May 28, 1935 - Oct 06, 2014
A hero to many people and an enemy of no one, Dorothy Ann McDonald, 79, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away at her home after a decade long battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Tom and Jean Redding of Tocaloma, California and the loving wife of the late Ed McDonald for over four decades. Preceding her in death were her two sons, Patrick and David McDonald of Fallon, Nevada. She is survived by her three daughters, Megan Testa of Henderson, Kate Stix of Fernley and Brenna Place of Cody, Wyoming. She is also survived by her three sons in law, Vince Testa, Vaughn Place and David Stix. She was known as “Sis” or “Sissy” to her three siblings, the late Pat Redding, Larry Redding and Kathy Paula. Dorothy was the proud grandmother of Christina and Pat Rodarte; Wendy, Ali, Brian and Haley Testa; Jensen and Rhys McDonald; Elizabeth and Madison Stix; Collin, Laurel and Isabelle Place. She was also blessed with a great grandson, Brooklyn a great granddaughter, Harlie. She was a friend, mentor and stabilizing force for numerous nephews and nieces and anyone else in need. Born on May 28th, 1935 in San Rafael, California, Dorothy grew up in West Marin and excelled in school. She graduated in 1952 from Tomales High School with honors. Shortly after, she fell in love with her best friend and married Ed McDonald of Novato, California in 1953. They lived in Novato and had their first three of the five children there before deciding to move to the farming community of Stillwater, Nevada in 1960. After having Megan and Brenna, the family settled down and became an integral part of the community. Dorothy decided to return to college after taking an extended break and became an LPN and worked in the Fallon area for years. Later, she became “The Flying Nurse.” It was here that she helped people in remote towns of Nevada, flying in single engine aircraft with Dr. Richard Bargen to serve those in need. Later, she and Ed left Stillwater and moved to Victorville, California and later Fernley, Nevada. They retired near Portola, California where Dorothy lived until Ed’s passing. She moved to Henderson and resided there for the rest of her life. She gave comfort to others with her granite-like toughness and her ability to overcome pain and loss in her own life. Dorothy was also caring and tender to friend and stranger alike. She loved trying out new recipes and was never afraid to try a new hobby. She also possessed world class sprinting ability when she saw a promising garage sale. The void left by her passing can never be filled or covered up. The lasting bonds and memories she helped create can never be broken. A memorial service and celebration of this great woman will be held in Fallon, Nevada on Saturday, October 18th at The Gardens Funeral Home at 2:00. The celebration will follow at the Fallon Eagles Hall.