Irene McAllister, 85

Irene McAllister, 85, “passed into the arms of her loving Lord and Savior” on December 4, 2017 at her home in Ronan.

She was born in 1932, in Fairview, Mont. to Lloyd and Pearl Welty. At the age of one her family moved to Kalispell, Mont. She attended Elrod, Central and Flathead County High schools. Irene worked for approximately three years after high school to earn and save money for college. She graduated from Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.

Irene met Vern McAllister at a church function and they were later married in 1966. She enjoyed living on the farm west of Pablo with Vern and continued living there until recent years. She found great satisfaction working with her flower gardens and fruit trees and was always appreciative of her amazing view of the Mission Mountains.

Irene loved children and she loved to teach. She taught school for 25 years and during her teaching career taught in 1st–4th grade. Her first teaching position was in Portland, Ore. followed by Great Falls, Mont., and completed her teaching career with 14 years in the Ronan/Pablo school district retiring in 1983. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (Women’s Teaching Society) and received her 40 year membership certificate at the 2017 state convention. She was also a longtime volunteer at the Pablo elementary school library.

Over the years, Irene loved spending time with her family, her many beloved pets and her friends. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed corresponding with family and loved ones and devoted time to Bible study. She was an active and lifetime member and supporter of the Church of Christ.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Irvin Welty; brothers-in-law: Donald, Lloyd and Bert McAllister; and sisters-in-law: Virginia and Clarice McAllister.

Irene is survived by two brothers: Floyd Welty of Kalispell, Mont. and Lyle Welty (Cynthia) of Austin, Texas; a sister-in law June Welty of San Antonio, Texas; and other numerous relatives and friends.

The memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, Dec. 18 at the Lake Funeral Home in Polson, with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Church of Christ in Ronan, Mont.

Lake Funeral home is caring for Irene’s family.