Lavonna Jean McAllister

Lavonna Jean McAllister

Longtime valley resident Lavonna Jean McAllister (87) passed away Feb. 5, 2020, at home from natural causes.

Vonnie, as she was known, was born July 10, 1933 in Sebeka, MN, to Clifford and Dolly (Breckenridge) Eckman. She grew up in Waliker and Motley, MN. In her teens she worked at her Aunt Blanch’s cafe. She met her husband Dick at a football game. He was down visiting relatives in MN. When Vonnie came to Alaska to visit him she worked at Bert’s drug store in Palmer serving at the soda fountain. Vonnie married Richard McAllister on Jan. 9, 1953 in Yuma AZ. When Dick was done serving in the Marines they drove home to Alaska. Vonnie raised three children born in Palmer. She worked in food service at the school district. She retired from the kitchen at the Pioneer Home in Palmer. She loved being outside and went on many camping, fishing, and hunting trips. Vonnie will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Vonnie was preceded in death by her husband Dick and daughter Sheryl Kunesh, her brothers Clifford and Richard Eckman.

She leaves behind her son Kurt (Althea) and daughter Kim (Duane). She leaves behind seven Grandchildren William and Ryan McAllister, Levi, Karlie, and Dalton Jacobs, Kristal and Derrick Walker and six great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a sister Phyllis and brother Leroy.

A celebration of her life will be June 6th at her son’s home.