J. Ronald McDonald (Ron), 85

Ronald McDonald (Ron) (85) He was born in Coffeyville, Kansas to John and Maxine McDonald. In 1958, majoring in engineering, he attended New Mexico State University, which was at that time New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Art which ranked highly on the list of engineering colleges. He also attended Regis University earning a degree in Technical Management, and graduate studies at Webster University.

During his career in California, Colorado, and Texas he covered a span of aerospace supply chain positions from buyer to Materials Manager. The aerospace industry provided opportunity to earn numerous certificates and additional technical education working in companies including Boeing, Raytheon, and ultimately retired in 1998 from TRW, now Northrop Grumman.

While attending college in Las Cruces, he met his wife Olivia Lerma at the old St. Genevieve's Catholic Church located in downtown Las Cruces on Main Street. Their marriage must have been made in Heaven, it lasted 64 and a half years. This union provided a combined talent in many church and community activities. He was a Knight Commander in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, parish council member, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, at hospital, and to homebound individuals. He was active in Las Esperanzas, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving the Mesquite Historic District and the Original Town Site of Las Cruces. He enjoyed gardening and became a master gardener. As in all things, he was meticulously detailed, organizing everything. He joined the Genealogical and Historical Societies.

In 2006 at the request of San Albino Church pastor, Msgr. Robert Getz, Ron and his wife Olivia were given the challenging task to submit a petition to the Vatican to elevate the little church to the level of Minor Basilica. After over a year of researching every element of the church including the historical, architectural, pastoral, and liturgical aspects of the small Mesilla church, the daunting task came to fruition. Responding to 119 questions (initially sent in Latin) required by the Vatican, their efforts paid off! The church was dedicated on November 1, 2008, All Saints Day, and officially became the Basilica of San Albino. At the dedication ceremony Msgr. Getz named the McDonalds "Padrinos" (Godparents) of the Basilica of San Albino.

Ron was a family man! Aboard motorcycles, Ron and his two sons took a well-planned trip from Colorado to Canada, camping and fishing, enjoying spots such as Yellowstone and other scenic sites.

He loved travel-Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bosnia-Herzegovina, former Yugoslavia, and United States RVing to all but one of the mainland states, and visiting Alaska and Hawaii, and plenty of cruises too. He ultimately shared and instilled love of travel to the next generations of McDonalds.

He presented a friendly and warm personality when he proudly introduced himself, "Hi, I'm Ronald McDonald" the name he knew was guaranteed to bring a smile, especially after the inevitable question- Really? His was a life well lived. He went to the Lord on October 24, 2025.

He is survived by his wife Olivia, children Dr. Douglas McDonald (Isabel); Mark McDonald (Heather), sister Sandra McDonald Reynolds, grandchildren: Gabriel McDonald (Alexa), Katheryn McDonald, Morgan McDonald Greenberg (Max), Dylan McDonald, and Nolan McDonald.

FUNERAL SERVICES Basilica of San Albino 2070 Calle De Santiago, Mesilla, NM 88046 Friday, November 21 at 11 :00 a.m. Rosary followed by Mass.