Lois McAllister, 76

Lois McAllister, 76, died at her home in Ronan on April 21. She was born in Muleshoe, Texas, on Aug. 6, 1947, the second child of Jack and Dealia Peel.

She attended school in Muleshoe until the family moved to the Mission Valley in 1964 and graduated from Ronan High School the following year. 

Lois married Vic McAllister in Pablo on July 15, 1966. They were married 48-and-one-half years until Vic’s passing in 2015. 

She worked for the Ronan-Pablo school district for 30 years, the last 24 of which were as secretary at K. William Harvey Elementary in Ronan. During this time, she developed lasting friendships that meant the world to her.

Lois’s family meant everything to her, and she devoted herself to loving and caring for them. She was a great cook and a gracious hostess. She will long be remembered for her amazing desserts and baked goods. 

Hunting camp was never lacking in pound cakes, chocolate chip cookies and zucchini bread. Everyone looked forward to Lois’s cinnamon rolls at the McAllister brandings.

Other interests included camping, scrapbooking and canning. Every home Lois lived in was surrounded by beautiful flowers that she cared for. She was especially gifted at raising African violets. 

Her vegetable garden provided enough food for her and Vic as well as the boys and their families. Her patience with sharing her gift did not go unnoticed.

Lois was a long-time member of Pablo Christian Church. She gave her life to Jesus at an early age and served Him faithfully throughout her life. The prayer chain was something she was committed to and, despite her health challenges, she continued to serve in that ministry.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, great-grandson Owen McAllister, nephews Kraig Myers and Ty McKay, and niece Crystal McAllister. She is survived by her sons, Russ (Christy) of Kila and Scott (Tammy) of Hot Springs; grandchildren Garrett, Clay (Ashley), Claire, Elena, Jack, Nick, Chase, Carston (Gabe) and Caden, and “bonus grandsons” Luke and Kavan Horner; great-granddaughters Sophia and Margot; siblings Don (Janet) Peel of Kalispell, Derrell (Pat) Peel of Stillwater, Okla., and Janette (Rob) Myers of Ronan; and sisters-in-law Marti (Charley) Bauer, Sharon (Bruce) Simpson, and Cindy St. Clair; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Pablo Christian Church at 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, with burial in the Ronan Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Lois can be made to the Hope for Harlee Foundation, P.O. Box 397, Hot Springs, MT 59845, or online at www.hopeforharlee.org. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.