Obituaries
"Father" Donald McAllister
Dover, NH - Rev. Donald McAllister, 85, died Sunday August 26, 2018 at St. Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Born in Norway, Maine August 21, 1933 the son of Donald F. and Mildred (Oberg) McAllister.
Father Don was a 1955 graduate of the University of Maine (studying his junior year at the University of Oslo, Norway), received MA at Tufts University in 1956, MS in American Literature at Columbia College, studied at University of Helsinki in Finland where he earned his PhD. He also earned a MS in clinical Psychology from Villanova University and a MS in Theology at Washington Theological Coalition.
He had been a social studies teacher at Ellsworth (Maine) High School, later at Milo High School, and also had taught at Wilber Lynch High School in Amsterdam, NY.
Father Don converted to Roman Catholicism in 1958 and was ordained into the priesthood with the Augustinian Fathers, on his birthday in 1971, in Amsterdam, NY. He had served as Chaplain at St. Mary Hospital in San Francisco, and at the Catherine McAuley Health Center and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital both in Ann Arbor, MI, and also taught medical ethics at area medical and nursing schools in Michigan.
He returned to Maine in 1988 and became Chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Portland and was formally welcomed as a member of the clergy of the Diocese of Portland in 1993 and retired in 2003. He came to Dover, NH and resided and assisted at St. Mary Church, and has served as Chaplain in Residence at St. Ann Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dover (NH) for about 10 years.
Services: A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated 11:00 am Wednesday September 5th at the Parish of the Assumption, St. Mary Church, corner of Chestnut & Third Sts., Dover, NH. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 12:00 noon Thursday September 6th at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 32 Paris St., Norway, ME with Most Rev. Robert Deeley, JCD, Bishop of Portland as celebrant. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, East Stoneham, ME. Father McAllister’s degrees could fill a dance hall
Paul Emmitt Towry, Founder of Clan McAlister of America
Colonel Paul E. Towry (Army Ret.), age 96, died on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 in New Braunfels, Texas. He was born and raised in Skinem, Tennessee. 
Following high school graduation, he graduated from Chillicothe (Ohio) Business College. Soon thereafter, he began his 30-year Army career. His military service spanned World War II, with combat service in France and Germany, through Vietnam. His assignments took him and his family throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East.
Following his Army retirement, Paul's entrepreneurial spirit helped him succeed in two business ventures—an import/export business in Okinawa dealing in oriental fine art and jewelry, and after returning to the US, a flooring business in Eureka Springs, AR. He finally retired to Texas, where he continued his hobbies as a poet, songwriter, world traveler with his wife Nita, and genealogist of the Towry and McAlister names. He helped found the Towry/Towery Family of America, serving as President, Director, and Trustee. He was bestowed their highest honor of Chairman Emeritus several years ago. He also helped found the Clan McAlister of America, a genealogical organization to research his maternal family heritage.
Paul's interest in genealogy was of particular importance to him and it can be said, “he never met a stranger.” He would ask everyone he met ‘what’s your name and where are you from?’ Paul is preceded in death by his parents, John Ewin and Mary Julia McAlister Towry; and wives Ruth S. Towry-Mortar, Ethel “Kathi” Milsted Towry, and the strongest love of his life, Juanita Strock Towry.
He is survived by his children John F. (Gretchen) Towry, Paula Towry, Linda (Vahe) Najarian and Patricia (Laurent) Sibiril; six grandchildren Hollie Dean, Michelle Hetzel, Jennifer Fisher, Aida Kenyon, Oshine Najarian, Jessica Hozain and Quintin Sibiril; ten great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Joint services will be held for both Col. Towry and his wife, Juanita, who died on January 29, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Fisher House Foundation at www.fisherhouse.org. More information
Juanita "Nita" Shepard (Strock) Towry
Juanita "Nita" Shepard (Strock) Towry, age 93, passed away in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, January 29, 2016. She was born on February 3, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio. Nita attended Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. After many years living in Dallas, Texas, she relocated to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. There, Nita was elected as the City Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Eureka Springs, where she later retired. She was a 75-year member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Meredith Strock and Eda Shepard (Lowrie) Strock and her first husband, William J. Barner. Nita will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her devoted husband of 22 years, Col. Paul E. Towry (US Army Ret.); her son, Bradley Barner; granddaughter, Jennifer Barner Fisher and husband, Thomas; grandsons, Robin Barner and wife, Sarah; and Chris Barner and wife, Jenny; four great-grandchildren, Matthew Fisher, Lauren Fisher, Beetrix Barner and Ruby Barner; and stepson, John Towry and wife, Gretchen. In lieu of flowers, request memorial gifts to the San Antonio Chapter of the Salvation Army. More information
Wade Starr
Wade Starr, 87, of Dallas passed away on Friday, October 2, 2015 at a local Dallas hospital. He will always be remembered as a generous, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all that knew and loved him.
He was born in Dallas, Texas on August 27, 1928 to Luther and Alice Rutledge Starr. After his father's death in 1937, his mother married M. D. (Bob) Holston with whom he enjoyed a close father-son relationship. His mother and step-father owned A&B Transfer and Storage Company and he began working in the business at an early age. He graduated from Jesuit Preparatory School in 1946. He attended Southern Methodist University where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (with a major in Accounting) in 1949 and a Juris Doctorate in 1963. He received his license to practice Law in 1963 and continued to practice in the firm of Goodstein & Starr, P. C. until his retirement January 1, 1996. He served in the U. S. Naval Reserve from June 23, 1948 until January 6, 1953 when he enlisted in the U. S. Navy for active duty. He was honorably discharged October 29, 1954.
His passion for photography and swimming began in his youth. In later years, it would include family history and genealogical research. In his retirement years, much of his time was devoted to working with several genealogical societies. He published a book of photos, testimonials and family history dedicated to his maternal grandmother Mary Magdeline McAlister. He enjoyed traveling, fishing and just spending time at his condo on the Texas Coast.
