Patti (Mims) McAlister went home to her Lord and Savior Tuesday, April 4th at the age of 89. She will forever be remembered as an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and dear friend.
Patti was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Jim McAlister, her parents, Mick and Ann Anible (Poague) and a sister Mickie Brun. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She is survived by two daughters, Stacie Leigh of Fort Smith and Kim Olson (Bob) of Brookston, IN; her sister, Jane Gaer of Van Buren; three grandchildren, Klint Thornburg of Fort Smith, Erik Olson (Lindsey) of St. Joseph, MI and Beckie Christianson (Brian) of Omaha, NE; six great grandchildren; a brother in law, Dan McAlister (Jean) of Hope, AR and many nieces and nephews and friends.
After attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville she went to work for Automotive, Inc. and met the love of her life, Jim. They married and moved to Dennison, TX and eventually back to be near family. Patti worked as a substitute teacher during her daughter’s school years and was very involved in their lives from dance lessons, to school activities to PTA president. She never missed a ball game or any activities of her grandson, Klint. She also took several trips to Broken Arrow to attend Erik and Beckie’s activities. She loved to be on the go with friends and family.
Patti was definitely one of a kind, everyone that knew her loved her and they knew she held a special place in her heart for them. All of her neighbors and their children were all like family to her; she was their Mim’s too. She would rock, feed or even pull a tooth if needed. Her chocolate cake was a huge hit at our block parties. Everyone has their special memories of her and she will be definitely missed by all.
A memorial service will be 1:00PM, Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home; the family will visit with friends following the service. A private burial will be in the U.S. National Cemetery.