With heavy hearts, we share the peaceful passing of Mrs. Alva Dean Barnes McDonald, age 94, of Livingston, who left this world in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on November 13, 1930, on Rock Crusher Mountain in Livingston, Tennessee, to the late Quitman and Cora Ledbetter Barnes. Growing up on a farm taught Alva Dean many lessons which she carried throughout her life. Salt, sugar and oats were the only staples purchased from the store; everything else the family ate was raised on their farm. She took particular pride in the fact that her father raised Certified Angus Beef cattle.

Alva Dean was a woman of deep faith, and her life was one of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. A 1951 graduate of Livingston Academy, she was a fantastic basketball player and played on Coach Elmo Swallows’ famed team that won 48 straight games, a Tennessee state record that endured for many years. She was a proud founding member of the Aldersgate Free Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Alva Dean worked for many years as a group leader at the RCA factory in Indianapolis before retiring, building her retirement home in Livingston next door to the home in which she was raised.

Alva Dean’s interests included gardening, bird watching – particularly feeding hummingbirds, quilting and sewing, canning, and watching sports, especially basketball and any football game in which Peyton Manning was playing. However, Alva Dean’s true calling was as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was the light of her life, and nothing brought her more joy than the time spent surrounded by those she loved.

She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Loretta Saunders of Indianapolis, IN; her cherished grandchildren, Jason Saunders (Catherine) of Terre Haute, IN, Christopher Saunders of Indianapolis, IN, and Britni Saunders (Phillip Fischer) of Austin, TX; and her precious great- grandchildren, Emma, Samuel, and Elizabeth "Libby" Saunders, who brought so much joy to her life. She also had several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins who were very special to her.

Alva Dean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert McDonald, her son, Gary McDonald, her brothers, Aldon and J. Bruce Barnes (Orvie Ruth), and her sisters, Geraldine Barnes and Geneva Barnes Peterman (Carl). Though she is now resting with them, her spirit and love continue to live on in the hearts of her family.

The family will gather for visitation on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 12 noon until the funeral service at 1 p.m. Bro. Erick Barrett will officiate. The service will take place in the chapel of Speck Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Fredonia Cemetery. Her memory will forever be treasured, and her family is so grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time of loss. Alva Dean's love for her family, her kindness, and her quiet
strength will live on in each of us.

Pallbearers: Jason Saunders, Christopher Saunders, Phillip Fischer, David Peterman, Nickey Franklin and Samuel Saunders