By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
5 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, July 7, 2020

    9:00 am to 9:45 am

    St. Joseph Church, Lebanon, IL.

  • Service

    Tuesday, July 7, 2020

    10:00 am

    St. Joseph Church, Lebanon, IL.

    ** Due to Covid-19 restrictions,

    those attending Mass will need to wear a mask.**

  • Full Obituary

    Alice McAllister passed away peacefully July 3, 2020 at the age of 90.

    Alice was born September 13, 1929, in Breese, IL to Harry and Agnes (nee Niebur) Venhaus.  Along with her parents, her husband Garneau “Mac” McAllister, of 51 years preceded her death, as well as, her brother Norbert Venhaus and sisters, Rita Stratmann and Jane Schulte.

    Alice and Mac moved from Breese to Lebanon, IL in 1955.  They raised their family, providing a fun and loving home for their four children; Marnell (Michael) Moore, Manhattan Beach, CA, Randy (Reata) McAllister, Troy, IL, Peggy (Dave) Clem, Blackhawk, CO, and Paul (Tammi) McAllister, Troy, IL.  Alice moved to Meridian Village Assisted Living in Glen Carbon, IL in 2014.

    Alice’s passion was sewing and crocheting, and it showed in the beautiful clothing and afghan’s she made for the family.  She also kept busy by canning all the vegetables raised in Mac’s bountiful garden and cooking what was brought home from fishing and hunting trips.  She enjoyed family outings at the Breese clubhouse and boating on the Mississippi River.

    Later in life, Alice dedicated herself to volunteering at St. Joseph’s Church in Lebanon, walking indoors with her friends at McKendree University, and attending dances in surrounding towns with her girlfriends.

    In addition to her four children, Alice is survived by her grandchildren, Erin (Ben) Starr, Caitlin (Dillon) Sandoval, Michael Moore, Lauren (Brian) Lewis, Kyle McAllister, Brandon (Kelly) Clem, Travis (Erin) Clem, Chally Clem, Dylan Clem, Morgan McAllister and Mason McAllister; great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Daisy and Alice Starr, Hunter and Zoe Sandoval, and Harper Clem.

    Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

    Visitation:  Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 9:00 am to 9:45 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL.

    Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 10:00 am, St. Joseph Church, Lebanon, IL.

    ** Due to Covid-19 restrictions, those attending Mass will need to wear a mask.**

    Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Lebanon, IL

    Clergy:  Msgr. James Margason, Pastor

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

5 Condolences
 
  1. Joseph Cioni / July 3, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    I have so many fond memories of your mother and your father. I always told her when I saw her walking uptown that there goes the prettiest woman in Lebanon. It was my pleasure and honor to be her dentist.
    My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother.

    Joseph Cioni DMD

  2. Tom Forsyth / July 6, 2020 at 9:14 am

    I did not know Alice or Mac well, but I recall how involved and beloved they were in St. Joseph’s parish during my early years there in the 1990’s. I know they were warm, loving people–the kind you hate to lose and will always remember. To all family and friends of Alice, please accept my hope for God’s comfort upon you. May she rest peacefully in God’s loving hands, and may we all enjoy the peace and blessing that we believe Alice now has in God’s heavenly kingdom.

  3. Betty Gerstenecker Tjaden / July 9, 2020 at 4:18 pm

    Your mom would have proud of you all. Her funeral was beautiful, simple and yet elegant just as she was. I have so many memories of our lives: Meyer street fall ditch/chili parties, “chicken picken” at the church hall, Sundays on the river in our younger days, I can’t believe I now find out she didn’t like the water. She never said a word. That was your Mom. Mac, the four of you and her grandchildren were her world. I am sure she has her wings and will continue to watch over all of you.

  4. Jacqueline Hoffman / July 12, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    I met your mother in 2014 at the Meridian Assisted Living. My mother (Marge Seibert) sat at the same table until February 2020 when she passed away. My mother and Alice were best of friends always taking walks which they both liked to do and always looked after each other forever. I was so surprised when I learned of Alice’s passing and her service was on my mother’s birthday July 7th. My sister and I would always be there for them at lunch, playing bingo and listening the music when they had them. They enjoyed each others company and mom was lost when Alice had to go to Rehab , but she did go see her. Will now the two buddies have their angel wings and I am sure after they see their immediate family they will find each other again and start walking together again. My sister and I will miss her when we are able to visit some of their friends they left behind at the Meridian. We will miss Alice so much, she was just part of us. I am so sorry for your loss – she was gracious, stylish and so much fun.

  5. Karin Grunden / July 24, 2020 at 9:46 pm

    Alice was the best! She cleaned our family’s home growing up and I remember her cheerful disposition and encouraging words. I have a funny memory from my high school years. I was upstairs getting ready for school. She was downstairs cleaning. All of the sudden, we both felt shaking. I thought she was eagerly cleaning a ceiling fan. I’m not sure what she thought I was doing – but it turned out it we had experienced an earthquake!
    I have thought about Alice fondly through the years and am glad she lived a long life. I am certain she has left a wonderful legacy for all of you.
    My condolences,
    Karin Tremoulet Grunden

Leave a Condolence or Memory: