Dorothy Izard

God shared one of His angels from heaven when Dorothy Marie McDonald was born in Lakewood, New Mexico on January 17, 1926.  Proud parents were Archie Leb McDonald and Marie Elizabeth Knowles McDonald.  Her parents and family eventually settled in Artesia, New Mexico where Dorothy graduated from high school in l943 and promptly went to work for the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe Railway, or the Santa Fe.  Work took her to the depot at Douro, New Mexico, out in the wide open spaces where she wore many hats along with being the telegraph operator.  Eventually, she was transferred back to Artesia depot.  While walking across the street going back to work, a young man spotted her and exclaimed to his friend, “Now THAT is marrying stock!”  After only a few months of a whirlwind courtship sprinkled with milkshakes and sincere love, Dorothy married John Carter Izard, “Izzy”, on January 3, 1946.  From that time on, she was a loving and devoted housewife that put 110% in making sure Izzy was well taken care of in every way possible and that included a chocolate cream pie with lots of meringue piled high on top.  One of their pleasures was taking a drive to Lake McMillan to sit and watch the full moon come up.

She took such pleasure in writing Christmas cards to friends and family that always included a personal note written in her beautiful handwriting that stayed pretty until the end.  Every family and friend’s needs were first and foremost and whatever was required in that situation was happily done with added extras included.  Their deaths were honored with a memorial sent to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home in Portales.

The family spent time going to singing competitions with their daughter, Carol Ann, or riding horses together.  The love for horses stayed in Dorothy’s life, and in later years, she and her daughter would go on trips together with their best friend, “horse hunting.”  Prince and Noble were both personal finds of hers.  Noble, a miniature horse, bonded with Dorothy and would give her kisses in which she would reward him with a piece of wheat bread.  Of course Prince benefitted, too.

When Colton was born there was nothing that could top her grandson!  When he was a tiny baby, he was getting changed and he reached out toward Dorothy and called out Mambie!  From that point on Dorothy became “Mambie.”  She was lovingly called Mambie by family, friends and just about everyone who came in contact with her.  The tender love, compassion and sweet smile followed by a memorable laugh drew everyone in.  Mambie could be naturally funny and could show a little spunk and sassiness as well.

The Lord guided her footsteps always and she ended every prayer with, “In Jesus name and for His sake, Amen.”  She was a blessing to all here on earth leaving behind a life complete with honor, grace, virtue and servanthood toward God’s commands.

Thank you to all the care givers who blessed Mambie with great moments of awesome loyal care and who brought laughter into her last days here on earth.  Lovingly nicknamed sassy bruiser and sassy britches for her quick wit and sharp mind.  She will be truly missed but never forgotten.

Dorothy Marie McDonald Izard, age 95, passed on March 25, 2021 in her daughter’s arms in Midland, TX.  She is preceded in death by her parents, by her husband, Izzy and 4 siblings.  Survivors include;  her daughter Carol Ann and her husband Todd of Midland, one grandson Colton and his wife, Kim and two great grandchildren Lila Marie and “BB” Conor of Seattle, WA.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 April 7, 2021.  Funeral services will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch on April 8, 2021 at 2:00pm., with Tim Baugh officiating.  Interment will be held at Woodbine Cemetery in Artesia, New Mexico on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 2:30 MST with Roby Zumwalt officiating. Livestreaming of the service will be available at livestream.com/npw.

Dorothy was a faithful member of the Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to New Mexico Christian Children’s Home or Midland Christian School.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.