Survivors include his wife Joy Turner Star; daughters: Ann Conner and Dana Bates (husband Leland); grandchildren: Michael Wade, Erin, Meghan and Drew Conner, Nikki Crocker and Taylor Bates; great grandchildren: Morgan Conner, Katlyn and Kai Crocker, Austin and Garrett Hill, Preston Bates; brother-in-law Don Turner, sister-in-law Edwina Dye; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and step-father.
A Funeral Service will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Northwest Chapel, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX 75225. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society Online condolences can be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com. More information
Wanda J. Shelton
Wanda Joy (Haworth) Shelton entered this life on February 9, 1933 to Troy Elwood and Ina Lowell (Rider) Haworth in Achille , Oklahoma. Wanda went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 1, 2015 in Denison, Texas at the age of 82 years and 20 days.
Wanda has lived in Bryan County for most of her life and graduated from Blue High School. On December 10, 1954 in Durant, Wanda and James Wesley Shelton were united in marriage and spent many loving years together until his passing on September 28, 1998. She spent 15 years as an Air Force wife, living in many different states. Wanda was an independent business woman owning her own florist shop and also a drapery business. Later on, she worked as a genealogist and was also active in many organizations including, Mary Quisenberry Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society of United States Daughters of 1812 and United Daughters of the Confederacy having served these organizations in both local and state offices. Wanda was a member of the First Baptist Church in Durant where she was a part of the Adult III Sunday School class and was also a longtime volunteer for the Bryan Co. Genealogy Library in Calera , Oklahoma . In her free time, Wanda enjoyed genealogy, sewing, gardening, reading, OU football, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wanda is preceded in death by her husband, James Shelton; parents, Ina and Troy Haworth; grandson, Bo Jay Cowan; great granddaughters, Josslyn Marie Peddy and Nora Norton.
Wanda is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Diane Cowan of Durant, Lori Cathleen Peddy and husband Jimmy Dale of Durant; brothers, Donald Elwood Haworth of Durant, Gary Louis Haworth of Durant; granddaughters, Tracey Michelle O’Brien and husband Command Master Chief Joseph Alan O’Brien of Virginia Beach, VA, Amanda Cathleen Norton and husband Landon of Ft. Worth, TX, Jana Marie Johnson of Albuquerque, NM, Sarah Elizabeth Smarr and husband James J. Smarr of Sherman, TX; granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Cowan of San Diego, CA; grandsons, Matthew Jay Cowan and wife Susie of Little Rock, AR, Private First Class Joshua Allen Peddy of Ft. Meade, MD; great grandchildren, Kaitlynn O’Brien, Courtney Cowan, Greta Cowan, Bailey Carroway, Kenny Carroway, Brynne Norton, Braith Norton, Dara Norton, Maryn Norton, Maiya Johnson, Makenna Johnson and Jolee Smarr; along with many other loving family and friends.
Wanda was CMA member #658 and joined CMA in 1994. She was in the W10-William McCollister family line. Wanda was elected to the CMA Board of Directors and Chairman of the Genealogy Committee, July 2000. She served on the Board of Directors until July 2006 and Chairman of the Genealogy Committee until December 2006. In July 2007 she was elected to the CMA Board of Trustees and served until her death March 1, 2015. Wanda became interested in DNA as a helping hand in Genealogy research in about the year 2000. She started the McAlister DNA Project in Family Tree DNA and served as Co-Administrator until her death in 2015.
Stephen McCallister
Stephen McCallister passed away Thursday, May 23, 2013. He was born in Evansville in 1949 and graduated from Magister Noster Latin School. He graduated from St. Meinrad College with a BA degree in 1971. He had worked variously for Marianna Interiors, St. Mary's Medical Center, Stephen Witte Associates and Image Source Photography. He was keyboardist for 15 years at Holy Rosary Church and then a choir member, cantor and psalmist at St. Mary Church downtown, the last three years he was Director of Worship at St. Mary's. He had formerly sung with the Evansville Philharmonic Chorus and the Evansville Choral Artists.
Stephen was a former president of the Westside Improvement Association; an inductee in the Brute Society of the Diocese of Evansville and a Kentucky Colonel. He was an avid gardener, historian and genealogist. Hiscontributions to the Clan McAlister of America were significant, both as a researcher and an excellent Query editor.
He was the son of Charles C. McCallister and Catherine T. McCallister who predeceased him. He is survived by two sisters, Vickie Kane (John) and Mary Anne Schmitt (Tony); two nephews, Curtis Schmitt (Shelley) and Brent Schmitt (Jaclyn); niece, Jenna Schmitt; great nephew, Liam Thomas Schmitt; and special cousin; Michael Kinch (Kris) and daughter Jacqueline.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, officiated by the Rev. Stephen P. Lintzenich. Visitation will be on Monday, May 27, 2013 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the church and on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will take place following at St. Joseph Cemetery. Alexander West Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church for memorial Masses or to St. Meinrad Archabbey
John Y. McCollister
John Y. McCollister, June 10th, 1921 to November 1, 2013, is survived by his wife Betty H. McCollister; children: John S. McCollister (Deb), Stephen J. McCollister (Pat), and Bruce C. McCollister (Cathy). Grandchildren: S. Scott McCollister (Trina), Todd J. McCollister (Lania), Lauren Ledger (Dan), Daniel McCollister, Keith McCollister (Larissa), John P. McCollister (Mallory), Jeff McCollister, Beth Josten (Brian), and Molly McCollister. Step-Grandchildren: Matt Jackson (April), Angela Olander (Dave), Nate Jackson (Meisha). Great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren: Aspen McCollister, Cadence McCollister, Mallory Jackson, Hudson McCollister, Andrew Ledger, Sawyer McCollister, David Ledger, Brady McCollister, Bennett McCollister, Brooklyn Olander, and Morgan Jackson. Brother R. Paul McCollister (Barbie). Preceeded in death by his parents, John M. and Ruth Y. McCollister; his first wife Nanette S. McCollister; his brothers, Edwin S. McCollister and Howard R. McCollister.
