Jul. 4, 1932 - Dec. 17, 2016
Date of Service: Dec. 30, 2016
BURLEY – It is with saddened hearts to say that our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Helen J. MacDonald, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at the age of 84. She was able to return to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved with all her heart.
Helen was born July 4, 1932, in Chinook, Montana, the daughter of Edwin J. and Thelma M. Overcast Hayes. She graduated from Havre High School in Havre, Montana. She met her future husband, George E. MacDonald, when he coached the softball team she played on. They were married Dec. 30, 1950. They lived in Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Ohio, prior to returning to Idaho. In 1960, they built their new home in Rupert, and enjoyed making the Mini-Cassia area their permanent residence.
She worked for Nelson’s Clover Farm for several years, then completed her working career as the librarian at East Minico Junior High School where she influenced many children and made life-long friends with the staff and students.
Helen was extremely gifted and taught piano in her home for many years helping many individuals learn the joy of music. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting and was an outstanding homemaker. She attended Grace Community Church and First Christian Praise Chapel and especially loved reading and studying the Bible. She was instrumental in establishing the current church library at First Christian Praise Chapel. She was always willing to share her love of Jesus to anyone and everyone.
She lived a good, long, and full life. She had and gave much love to her family and friends. Her heart and home were always open and welcomed to everyone.
Helen is survived by her children, Margaret Maez of Pocatello, and Edwin (Sue) MacDonald of Bonney Lake, Wash.; four grandchildren, Aaron VanMatre, Alicia MacDonald, Melissa (Anthony) Lackey, and Kari Latta; and four great-grandchildren, Katelynn Lackey, Taylor MacDonald, Anthony Lackey, and McKenzie MacDonald.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; her siblings, Max Hayes, Jerry Hayes, and Nora Howard; and a grandson, Michael MacDonald.
We are pretty sure she is now bossing Grandpa around again . . .Grandpa’s “mini” vacation has come to an end!
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where family and friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Officiating will be Pastor Dusty Adams. Burial will be in the Rupert Cemetery.
Because of her love for her Savior, the family suggests that memorials be directed to the First Christian Praise Chapel or the Grace Community Church.
