Christa Reulecke McDonald, age 89, of Malvern, died Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Hot Springs. She was born on February 12, 1937, in Braunlage, Germany, to the late Heinrich Reulecke and Elisabeth Dreymann Reulecke.

A resident of Arkansas since 1961, she was the widow of the late Henry Louis McDonald, whom she married on May 24, 1961. He preceded her in death in 1998.

She is survived by her children, Donna McDonald and Rodney McDonald; by Donna's children, Ivy, Daniel, and Amber; and by Rodney and his family.

Christa was well known for her distinctive German accent and her many interests and hobbies within the Malvern community. She was an excellent cook and baker, had a lifelong fascination with archaeology, and was an avid reader. She enjoyed caring for plants and succulents, was an accomplished knitter, created beautiful needlework, transformed gourds into intricately painted works of art, and crafted whimsical rock creations. She also loved Dixieland jazz and hiking and found great joy in sharing her talents by teaching many of Malvern's children how to swim and helping others in the community learn to knit.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, August 1, 2026, at 11:00, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Malvern/Hot Spring County Library.

Online condolences may be made via jafunkfuneralhome.com.