Education:
Mr. McCollister is a graduate of the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, with the degree of a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. (1943) He was President of the College of Commerce Senior Class of "43, President of the Commerce Club, President of Phi Kappa Psi social fraternity and a member of the Iowa track and cross-country teams.
Military Service:
Upon graduation from the University of Iowa, Mr. McCollister was inducted into the United States Naval Reserve and was commissioned as Ensign in August, 1943. He was ordered to attend the Navy Radar Technical School at Harvard and MIT. Upon completion of that training in August of 1944, he served as RADAR Officer aboard the USS Birmingham, CL 62 in the Western Pacific. In January 1946 he was released to inactive duty with the rank of Lieutenant (jg)
Business:
He was a Sales Representative for IBM in Moline, Illinois, and Waterloo, Iowa from 1946 to 1952. In early 1952 he became IBM Special Representative to the meat packing industry throughout the United States. He left IBM in mid-1953 to join his father in the manufacture of fluid lubricants in Omaha, Nebraska. Now, partially retired, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, McCollister & Company, Council Bluffs, Iowa, a regional manufacturer of fluid lubricants. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Omaha National Bank (now US Bank--Nebraska) until his election to the United States House of Representatives in 1970.
Community Service:
Leadership has been given to a number of Omaha organizations. He served the Mid America Council, BSA, in a number of capacities including three terms as Council President. He also served as Regional Chairman and a member of the National Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting has awarded the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope to him. He has been the President of the Downtown Omaha Kiwanis Club, President of a school Community Club, taught church school for ten years. He was chairman of the Board of Trustees and an Elder of Dundee Presbyterian Church. He is a Mason, 32 degree KCCH Scottish Rite. He has been a member of the Boards of Directors of Greater Omaha Community Action, Westside Community Schools, Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Omaha Sales Executives, Omaha Association for Retarded Children, Omaha Children's Hospital and Iowa Association of Business and Industry. For a number of years he gave leadership to various sections of the United Fund campaigns. Recently he was a member of the Board of Trustees, Countryside Community Church in Omaha, and was chair of Countryside Church's recent Sanctuary capital fund campaign.
Political Involvement:
He has been an active Republican Party volunteer serving as Second District Chairman, State Executive Committee, Senior President of Nebraska Republican Founders Day, a delegate to the National Conventions in 1968 and 1988. In elective office, he was elected to be a Douglas County Commissioner twice and was elected to the US House of Representatives three times, 1971-1977. He was the Republican nominee for election to the United States Senate in 1976. He has recently served as a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Association of Former Member of Congress and was chair of the Association Long Range Planning Committee.
Private Inurnment services will be held at Countryside Community Church Columbarium. A memorial service will be held at Dundee Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m. on November 8, 2013, followed by a reception in the Church's Memorial Hall. The family requests that memorials be made to the VNA Hospice program in Omaha or to a charity of your choice.
Mary Jane McAlister
Mary Jane McAlister, 83, Greenwood, Indiana, passed away peacefully Monday, January 12, 2009 at Community Hospital South, Indianapolis. Mary was born November 4, 1925 in Kokomo, Indiana. She was married to Frank C. McAlister (J01) for 65 years after being high school sweethearts for five years. Mrs. McAlister was a resident of Greenwood Village South where she enjoyed art, euchre, bingo, and shuffleboard. She was a DAR, Beta Sigma Phi, and "PHT". A graduate of University Beauty College and a beautician for 15 years. She was ribbon winning oil painting artist and winemaker. Mary and Frank were avid travelers and enjoyed trips to Ireland, Alaska, Germany, Switzerland, and South America. When they were not traveling you could find them at Indiana University football and basketball games, Survivors include here loving husband, Frank; son, Mark of Bloomington and Hilton Head, NC; daughter, Susan of Indianapolis; four grandchildren, Daniel, Leith, Brand, and James; and a great grandson, Jax.
Services:11 A.M., Thursday, January 15, 2009 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Greenwood Chapel, 481 W. Main St., Greenwood, Indiana 46142 with Chaplain Joanna Morse Lekberg officiating. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Greenwood, Indiana.
Lois Mildred Hartwick J02
Lois M. Hartwick of England, AR went into the arms of the Savior August 14, 2008 at Springhill Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, AR from complications following open-heart surgery. She was born July 15, 1924 to Ira and Myrtle Rogers McAlister. She was married to Amon D. Hartwick on March 8, 1945. They were blessed to be together 63 years.
Lois graduated from England High School and earned her teaching degree from Arkansas State Teachers College in 1958. She began her teaching career at Central High School near England. She taught for many years in the England Public School System. In 1970 she helped establish the England Academy where she taught until her retirement in 1976.
Lois was charter member #5 of Clan McAlister of America. She is indexed in the J02 ancestral line of the CMA database. She served on the first Board of Directors of the Clan McAlister of America from 1990 to 1996. During the first few years as a Board member she worked closely with Paul Towry, the founder of Clan McAlister of America and was instrumental in the organizational growth of the CMA. Her favorite job at the CMA gatherings was registrar. She loved to sit at the registration desk to meet and greet her CMA cousins.
Lois was a member of the first united Methodist Church in England but attended Landmark Baptist Church in England. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Roger A. Hartwick Her survivors are her husband, her son Grady Hartwick and his wife Lisa; daughter-in-law Kim Hartwick Rowe; grandsons Jeremy and Justin Hartwick all of England; a granddaughter Heather Miller of Ohio; a great grandson, Carter Alan Hartwick of Sheridan and her sister Rhea M. Perry of England.
Funeral services will be at Landmark Baptist Church Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 P.M. by Bro. David Jimerson. Visitation will be Saturday, August 16 from 6-8 P.M. at Roller England Funeral Home (501) 842-3939.
The family request that memorials be sent to Landmark Baptist Church, P O Box 177, England, AR 72046.
