A celebration of life for Marlene McDonald, age 88, of Lazbuddie, Texas, was held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Muleshoe Methodist Church in Muleshoe, Texas with Ruby Moultrie of Levelland, Texas and Beau Niewoehner of Amarillo, Texas officiating. Burial was in Muleshoe Memorial Park. The family welcomed visitors from 5:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Friday, July 18, 2025 at Ellis Funeral Home in Muleshoe. Marlene passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, in Levelland, Texas, at the age of 88.
Born February 24, 1937, in Roaring Springs, Texas, to Daniel and Annie (Goodwin) Cargile, Marlene spent her early years in Sudan before the family settled in Lazbuddie, where her father began farming in Parmer County. It was in Lazbuddie where she met the love of her life, Don McDonald. The two married on November 21, 1954, and made their home at Clay’s Corner.
Together, they farmed and raised four children: Donnie, Connie, Dana, and Johnny. Marlene was a devoted farm wife, helping Don in the fields while raising their children. She was a member of the Young Homemakers of America and an active member of the Lazbuddie Methodist Church until it closed. In her later years, she enjoyed bowling in Clovis, New Mexico, hosting card parties with friends, and cheering on her favorite sports teams—especially during football season and college basketball tournaments.
Known for her warm hospitality, Marlene’s home was the heart of every holiday, especially Christmas. Family and friends were always welcome at her table, where she served up her famous cinnamon rolls, mashed potatoes, Texas trash, and fresh lemonade with love. Above all, Marlene lived her faith every day. Her quiet strength, generosity, and steady presence made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don McDonald; her brother, Preston Cargile; and her brother-in-law, Dwain Menefee.
She is survived by her children, who affectionately called her “Mother”: Donald McDonald and wife JoAnn of Lazbuddie, Texas; Connie Thomman and husband Jet of Levelland, Texas; Dana Rempe and husband Keith of Muleshoe, Texas; and John McDonald and wife Sharmy of Bartonville, Texas. She will be forever remembered as Mema by her grandchildren: Julie, Joshua, Russell, Jennifer, Ross, Robyn, Shanna, Macey, Rebecca, Tanner, and DonAnn, and by her eighteen great-grandchildren—with one more on the way. Marlene is also survived by her sister, Dannie Rue Menefee of Sherman, Texas, and her sister-in-law, Charlene Cargile of Lockhart, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A woman of deep faith, fierce love, and quiet strength, Marlene’s legacy will live on in the family she nurtured and the community she cared for so deeply.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Lazbuddie Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, PO Box 155, Lazbuddie, Texas, 79053 or the Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery, PO Box 373, Muleshoe, Texas, 79347. Online condolences may be made at www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.