Verta Mary Clark MacDonald of Welches, Oregon, died January 1, 2018 at the age of 84. Verta was born December 3, 1933 in Chelsea, Michigan. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1951. Verta enrolled at Michigan State University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Foods and Nutrition in 1955. She did her dietetic internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and was a registered Dietitian. Her professional career started at the Veteran’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She also worked at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, and was the Administrative Dietitian at Edgefield Manor in Troutdale, Oregon. She retired from dietetics when Edgefield was closed and worked in Real Estate in the Gresham area until 1991. Verta also earned a degree in education from Idaho State University in Lewiston, Idaho, in 1968 and taught home economics in Okemos, Michigan.
Verta met her husband Dick MacDonald when they were attending Michigan State University. They were married in her home town of Chelsea, Michigan, on April 7, 1955. They celebrated 62 happy years of marriage together.
Verta had many artistic interests and she was an accomplished quilt maker and decorative painter. Many of her projects occupy special places in her home, and the homes of her children. She was also an active outdoor person until the onset of Parkinson’s disease in 2004 forced her to curtail her activities. Verta enjoyed visiting the many scenic locations in Oregon with her husband, and had a special love for the Oregon Coast. She also liked to read, do light gardening, and especially enjoyed visits with her family. She was a long time parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sandy, Oregon.
Verta is survived by her husband, Dick and her children: Daughter Diane Zielinsky and son in law Cary of Somerset, California; daughter Linda Thornton and son in law Neal of Hood River, Oregon; son Richard Jr. and daughter in law Jenny of Califon, New Jersey; grandsons Richard III, Thomas and Austin MacDonald; Danny and Kyle Thornton; Justin Zielinsky; and granddaughter Sarah (MacDonald) Sisto.
Verta was also blessed with many beautiful great grandchildren: Ryan, Ty and Audrey Sisto; Maddox and Lucy MacDonald; Mason and baby girl MacDonald; and Henry and Hudson Zielinsky.