John Andrew McAlister A09-3
John Andrew McAllister, 78, the only child of the late Elizabeth Jones and Darrell McAllister of Mt. Carmel, died peacefully at the Abbeville Area Medical Center, July 23, 2007.
Born on Dec. 25, 1928, he lived most of his life in Mt. Carmel, retiring in 2005 to the Due West Retirement Center. He attended Calhoun Falls public schools and graduated from Calhoun Falls High School in 1945 with perfect attendance all 12 years. He entered Clemson University after graduation but left shortly after his freshman year when his father died, and he returned home to help his mother operate the family business that was established in 1888 by his grandfather, John A. McAllister. The business grew to include a retail furniture store, cattle and timber farm with numerous real estate holdings. Through his public service, devotion to conservation and economic development in rural communities, he distinguished himself in numerous industries.
He was the Mayor of Mt. Carmel for more than 30 years. Most notably, he was a founder of the West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative in 1952 where he served as president for almost 54 years. Upon his retirement in 2006, he was elected President Emeritus. He served many leadership roles in this industry including the Board of National Telephone Cooperative Association and was awarded NTCA's Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2001. He was also named a charter member of the USDA Rural Telephone Bank Board in 1971 and continued serving for more than 35 years. He served as the Chairman of the Savannah Valley Authority, which spearheaded the development of Savannah Lakes Village. He also served as Chairman of the Upper Savannah Council of Governments. His outstanding work earned him the first SC Economic Development Association's Lifetime Service Award in 1989, and in 1992 the National Association of Development Organizations named him the Outstanding Board Member. The Old Ninety-Six Tourism Commission honored him for his accomplishments in economic development in the Piedmont area.
Mr. McAllister was a member of the South Carolina Forestry Commission. His lifelong commitment as a steward of the land earned him the State Conservationist of the Year Award, the Tree Farmer of the Year in South Carolina, the SC Forestry Association's 1996 Charles H. Flory Distinguished Service Award and a 35-year pin of service from the McCormick County Soil and Water Conservation District. He was also recognized numerous times by SC Wildlife Federation and SC Land Resources Commission, and served on the RC&D Council. He served as Chairman of the John de la Howe School Board of Trustees, member of the McCormick County Arts Council and the MACK Foundation. He also served on the Board of Trustees at Erskine College, Board of Visitors and National Alumni Council at Clemson University, and Parents Council at Converse College. He is Director Emeritus for Piedmont Technical College Foundation and was awarded the Presidential Medallion for Distinguished Service. He was also on the Drummond Center Board of Directors. In 1986, Gov. Richard Riley awarded him the Order of Palmetto, the highest service award given to a private citizen in South Carolina. He was bestowed with an honorary degree Doctor of Humanities from Erskine College in 1989 and an honorary degree Doctor of Laws from Clemson University in 1990. Based on his lifelong support of the Boy Scouts of America, he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, the highest volunteer citation given by Scouting.
He was instrumental in the organization of the Willington-Mt. Carmel Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Calhoun Falls Lions Club, a lifetime member of Calhoun Falls Masonic Lodge No. 283, and a charter member to the Mt. Carmel Yacht Club. He served as an elder of the Abbeville-Mt. Carmel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant sons: James Jones McAllister and Darrell Wesley McAllister. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Catherine Mae Harter formerly of Ninety-Six; son John A. McAllister Jr., and wife Carolyn C. Matthews of Columbia; son T. Edwin McAllister and partner Paul Meyer of Washington DC; daughter Cathy M. Watson and husband, J. Calhoun Watson of Columbia; son Westley D. McAllister, and wife Angel. F. McAllister of Mt. Carmel; and daughter Mary S. McAllister of Columbia. He leaves behind grandchildren: Anne Leigh and Sarah Elizabeth McAllister of Shelbyville, Ky.; Catherine Tatum Watson, Joseph Calhoun ("Jay") Watson, Jr., Elizabeth Kirkland ("Bess") Watson of Columbia, Thomas Edwin McAllister of Anderson, Charles Jacob (Jake) McAllister of Mt. Carmel and Austin A. Bruner and husband Collin Bruner of Charleston. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 2:00 from the Due West A.R.P. Church, Due West, SC, with the Dr. Rev. Randle T. Ruble and Rev. Lee P. Kennerly officiating.
The burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hwy 81, Mt. Carmel, SC. The family will receive friends at the Bowie Art Center 2 Bonner Street, Due West from 5:00 until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. Mr. McAllister's body is at the Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home 208 South Main St. Abbeville, SC, where he will be available for viewing from noon until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening. The family is at the home of Ed McAllister Main St. Mt. Carmel, SC. Pallbearers are Ernie Segars of Laurens, Dave Herron and Mack Beaty of Abbeville, John Shiflet of York, Mike Copeland of Columbia, Moses Gray and Mike Fowler of Mt. Carmel, and Jennings McAbee of McCormick. Honorary Pallbearers are Board of Directors and employees of West Carolina Rural Telephone Cooperative. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Foundation for Rural Service, 4121 Wilson Blvd., Tenth Floor Arlington, VA 22203.
James R. McAlister
James R. McAlister (Jim), 69, of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Charlevoix, Michigan, went to be with his Lord November 9th, 2007 at Saint Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 22, 1938, the fourth child of the late James R. McAlister, Sr. and Anna Stein McAlister. The family moved to Marine City, Michigan in 1950 where heCity High School in 1956. He earned a Civil Engineering degree from Michigan Tech after which he was commissioned into the United States Air Force at James Connelly AFB in Waco, Texas. While in Waco, he met Gloria Bradley of Jonesboro, who was attending Baylor University. They were married Sept. 24th, 1961 at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Gloria Bradley McAlister, daughters: Kelly (Rabbi Aaron) Spiegel of Indianapolis, Indiana, Allison (Tyler) Burchyett of Hernando, Mississippi, and son Craig McAlister of Jonesboro. Five grandchildren: Hannah, Eli and Gabe Spiegel of Indianapolis and Barrett and Baylee Burchyett of Hernando. He is survived by two sisters: Patricia (Hank) Marwin of Troy, Michigan and Mary Lou (Mike) Moore of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; sister-in-law, Barbara (Edgar) Currier of Lakeland, Tennessee, and mother-in-law Helen Bradley, Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Anna McAlister, step-mother, Alma McAlister, sister, Betty Hill, brother, Bill McAlister, and father-inlaw, Doug Bradley.
