Patricia Ann McAlister's Obituary
Patricia Darnold McAlister passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during an unexpected hospitalization. She was 94 years old and lived life with zest. She had plans, goals, and dreams she still hoped to achieve.
She was born on January 7, 1932, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to George and Irene Darnold. She was the oldest of three, with two brothers. Her father doted on her and called her his “Patty”. Growing up she wore beautiful clothes, had amazing opportunities, and knew how to command a room. She learned this from 12 years of expression lessons. We believe this is when she developed her enthusiastic use of adjectives!
Her freshman year in college she attended a finishing school for girls, then transferred to the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. She was the social chairman for her sorority, Tri Delta. She met and fell in love with Reed McAlister, who was the Beta President. Reed and Pat were married on June 6, 1953. For 63 years until his passing in 2016, they lived a full life together and left an enduring legacy. They enjoyed four children, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Pat faithfully attended the games and performances of all the kids, grandchildren and even her neighbors’ children. They had a long, loving marriage and after her husband, “Poppa” was gone, she continued to describe herself as married.
Since 1973, they enjoyed life with their friends and neighbors on Ridge Crest Drive, and their time as long-term members of First Baptist Church. Because of her deep faith, we are confident that Pat is in the presence of her Lord, accompanied by Reed and her beloved family and friends already in heaven.
She is survived by three children, Sheri Rhoades (Rocky Rhoades), Jenifer Chilton (Gene Chilton) and Robert “Tal” McAlister. Grandchildren include Christopher Chilton (Brianna Chilton), Bryce Chilton, Shannon Allert (Chase Allert), Brandon McAlister, Mitchell McAlister, and Samantha McAlister. She has four great grandsons that include Emerson Chilton, Roman Chilton, Bear Allert, and Calvin Allert. She is preceded in death by son Reed D McAlister, grandson Dylan McAlister, parents George and Irene Darnold and brothers John and Richard Darnold. In addition, she loved all her Canyon Creek neighbors and was deemed the neighborhood ‘grandma’. Finally, she leaves behind her rescue dog Annie who is a valued member of her family.
She was remarkable for many reasons, and throughout her life she demonstrated adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning. She was born during the depression in the dustbowl of Oklahoma, yet she died, using a MacBook Air and paying bills online. Many times, she exclaimed, “I hate technology” yet she adapted to it. She loved to text and we will all treasure her check-ins “Thinking of you, call me when you can”.
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