Martha Ann Bowen McDonald, 95, passed on Oct. 11, 2026. She was born in Bland County at Eagle Oak. She was in the largest class that graduated from Bland High School where she played basketball. She was a 4-H All-Star that had many livestock projects growing up including Hampshire Hogs and Muscovy Ducks. She attended James Madison College her freshman year and later transferred to Radford College, graduating with a teaching degree. Her first job was as a 4-H Youth County Agent in Tazewell County. She met her husband of 54 years, Jim McDonald Sr., while working there. He was the AG Agent. After getting married, she started teaching third and fourth grade at Thompson Valley Elementary School, as a husband and wife could not work in the same office. Later she moved to Tazewell High School and taught Home Economics and Social Studies. She was a 4-H Club Leader and especially enjoyed trail rides and pack trips. She was noted for planning and helping prepare the best trail meals. She retired in 1989 and moved to McDonald Farms in Blacksburg. She helped with the care of cattle, sheep and goats while enjoying working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She was a 60-year member of the Fort Maiden Springs DAR and enjoyed their get-togethers. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church and then Blacksburg United Methodist Church. The family appreciates the love and support given by BUMC these last few years. Preceded in death by Meek Hoge Bowen and Virginia Newberry Bowen; infant child, Richard Taylor McDonald; husband, Jim McDonald Sr.; brother M.H. Bowen Jr.; sister Lucy Bowen Litton; brother Bill C. Bowen and nephew Thomas Meek Litton. She is survived by sons Jim McDonald Jr. (Brenda) and Bill McDonald (fiancée Amy). She is also survived by grandchildren Mathew (Mel) McDonald, Ashlyn McDonald and Joe (Kayleigh) McDonald; sister Maria (Jack) Carter and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of HomeInstead and Warm Hearth at Home, especially Christy McAvoy. They have been a blessing. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to Virginia 4-H All-Stars, Fort Maiden Springs DAR or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held Oct. 18, 2026, at Blacksburg United Methodist Church at 3:30 p.m. Visitation in the Fellowship Hall to follow. The family is being served by McCoy Funeral Home of Blacksburg.