Jim retired from the Air Force as a Lt. Col. in 1981. During his 21 year career, he served two tours during the Vietnam War, earning the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Metal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Metal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and several other medals and awards. He was a Command Navigator with over 4300 hours of fl ight time in the B-52 aircraft.
In 1981, the family moved to Jonesboro where he served as a Senior Vice President of Citizens Bank. He also taught business classes at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge. He was an active member of and past president of the University Heights Lions Club. He held membership in local service organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, the Retired Offi cers Assoc, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. A long time member of Walnut Street Baptist Church, he served as an Adult Sunday School teacher as well as a member of the Finance Committee and the Sanctuary Choir. The family moved to Fort Worth, Texas in 1988 where Jim was employed with General Dynamics as a Specialist in the Advanced Products Division.
He earned an M.A. in Operational Management from Central Michigan University in 1973, an MBA from Arkansas State University in 1988, professional degrees from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer's School and the Stonier School of Banking in New Jersey.
There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Jim's life on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 pm at Walnut Street Baptist Church, Jonesboro. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington D.C. A Memorial Service will be held at the Charlevoix Reformed Church in MI at a later date.
Honorary Pall Bearers will be members of Ron Hatley's Sunday School Class and the University Heights Lions Club. Those wishing to leave a lasting memorial may choose the building fund at Walnut Street Baptist Church, 1910 Scenic Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72401, the Gideon's Bible Society, P. O. Box 4002 Jonesboro, AR 72403, or the charity of your choice.
Sybert Maurice McAllister
Hartselle, AL
Funeral for Sybert Maurice McAllister, 82, of Hartselle will be Thursday, March 20, 2008, at 7 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. David Gamble officiating and Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the service.
Graveside service will be Friday at 3 p.m. at Big Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery in Dothan with Dr. Steve Hankins officiating.
Mr. McAllister, who died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Decatur General Hospital, was born June 23, 1925, in Malvern to Dorman Sybert McAllister and Dixie Bell McAllister. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, where he served in the U.S. Army. He was retired from Goodyear Service Stores after 33 years.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette McAllister; two sons, Dale (Carolyn) McAllister of Hamilton, Ohio, and Bruce (Ellen) McAllister of Taylor, S.C.; sister, Mary Jo Dunning of Beaufort, S.C.; sister-in-law, Shirley McAllister of Dothan; and six grandchildren, Brannon, Shayne, Kellie, Karis, Marilyn and Nancy. The family request memorials be made to Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund, Baptist World Missions, Bob Jones University or Gideons Bible Fund.
Published in the Decatur Daily on 3/19/2008.
William C. (Bill) Vincent
On May 30, 2007, WILLIAM CARROLL VINCENT, born 12 Jan 1931, beloved husband of Donna Jean Vincent (nee Secrest), beloved father of Eugenie Vincent, Tamara Vincent Joyce, Gloria Sanders, Catherine Gibbany, William Gosnell, Jr., Daniel and John Gosnell, loving grandfather of William and McAlister Joyce, Tim Sanders, Sarah Nicole and Coulter Gibbany, Kevin, Tyler, Amber, Julia and Brandon Gosnell.
Friends may call at the family-owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Road (beltway exit 26A) Saturday 7 to 9 P.M., and Sunday 3 to 5 P.M. Family and friends are to gather on the Ruck Towson parking lot by 10:30 A.M. Monday for a funeral procession to Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens and an 11 A.M. graveside service. The family suggest memorial contributions in William's name to the St. Andrew's Society of Baltimore, P.O. Box 4114, Timonium, MD, 21093.
Published in the Baltimore Sun on 6/1/2007.
Webmaster wrote: "Bill Vincent was a good friend of mine. He was an inveterate optimist. He openly and genuinely loved. He made me feel good when I was with him; he made me feel like I mattered. His gentle demeanor and his excellent ability as a raconteur will be missed."
Cindy McAlister Bresson wrote: "It saddens me to report that the Clan McAlister has lost another loyal member and hard-working researcher. Bill Vincent died on May 30, 2007 just a few days after attending the wedding of a granddaughter, where he is said to have danced with all the pretty girls. Bill was a big man, not just in stature, but also in intellect and in ability. Bill had a big love for his family, a big heart, and a big interest in all things Scottish. After retiring from a career in law and real estate investments, Bill turned his efforts to researching the history of the McAlister family in Scotland. He was generous with his time, his friendship, his resources and played a large roll in amassing a huge data base of Scottish records. Over the past two years he spent many hours in his home office serving as Query Editor for the Clan McAlister journal. Among Bill's hobbies, besides genealogy, were running his sailboat on Chesapeake Bay, golf, traveling, and keeping track of his grandkids. He also liked to sing opera and enjoyed a good joke. When the CMA met in Washington D.C. in 2000, several of us one evening visited an area of Georgetown right on the Potomac River. On meeting some exchange students from Romania, Bill tried to convince the students he was a yacht captain and offered to take them for a ride on his yacht. If you never had the chance to see Bill Vincent in authentic regalia (including the McAlister tartan kilt), with his full head of thick white hair, a beaming smile on his face, and holding forth with some ridiculous line of pure blarney, you have missed quite an experience. Bill, my friend, our time together was entirely too short and you will be sorely missed. I am sure that you and Arlington Bob have already gotten together and are busy terrorizing any Campbells you can find!"
