Suzanne (Gaither) Bockstruck McAllister

SUZANNE BOCKSTRUCK McALLISTER

KALISPELL, MT.  - Suzanne Isabelle McAllister passed away peacefully on Monday, February 15, 2021 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with her family at her side.

Suzanne was born in southwest Illinois in 1931 to Lloyd and Beulah Gaither.

She married Robert Bockstruck in 1952 and they made their home in Alton, Illinois. To this union three children were born, Patricia, Mary and Robert. She spent her married years as a loving mother and homemaker, sharing her love of music with her piano students, as well as to area schools. Robert preceded her in death in 1971.

Suzanne continued to raise her three children while attending college pursuing a music degree, eventually marrying James H. McAllister in 1980. They shared many years together before his death in 2001.

She brought lots of love, light, and laughter to those she met, and one of her greatest joys was becoming Grandma Susie, not only to her own grandchildren, but also becoming an "adopted" grandma to many local children as well. She enjoyed her music, cooking delicious food for her loved ones, canning and pickling whatever produce she could  get her hands on, writing poetry, and watching "Jeopardy". She often volunteered at local elementary schools, Big Brothers and Sisters, and for the Central School Museum.

Surviving are her children and their spouses,  Patricia and Dennis Mossman of Jerseyville, Mary and Jeffrey Wallace of Kalispell, MT., and Robert and Michelle Bockstruck of Godfrey, nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and a brother, Myron Gaither of New Jersey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her spouses, and a brother, Lloyd H. Gaither.

A Celebration of her life is being planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to My Glacier Village in Kalispell or Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Flathead County, Mt.
 

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