Margaret Elizabeth "Beth" McDonald, 83, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the Shepherd's Center in Cimarron. She was born in the home of her maternal grandparents five miles north of Perryton, Texas, on March 30, 1927. She was the daughter of J. D. and Lillian Elizabeth (King) McDonald.

She grew up on her parent's farm in the Oklahoma Panhandle. As a child, Beth worked alongside her parents, caring for livestock and plowing fields. After high school came two years of college, marriage, the birth of three daughters, divorce, and then back to college for a master's degree. She taught English and speech at Louisiana State University, Phillips College, and Perryton High School before retiring in 1996. Beth was a writer with three books of poetry and prose published. Her work " The Land That Was Home" was performed as an epic by a Perryton Theatre Group. She lived in Perryton, Texas for many years.

Beth became a writer to share what has been significant in her life: the strength and emotion of her grandmothers, but also the solitary nature of life on a farm 16 miles from any town. As a child, she spent long days in the fields, often singing but hardly able to hear herself over the sounds of the tractor.

Beth is survived by three daughters, Diana York of Dallas, Texas, Staci Gibson and husband Dr. Gerald Gibson of Montezuma, and Joyce Miller and husband Ron of Almena; one brother, Elvin McDonald of Des Moines, Iowa; eight grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Friends may sign the register book from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Friday, April 16, 2010 at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City. Memorials can be made to the Shepherd's Center in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.