Robert M. McAllister
Robert M. McAllister, our "Arlington Bob", former CMA Historian, Genealogist, past President, J26 Line Coordinator, Secretary, Query Editor and frequent speaker and genealogy room greeter and host at Clan gatherings, died suddenly December 19, 2005 in Washington, DC. Bob died of a heart attack while recovering from his fifth cancer operation. A mass of Resurrection was held at his Episcopal parish church in Washington, D.C. where he had been active as a lector for many years. His interment was at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Bob was a retired USAF Lt. Colonel, having served during WWII in the China-Burma-India Theater and at many other stations thereafter as an intelligence officer.
Bob hosted a popular weekly Fairfax County (VA) television series called "Out of the Past", a documentary program where he interviewed primarily WWII veterans about their experiences during that historical time period in order that their accomplishments and sacrifices would be known to later generations. He also helped keep the oral history alive as the primary organizer for the Military History Society of Northern Virginia that met every two weeks, providing a forum for shared experiences and new discovery. A very modest man, it was learned at his wake that he had been cited by President Clinton for his volunteer work as a docent at the Old Executive Office Building near the White House as well as at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Shortly before his final operation he was among several journalists and historians, including Walter Cronkite, who were panelists at the National Press Club commemoration of war correspondents.
Born 14 February 1923, Bob's first five years were spent in Danville and Richmond, Virginia before the family moved to Brooklyn. A serious and accomplished student, Bob attended the demanding Brooklyn Technical High School. After graduation and trying a few jobs, he enrolled North Carolina State in Raleigh, until his studies were interrupted by his call to service in April 1943. After military service Bob enrolled in the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he met Mary Ellen. She majored in Chemistry and Bob in European History. Their graduation was in June 1949, and they were married in Savannah, Georgia, Mary Ellen's home town 26 July 1949.
Bob was in the US Army Signal Corps for three years during World War II, including eighteen months in China, Burma and India. Bob accepted a regular commission in the US Air Force in July, 1949. His Air Force assignments included three years in England, and two years in Germany. During his seventeen years in the Air Force, Bob was an intelligence officer with the Strategic Air Command.
Bob was a member (#142) of CMA since 1991, and was appointed Clan Historian in July 1993. His line designator is J26, meaning that he is descended from James McAlister of Tryon / Lincoln County, North Carolina. He was a frequent contributor of articles that he had researched and written for the Mac-Alasdair Clan and the Clan web page. As the primary contact for incoming queries from the CMA web page, Bob corresponded with hundreds of people who were seeking information on their McAlister background.
Bob's genealogical interests led to many positions of service to numerous organizations, and also enabled many new acquaintances to get to know him as a friend. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Scottish Heritage Society and an occasional popular lecturer at their annual symposiums in Laurinburg, NC. He was vitally interested in the history and genealogy of the Clan McAlister and developed a database he called "MAC1" containing McAlisters that trace back to Somerled in the 13th century from seven different traditional sources. It was his goal to expand the clan genealogy and connect CMA lines to their Scottish ancestors as well as document as much of his MAC1 as possible. He was an early and regular contributor to the Scottish Research Project (SRP) which is a group of McAlister researchers who garner source and other reliable Scottish genealogical records of McAlisters for a searchable digital database, and two days before his death, he talked of committing more time to the project when he was fully recovered.
On several occasions he worked with others in a team effort to access and copy all the genealogical materials concerning McAlisters in the Library of Congress and certain military records at the National Archives. He was also active in the National Genealogical Society and was a Trustee for the historical Arlington, VA Public Library which houses extensive genealogical and historically significant collections.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ellen and was extremely proud of their loving family including daughter Vicky; son Robert, Jr. and daughter-in-law Debbie; and grandchildren Audrey, Emily Jane, and Paul.
Stan Carroll
Stanley Neal Carroll was born Aug. 31, 1935 and died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005. He was 70 years of age.
He was a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technoloby, and was employed as an aerospace engineer at NASA. He was active in the Genealogy Committee of the CMA and provided considerable assistance converting GEDCOM files into a format suitable for the CMA database. He was consistently chipper, helpful and a good friend.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Carroll (Oct 2003, we think) of cancer also. Survivors include daughter, Beverly C. Naylor of Huntsville; two grandchildren, Megan Eckard and Ross Naylor of Huntsville; sister, Betty Jo Parsons of Bowdon, GA., brother, Charles E. Carroll of Bremen, GA., and several nieces and nephews. (Click on image to right.)
Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. today at Berryhill Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Mike Calvert officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.
Jessie Faye Jamison Lane
Jessie Faye Jamison Lane, 77, of Jefferson City, Tennessee passed away after a brief illness on June 18, 2005 at her home. Visitation for family and friends will be at Forest Hill East Funeral Home from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2005.
Funeral Services will be held at White Station Church of Christ, 1106 Colonial, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2005. Interment following the services will be at Forest Hill East Cemetery at 2440 Whitten.
Originally from Jonesboro, Arkansas, she was a former resident of Memphis where she taught first grade for 21 years at Sea Isle Elementary School and the University of Memphis Campus School. She was also Principal of Richland Elementary School in Memphis from 1976 until her retirement in 1985. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas and her Masters of Science in Education degree from the University of Memphis.
Mrs. Lane was active in genealogy and was past president of the McAllister Family Society of America. She was also a member of Clan Gunn and Clan MacLean. She was active with the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and served as a volunteer at the Glenmore Victorian Mansion in Jefferson City. She attended Laurel Church of Christ in Knoxville and was formerly a member of White Station Church of Christ in Memphis.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert W. Lane and her son, O. Kirk Lane of Jefferson City and her daughter, Lea Ann Lane Flatt, of Memphis. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Lindsey Jean Lane, of Memphis, and Robert Houston Lane, of Jefferson City, and Jonathon Thomas Flatt and Katherine Elizabeth Flatt, of Memphis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vera M. Harrell
Ada Evening News, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004
Vera M. Harrell, Mobile, Ala.
Services for Vera M. Harrell, 100, of Mobile, Ala., formerly of Ada, Okla., are 11 a.m. Friday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Ada, the Rev. John D. Norvell officiating, with burial following at Rosedale Cemetery, Ada.
