Marvel Valerie McDonald, 78, of Bison (formerly of WaKeeney) passed away on September 17, 2018 at Locust Gove Village in LaCrosse, KS. She was born the daughter of Roy and Vera (Michel) Albin in Quinter, KS, on January 25, 1940. She was a 1958 graduate of Quinter High School.
On July 4, 1959, Marvel was united in marriage to Merlyn McDonald. They later divorced. She continued her education attending Cloud Community College and Fort Hays State University to pursue nursing. Marvel was truly dedicated to nursing, having worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA), becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and finally a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a long time resident of WaKeeney, working as a dispatcher and nurse for the Boeve Ambulance Service. She worked as an RN in WaKeeney, KS, Longmont, CO and Hays, KS until her retirement in early 2000.
Marvel worked mostly evening shifts so that she could attend her children’s school events as they grew up. She loved sports and cheering the team on. She had a love for the Rocky Mountains and visiting Estes Park, CO each summer with her children. She enjoyed working in her yard, planting and adding to her flower gardens. She loved animals, particularly her dogs and cats. She was tough lady, proving most wrong when she was told it couldn’t be done. Marvel’s heart was made of gold, helping many in need. She was a resident of Bison, KS in her retirement years until moving to Locust Grove Village. Working the many night shifts that she did as a nurse, she was a night owl keeping the night personnel at Locust Grove Company.
Marvel is survived by her children, Stan L. McDonald, Morland, KS, Bryan K. McDonald and his wife Tammy of Raymore, MO, Brenda K. Hoopingarner and her husband Lance of Otis, KS, Scot L. McDonald of Colby, KS; grandchildren: Michael McDonald and wife Julie, Tyler McDonald, Shane McDonald, Shawn McDonald, Landon Hoopingarner, Seth Hoopingarner, Jake Hoopingarner, Megan (McDonald) Janousek, Amber (McDonald) Risewick, and Wyatt McDonald; great grandchildren: Kendall McDonald, Jordyn McDonald, Brooklyn McDonald, Tamara McDonald, Teddy Janousek, and Sammy Janousek.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Vera Albin; step-father, Glen Albin; sister, Francis Deines and sister, Betty Jacobs and half-brother Rex Albin.
A celebration of Marvel’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney, KS. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, Collyer, KS.
There will be a visitation and viewing from noon to service time on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials contributions are suggested to the Hays Humane Society, Hays, KS or Locust Grove Village Nursing Home, LaCrosse. Donations made to the organization may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.