Obituary of Doris Louise McDonald

Doris Louise McDonald February 12, 1934 - August 24, 2015 Memorial services for Doris Louise McDonald, 81, of Tatum, NM will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Tatum Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the Tatum Community Center. Doris Louise McCombie was born on February 12, 1934 in Beggs, Oklahoma to Harry and Oleta (Ross) McCombie and passed away on August 24, 2015 in Texas at the Lubbock Heart Hospital. She had polio at age three yet recovered with a determined spirit that fostered independence throughout her life. Doris graduated from Prairie Valley High School in 1951and then graduated from East Central State College in Ada, OK in 1954 with a BS in mathematics and biology. In June 1954 she married Max McDonald in Prague, OK. In 1957 they moved from Oklahoma to Colorado with two young daughters; then in 1963 moved to Tatum, NM. She taught chemistry and math at Creede, CO, math at Silverton, CO, and math and computer science at Tatum. Doris taught for 25 years at Tatum, grades 7–12 from 1963-1988, and earned an MS in mathematics at Southeastern State College in Durant, OK. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max E. McDonald after 50 years of marriage; her parents; brothers Dale and Darel McCombie and sister Lelah Sartain with husband Don. She is survived by daughter Christine McDonald Vogel and husband Daryl of Salem, OR, and daughter Susan McDonald Moore and husband Rick of Santa Fe, NM. Four grandchildren—Taylor, DJ, Makayla and Breanna Vogel of Oregon; sister-in-laws Bea McCombie, Donna McCombie, Donna McDonald Wilbert and numerous beloved nieces and nephews also survive her. “Mrs. McDonald”—as she was known enjoyed staying connected with her students throughout her 52 years in Tatum. She loved her Bible and often taught adult classes at church. She was a voracious reader, loved crossword puzzles, enjoyed Bridge and played Hand and Foot each Thursday with friends. Doris was thankful to continue living in Tatum with help from dear friend Ray Manly and Rosa Lopez, CNA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Southern New Mexico Learning Center, PO Box 2041, Hobbs, NM 88240. Arrangements are under the direction of Kirby-Smith-Rogers Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent via www.kirbysmithrogers.com