Mrs. Harrell died Jan. 9, 2004, at a Mobile, Ala. assisted living facility. She was born Jan. 27, 1903, at Earlsboro, Indian Territory, to Dr. Elisha R. and Stella Mae Murray McAlister. The family moved to Seminole in 1911 and she grew up there. She moved to Ada to teach at East Central State Teacher's College. She married Lowrey H. Harrell in 1930. He died Dec.19, 1955. She was a longtime active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Survivors include five grandchildren, Charlotte Harrell Kaufman and husband Houston, Chris Harrell and wife Kim, Marc Harrell, Dr. Jullette Moran Saussy, and Allison Moran Castle and her husband, Wilson; a daughter-in-law, Katherine Harrell; and seven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, a son, James Harrell, a daughter, Jane Harrell Moran, and a sister, Veva Duffer.
The family says those who wish may make memorials to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box B, Ada, OK, or a charity of choice. Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
Fred Ranson McAlister, Jr.
The Reverend Fred Ranson McAlister, Jr. (A09) 76, of Charlotte, died Sunday, February 15, 2004 following a lengthy illness. He was born October 7, 1927 in Union, SC and was the son of the late Rev. Fred R. McAlister and Estelle Haile McAlister. His grandfather was Jesse Newton McAlister (A09-2-1-5-2) and his gread-grandparents were Obediah Bowen and Elmira Adams McAlister (A09-2-1-5).
He was a graduate of Central High School in Charlotte and Davidson College. He received his Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and his Master of Theology from Princeton University Theological School.
After pastorates at Linwood Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, NC and Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA, he entered the United States Navy as a Chaplain. He rose to the rank of Captain before his retirement in July of 1975. His 20 years of service in the Navy was varied and distinguished. Among others, his tours of duty included one with the U.S. Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC, with Destroyer Squadron 36, and at the Naval Air Station in Atsugi, Japan. Rev. McAlister also served with the Third Marine Division at Camp Carroll in Vietnam in 1968-69. He served as Director of the Senior Chaplain School in Newport, RI. After his retirement from the Navy, he spent two years as Associate Presbyter for Christian Education with the Mecklenburg Presbytery. He was called to be senior pastor at Third Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and remained there until his retirement in 1991. He joyfully agreed to be Parish Associate in Westminster Presbyterian Church and after four years accepted the same position at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in Mint Hill, NC, where he had spent his childhood. Ill health forced Rev. McAlister into another retirement in 2001. In the words of the late Rev. Jennings Reed, long time friend and golf partner, "Fred McAlister was a unique and multi-talented individual whom the Lord had richly blessed in ministry. He was an outstanding Presbyter, serving on almost every committee of Presbytery, on council and as moderator. He often served as pastor's pastor and was recognized for his ability to bring reconciliation where it was needed." He was both a dispenser and collector of hugs and he endeared himself to members of congregations through his love, empathy, and compassion.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Lillian Burkhalter McAlister; daughters, Louise O'Shea and her husband, Thomas, of Greensboro, NC, and Mary Beth Brown and her husband, David, of Raleigh, NC; son, Andrew McAlister of Charlotte, NC; seven grandchildren, Aaron Brown, Jordan Brown, Anna-Margaret Brown, Ryan O'Shea, Kevin O'Shea, Meaghan O'Shea, and Kyle McAlister; and sister, Ann McAlister Fee. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227 with the Reverend Ken Craig, Reverend Bob James, Reverend Charles Kirkpatrick and Reverend Joseph Welker officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 17, 2004 from 6:30-8:30 PM at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 or to Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Charlotte, NC 28227.
Arrangements by McEwen Funeral and Cremation Services, Mint Hill Chapel.
Teddy Kent McAlister
Teddy Kent McAlister (AM01-B-6-1) passsed away on January 16, 2004 in Aurora, CO. He was buried in the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO. He had been in poor health for the last few years. Ted McAlister was born in Wattis, Carbon, Co., Utah on December 18, 1923. Together with his first wife Barbara Joy Carlson McAlister, Ted spent much time and money in the 1980's in Kintyre, Scotland, researching our Scottish Macalister ancestors. The studies that Capt. Ian MacDonald wrote for Ted comprise much of our knowledge of these early families and our connection to them. During a visit to Salt Lake City by the CMA Genealogist, Ted assisted in retrieving many McAlister records from the Mormon Church archives, which filled in significant gaps in the CMA computer data base. Many members of the Clan McAlister of America remember Ted's warmth and humor and his wearing of the kilt and his green leprachaun suit in past Gatherings. Very few members loved the CMA more. Few gave it as much love and enthusiasm. We will miss him.
Louis F. McAlister
Born 11 Jan 1928, died 4 December 2003, married Helen Catherine Forester in Pine Bluff, AR, 19 Aug 1946, E01-4-1-3-3.
Louis F. McAlister, age 75, of Little Rock went to be with his Lord on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003. He was born on Jan. 11, 1928, in Pine Bluff, Ark., a son of the late Will and Minerva Spires McAlister.
He was also preceded in death by one brother, Willie Lee (Bill) McAlister, and one sister, Mary Lee King. In 1946, he began his career with Southwestern Bell as an unlocated lineman and retired as a district manager in 1984 with 37 years of service. He was an active member of Telephone Pioneers of America.
Louis was the founder and leader of a Telephone Pioneers of America volunteer group, building wheelchair ramps for the handicapped. In 1988 he was asked initially to design and build ramps at 19 homes in Pulaski County. He recruited a dedicated group of Telephone Pioneers and the group built over 900 ramps in Pulaski County over the past 15 years and they have a growing back-log of work. The wheelchair access program which he started in Little Rock is believed to be the first of its kind in the United States and has been the subject of numerous newspaper, magazine, and television stories. The program's success led to Mr. McAlister helping to organize and train groups nationwide in various cities. He was named the National Telephone Pioneers of America Volunteer of the Year, and received numerous other awards throughout his career.
His volunteerism also benefited Habitat for Humanity, Race for the Cure, Aldersgate Fish Fry, and many other projects.
