Athens - A Celebration of Life Service will be held on September 23, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Athens at 10:30 a.m. for Oleta Royall McDonald.

Leta Royall McDonald was born to Richard Benjamin Royall and Pearl Dorbandt Royall in Athens, Texas, on March 11, 1930. Leta joined two older sisters, Elizabeth Ann and Rose Marie. Leta's maternal grandparents, Newton Givins Dorbandt and Sarah Florence Magill, were valued family in her "growing up years" as they lived nearby and visited nearly every day. Her beloved fraternal aunt Rena Royall lived next door and was a second mother to Leta. Oleta attended Athens schools, graduating in 1947, continuing her education at North Texas State, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Bob Joseph McDonald (Mac) and Leta were married September 23, 1950. In early 1951, Bob was called to Germany for active Army service. Later in the year, Leta joined him in Bremerhaven, Germany. Returning to Texas in 1953, they were joined by son Glenn. Moving to Shreveport, Louisiana, Mac and Leta added son Mark. The following years were spent with her beloved husband and sons fishing, water skiing, swimming, and whatever other activities made her family happy. Leta's priority was always her family and their happiness.

Following Mac's retirement in 1988, they built a home on the McDonald property on College Street. She and Mac spent more than 30 enjoyable years in their new home. One of her proudest moments was an article in the Athens Daily Review acknowledging her 8 years of swimming, during which she completed more than 100 milers per year at the Cain Center. Also during this time, Leta served in various roles with the DAR Society, the Henderson County Literacy Society, and the Listener's Club. She joined the Art Club and the Twilight Thimbles Quilting Club. The quilting club enabled her to make and share handmade quilts with her family. The legacy of her quilts will live long after Leta, as her sons, grandsons, and great-grandchildren continue to enjoy these family treasures. Several will be displayed in the Montgomery (Texas) Quilt Walk next month in her honor.

After Mac's passing in 2015, Leta decided to move to The Woodlands, TX, to be closer to family. She lived there from May 2016 until her passing on June 14, 2026.

She is survived by her son Glenn, wife Valeria; her son Mark, wife Lisseth; her grandson Benjamin, his wife Sylvia; her grandson John Matthew; and great-grandchildren Charlie and Clare.