Vestal Opal McDonald passed away quietly in her sleep on January 20, 2015. She was 93 years old. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, and her memorial service will take place 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, both at Connelly Compton in Waco. Interment and a brief graveside service will follow mid-afternoon at Murphree Cemetery in Evant. Rev. Kevin Harrison will officiate.Vestal was born Oct. 1, 1921, in Levita, Texas, to Jewel Griffin and Silas Squyres. She grew up there and enjoyed reminiscing about country life and memories of her neighbors and siblings despite her enduring heartbreak over losing her beloved sister, Blanche, who died before her twelfth birthday. Vestal graduated from Ireland High School where she was a valuable member of the girls' basketball team (she was the tallest). In 1942, Vestal became a World War II bride upon marrying longtime friend and hometown boy Arvin Arthur McDonald, who would remain her husband until his death 61 years later. The war years were difficult for the young couple, Vestal following Arvin from army base to base until he shipped out to Europe. After weathering this hardship, the couple settled first in the farming community, Mound, where their oldest child and only son was born, and then in Gatesville where two girls joined the family. Later the family resided in Lorena, Waco, Irving and lastly in Woodway. Vestal was co-owner and manager of Arvin's surveying business, and became an enthusiastic late-in-life "college girl," studying English, library science, accounting and nursing over the years. She was a respected member of her communities, devoted to her faith, her family and her home. Vestal loved roses, tending her bushes like a brain surgeon as long as she was able.Tragedy struck the family when middle daughter, Lois Elizabeth, was in a fatal car crash at 17, then again several years later when son, Arvin Mark, returned from service in Vietnam only to also die in an auto accident. Vestal's character and trust in God miraculously sustained her, and she and Arvin raised their remaining child, Annette Dawn, with love and faith.Vestal is also preceded in death by sisters O'zealia, Christine, Agnes and Sarah, and her parents. She is survived by brother, Samuel Victor, as well as Annette and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staffs of Lakeshore Estates, Phoenix Care and Providence Hospice for their kindness and care. More than anyone in recent years, friend Betty Orton was her selfless guardian angel and has surely earned a special place in heaven. Donations in Vestal's and Arvin's names may be made to Victorious Life Church.