Lillian Kuenstler McDonald was born in Yoakum, Texas. She died in Hot Springs, Arkansas on September 7th, 2017. Her family moved to Houston when she was young and she lived there for many years, graduating from Reagan High School and attending the University of Houston. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian Welch Kuenstler and Fred W. Kuenstler; her siblings, Russell Kuenstler, Lucille Brandstetter, Kenneth Kuenstler, Charlotte Dykstra; and her husband, William J. (Bill) McDonald.
Through the years, circumstances required moving from Houston to Baton Rouge, LA; Covington, LA; Raleigh, NC; Jackson, MS; Ruston, LA; Little Rock, AR; and finally, Hot Springs, AR. In each of these places, she proved herself to be a beautiful lady with social graces and artistic sensibilities. She had a quick sense of humor and an insatiable desire to explore new places and enjoy new experiences. She threw herself into volunteer work wherever she lived. She truly "bloomed where she was planted."
She leaves behind her children, Mary (John) Boston, Steve (Sue) McDonald, and Michele (Dan) Sills; grandchildren Elliot Boston, Mary Scott Boston Thorne, Keely McDonald, Leigh McDonald, Nicole McDonald Gentempo, Mark Sills, Evan Sills Parker, and great grandchildren Caleigh Hennington, Katie Hennington, Conlee Thorne, and Mary Thorne.
Lillian will have a Catholic service on Friday, Sept. 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home located in Clinton, MS. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at same site. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Lakewood Memorial Park in Clinton, MS.