jackie had resided at the Bee Hive Assisted Living Center since 2008.

She is survived by her daughters Barbara Downs of Helena, Jo Ann (Bob) Roach, Mary Lee Van Voast and Sally (Randy) Triplett, all of Great Falls; sons, Jim (Terrie) McDonald of Colstrip and Lennie (Marcia) McDonald of Geyser; her sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Hilley of Bigfork; a brother-in-law, Jack McDonald of Helena; a half-sister, Vanetta (Jim) Nyman of Clancy; nieces, Sanna Skelton and Sheryl McCray of Geyser; 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, who passed away Feb. 15, 2011; her mother, Marjorie McFee; half-sisters, Doria Luoma and Ida Mae McFee; brothers-in-law, Ben Hilley and Dave Luoma; son-in-law John Downs; granddaughter Debbie Roach; and nephew, Ken McDonald.

A special thank-you to Mike, Barb, Dee, Tessa and the rest of the staff at Beehive 2.

Memorials may be made to Raynesford/Geyser Quick Response Unit/Ambulance, c/o Vern Kaiser, Geyser, MT 59447; 4-H Foundation; or to the donor's choice.

Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on May 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacqueline McDonald

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May 9, 2011

Lennie & Family, I was so sorry to see that your Mom had passed away and so soon after your Dad. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. While we did not know your parents, we know the kind of man you are and that is a true tribute to them. God bless you all.
Keli & Elaine Remus

Russ & Linda Say

May 6, 2011

To Jackie's Family -

Our Sincere Thoughts, Prayers,
And Deepest Sympathy Are With You
During These Sad Days. May Your
Wonderful Memories Sustain You
and May God Bless.
Sincerely - Russ & Linda

May 4, 2011

You are all in our thoughts at this time and pleae accept our sympathy in the loss of your mother.

Jerry and Myrle Claussen, Deer Lodge, Mt.

Doug & Donna Martz

May 3, 2011

May God bless you, Jo Ann and Bob and your family with the loss of your Mother so soon after the passing of your Father. Our prayers and sympathy are with you.

phyllis Marshik

May 2, 2011

McDonald family, I send you sympathy at the loss to your family.

Phyllis Skelton Marshik

Darrell & Janice Ruth

May 2, 2011

Dear Sally, Randy & entire family,
So sorry for your loss and so soon after Jim. Your mom was a great person and you have many great memories to help you thru these times. Our hearts go out to all of you. Just know you are in our prayers & thoughts.

Calvary Chapel of Great Falls

May 2, 2011

To Jackie's Family,
How deeply your hearts must suffer as you face the passing of your dear mother and grandmother, Jackie, so very soon after the loss of Jim, certainly, no human words can console at a time like this. We are remembering you in our prayers, for you are precious to Almighty God who takes heed of every tear and moment of struggle, draw near to His comforting presence and find rest.

Deanna Hanson

May 2, 2011

To Barb, Jo Ann, Jim, Mary Lee, Sally , Lennie, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tribute to Jackie McDonald.---woman of quiet strength and faith. She was a rock for me, helping give insight as I navigated some tough stretches. I remember the day she sewed a dress in one day for Sally, while still preparing ranch meals. It was that day, I decided to learn to sew. One favorite memory is the icy cold milk in the juice cans. Today, I still put ice cubes in milk bringing back nostalgic memories of the Merrimac and Jackie’s wonderful home baked treats and pan cakes if I was there for breakfast. One morning she asked if I wanted more-- surprised when I said yes, she gladly flipped more . Another time, she allowed Mary Lee and I to plan and cook a whole meal. I was so excited—we made an upside down cake for our finale. She will be missed. I will always treasure memories of her in my heart. I am so thankful for the time, wisdom and guidance I received from her. You will be in my heart and prayers as you lean into the LORD with your sorrow and I trust, in time, HE will take the sharp pain away. Deanna McDonald Hanson

Debby Schmitt

May 2, 2011

Dear Randy and Sally,
Larry and I think of you both often. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I still miss my Mom so much...We will be praying for comfort for you all. Debby

Bill Potter

May 2, 2011

Both Jackie and Jim were highly regarded by our family and the whole community of Stanford. They were great examples of real country Americans. May God bless them and their family. Bill Potter

May 2, 2011

Dear Vanetta,
I was so sorry to read that your sister had passed away...please know I'm thinking of you...God bless Myrna {Todd} Stone

Jennifer Lightner

May 2, 2011

Sally & Randy,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it has been a difficult 7 months for both of you, and you are in my thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy.

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