Helen S. McDonald

Helen Shirlene Anders McDonald, born on July 10, 1953, in Yuma, Arizona, to Kenneth and
Shirley Anders, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024. As the eldest child, Helen
developed a strong sense of responsibility and maternal care early in life. A dedicated student,
she graduated with honors from Yuma High School in 1971.

Helen's life took a joyful turn when she met Bruce McDonald, and the two quickly fell in love.
They were married on March 24, 1972, at the First Assembly of God Church in Yuma, AZ.
Together, they built a loving home and raised two children, Mindy and Matthew. Their family’s
journey took them across the country as Bruce’s career led them to many new places. Through
every move, Helen created a warm, welcoming home, always with a heart full of love and a
nurturing adventurous spirit.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Helen poured her heart into her family. Her love for
her children extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom she shared her
passions for needlepoint, dogs, and classic horror films. Helen's legacy of love and family will
live on in the generations that follow.

Helen faced many health challenges in her later years, battling them with incredible strength.
She is now at peace, free from the struggles that marked her final years.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Shirley Anders. She is survived by
her beloved husband, Bruce McDonald; her children, Mindy and Matthew (Kathleen) McDonald
I; her seven grandchildren, Morgan (Aaron) Dahlund, Lacy (Andrew) Baird, Jacob Stanley,
Emma McDonald, Wesley McDonald, Elizabeth McDonald, and Matthew McDonald II; and her
five great-grandchildren, Alice Baird, Liliana Baird, Ella Donnelly, Alexander Baird, and Elijah
Baird.

A service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at Yuma Mortuary on December 12, 2024 at 
1:00 p.m. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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