He was a lifelong and dedicated Presbyterian and was an Elder of Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock and was active in various ministries throughout the Presbytery. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Forester McAlister; daughter, Cathy McAlister; sons, Louis Jr. and wife Kathy, Michael and wife Susan, all of Little Rock; sister, Frances Sue Mahan and husband Delton of Cleburn, Texas; grandchildren, James Poe and wife Beca of Fayetteville, Jett, Colin, Schuyler, Grace, Stuart, and Catie McAlister, Allison and Emily Rose Prigmore, all of Little Rock; one greatgrandson, Logan Poe; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock with The Reverend Steve Hancock officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at 14 Cascade Drive, Little Rock (228-5147 ).
In lieu of flowers, lasting memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72227; or Arkansas Hospice, 5600 W. 12th St., Little Rock, Ark., 72204. Cremation arrangements were with Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (224-8300) assisting.
Obituary forwarded by J.A. McAlister, December 7, 2003
Bobbye McAlister Arnold
Born June 1928, died April 2003, married William Joshua Arnold, 12 April 1952, WC01-1-4-7-4-1
BATESVILLE, AR - Bobbye McAlister Arnold, 74, of Batesville died Saturday at her home. She was born June 8, 1928, in Russellville to Robert W. and Anna Wells McAlister. Mrs. Arnold was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Batesville. She was a former President of the United Methodist Women and a member of the Arnold-Stokes UMW Circle. She was a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and a former Home Extension Agent with the University of Arkansas for Independence County. Mrs. Arnold was also the President of Clan McAlister, Inc. and a Democratic Party Central Committeewoman for 33 years. She was a member of the Independence County Hospice Program.
Mrs. Arnold is survived by two children, Blair Arnold of Batesville and Beth Arnold Morgan of Little Rock, and her mother. Also Surviving her are five grandchildren: Blair Danielle Graves, Bret Christiana Graves, William Allen Arnold, Elizabeth Louise Arnold, and Jacob Paul Arnold.
A visitation will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. LaVon Post officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. (870) 793-4161.
From Arkansas Democrat/Gazette, April 8, 2003
Rose Beatrice (Dawson) Dykes
Born 26 January 1921, Baltimore, MD, died 22 April 2003, married Woodrow Dykes 26 June 1939, C01-3-3-1-6-2-2-1
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD - Rose Dykes died this evening after a long battle with congestive heart failure. It seems like a lifetime ago that I first met Rose in 1979 when she asked me, a first term legislator, to help her to get a resolution passed declaring "Scleroderma Awareness Week" to bring public recognition to the disease that was devastating her husband, Woody. Thus began a wonderful friendship that lasted twenty-four years. Rose had more than her share of pain and disappointments, but she was always smiling and always ready to lend a helping hand.
Over the years, we worked together on many projects in the community and for the Republican party. One of her proudest accomplishments was getting a public library for the Hereford Community. She was a dedicated member of the DAR and insisted on me getting my paperwork completed. She worked with determination to have a stream on her farm named in state land records after her husband. It is now officialy called Dykes Creek.
Rose baked hundreds of cakes for church events and for Republican Club meetings. The Northern Baltimore County Republican and Civic Association recognized her as the Republican of the Year.
In each of my campaigns, she was a constant fixture in my campaign office, driving faithfully from her home in Northern Baltimore County. When the torch passed to Bob Ehrlich, she worked tirelessly for his Gubernatorial campaign too. Even when she was in a wheelchair and dragging an oxygen tank, nothing would keep Rose down.
Rose was one of a kind, always doing for others, asking for nothing in return. If she believed in you, she was your friend for life. Her courage in adversity was never dimmed. It is said that no one grows old living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals. Rose Dykes never grew old!
Her community, her church, her family, and her friends will always be the richer for having known her. More information
Obituary written by: Ambassador Ellen R. Sauerbrey, United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Baldwin, MD.
Altha Margaret (Brayton) McAllaster
Born August 10, 1900, died 1 March 2003, married Guy C. McAllaster on 1 October 1921 at Little River, KS.
STERLING - Altha Margaret McAllaster, 102, died March 1, 2003, at Thorne Care Center, Hutchinson, KS.
She was born Aug. 10, 1900 at Little River, the daughter of William H. and Lena Truesdale Brayton. A longtime Sterling resident, she was a retired cook at the former Union II School, Sterling, for 16 years and at the Sterling College cafeteria for several years. In addition, she always opened her home to anyone who would stop by for a meal and a chat. She was known to everyone as "Grandma Mc." She was also known for her delicious cinnamon rolls and cookies. She loved her family and she was there to reach out to them. She and her husband's early years were spent in the Little River area, moving to their farm at Sterling in 1940. She and Guy moved into Sterling in 1978. In 1988, she moved to Wesley Towers in Hutchinson and resided there until her death. Her entire 102 years were spent within 25 miles of where she was born. Altha leaves as a legacy to her family the faith she had in the Lord and her love for her family and friends.
She belonged to United Presbyterian Church, Sterling.
On Oct. 11, 1921, she married Guy C. McAllaster at Little River. He died March 10, 1982.
Survivors include: two sons and their wives, Daniel F. and Faye McAllaster, Beaverton, Ore., and Robert Carol and Sue McAllaster, Horton; a daughter and husband, Anna Lou and Oick Wyatt, Dodge City; two daughters-in-law, Doris McAllaster, Omaha, Neb., and Donna Proffitt, Alden; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Wilbur G. in 1978 and Ansel H. in 1997; and a grandson, Don F. McAllaster in 1987.
Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Sterling United Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Glen Holman presiding. Private burial will be in Lyons Municipal Cemetery, Lyons, before the services. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 10 a.m. Friday at Sillin Funeral Home, Sterling.
Memorials may be sent to Sterling United Presbyterian Church or The Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Towers, both in care of the funeral home.
The above picture was taken at Wesley Towers in August 2000 at her 100th birthday celebration. There were over 300 people that attended this birthday gathering.