Letha Lea McDonald

Obituary of Letha Lea (Kirkley) McDonald

 Letha Lea (Kirkley) McDonald, seventh of eight children of Clarence and Rena Mae (Gilbert) Kirkley was born July 27, 1932, in Claremore, Oklahoma. The Lord called her home on her 93rd birthday, Sunday, July 27, 2025. She was surrounded by her son, Eric, daughter, Elaine and son-in-law, Jon.

 Letha was raised in Claremore and graduated from Claremore High School. She met Mervyn McDonald on a blind date. Their relationship blossomed and they were married on June 1, 1951. She spent the rest of her life as a loving wife and mother to their three children, Gregg, Eric and Elaine. Letha also enjoyed playing the piano and was the pianist for several of the churches they attended over their married life. She was a wonderful homemaker and a great cook, her specialty being homemade cherry and apple pie. She also loved reading to and playing games with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her life was a testament to her faith and devotion to her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

 She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Rena Mae Kirkley; husband, Mervyn Gene McDonald, son, Gregg McDonald and siblings, Liddie Belle Lewis, Bob Kirkley, Jess Kirkley, Eugene Kirkley, Virginia Janos, and Curtis Kirkley.

Survivors include sister, Dorothy Chapman, son, Eric McDonald and wife, Carrie; daughter, Elaine Thedford and husband, Jon; daughter-in-law, Tammy McDonald; grandchildren, Cody McDonald and wife, Allyson; Krissy Young and husband, Robert; Linda Anderson; Kindel Atkinson and husband, Allen; Kelsey Thedford; Kassi Locke and husband, Jackson; Korey-Tyler Thedford and partner, Juanita Castillon; Kasey Thedford; Travis Tuttle; Justin McDonald; David Wilson and wife, Chelsea; Hope Ramos; great grandchildren, Madelyn, Lilyan, Evelyn and Braelyn McDonald; Noah, RJ, Matilda and Eric Young; Cole, Harley and Logan Atkinson; Liam Thedford; Bentley, Haizley and Gentry Wilson.