Neva Jean McDonald Young, 77, of San Lorenzo, died Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, at her home with her husband by her side. She was born to the late James and Eula Halsell McDonald, Jan. 19, 1937, in Las Cruces, N.M. Neva graduated from Hatch Valley High School. She and Frank married in 1953, and they lived in Garfield, Socorro and Santa Fe before retiring to San Lorenzo. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September. Growing up, she was in Rainbow For Girls, FHA, and played softball and basketball and cheered for Hatch Valley High School. Neva was a tax accountant for H & R Block for 36 years, working in Santa Fe then in Las Cruces. She received numerous awards and she was proud to be an IRS Enrolled Agent. She loved playing 42, and Bridge. She was an avid sewer; making clothes for her children, grandchildren and for Barbie and Ken Dolls. Neva is survived by her husband, Frank, their three children and their spouses: Alan and Tracey Young; Holly and Brady Williams; Lori and Ted Skibyak. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; Leston and Margo Young, Eli and Mindy Williams, Amy Williams Warren, T.J. and Michelle Skibyak; and nine great-grandchildren; Maddison, Makenzie, Franklin, Axton, Sage, Kayla, Shelby, Daytona and Emma. She is also survived by three of her siblings and their spouses; Jimmie Sue Mahaney, Billie and Wes Selman; and Bob and Gale McDonald. She is preceded in death by her brother Jack McDonald and her brother-in-law Earl Mahaney. We will miss her quick wit and humor, but mostly we will miss the way she loved us all. She loved the mountains and wants her ashes to be scattered at their favorite camping spot in the Gila. A family memorial will take place at that time. Arrangements were by Terrazas Funeral Chapel in Santa Clara, N.M.
Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on Mar. 9, 2014