Faith Anna McDonald

Faith was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 29, 1934 to William Leigh Ellsworth and Emma Geneve Bale. She was a cherished member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. She was a remarkable woman who faithfully served her family and community.

Faith grew up in Pioche, Nev., before moving to Las Vegas in 1942. She considered herself a true battle born Nevadan. She graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1952, where she was a member of the Rhythmettes. A picture of her posing with the dance troupe hangs on the second floor of the Mob Museum, to the family’s great amusement.

She married Eugene Blain McDonald on Oct. 31, 1953. Neighbors and friends knew the couple for their kindness and generosity. They made a home for anyone who needed one- animals and relatives alike. When Faith’s older brother Wally was killed in a plane crash in 1967, they took in three of his children, bringing the total number of people in the household to 10 (along with a rotating set of five or so rescue dogs and the occasional parakeet).

She spent her early career working as a manager for the Hallmark stores in the Boulevard and Meadows Malls, turning her children into lifelong ornament collectors. She later started a job at her son Keith’s dental practice, where she worked until retiring at 85 years old.

Faith also took on several unofficial jobs throughout her life. She never hesitated to help someone in need. When her grandchildren needed breakfast, she was an expert toast maker. When a few of the kids in the neighborhood needed help getting to school, she was a shuttle driver. When someone needed a place to stay for a few months, she was a gracious host. Service was second nature to her.

“She accepted you how you were.” said her daughter Julie.

Faith is survived by her five children, Keith (Mashelle), Gary (Barbara), Tracy (Rosa), Julie (Dell), and Blain. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene and a grandchild.

In honor of her memory, Faith’s family invites you to ask yourself, “Have I done any good in the world today?” They encourage you to think of a small and simple way you can improve someone else’s life this week.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 3, at 9:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints chapel on 6601 West Twain Avenue, Las Vegas, Nev., 89103.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsouthjones.com for the McDonald family.