Individual Details
(March 23, 1931 - May 20, 2011)
Betty Lou McAllister of Santa Rosa peacefully went home to her Lord on Friday, May 20, 2011. She was born on March 23, 1931, in Long Beach, CA. Her family consists of her husband of fifty-eight years, the Rev. Jim McAllister; Debbie (daughter) and her children Elizabeth and T.J.; Dawnna Ortega (daughter), her husband Ralph and their son Jim (1987-2010); and Don/Skip (son), his wife Amy and their children Erin, Elise, and Leigh. She is survived by her brothers Wayne Terry of San Diego, CA, Bob Terry, of Bullhead City, AZ, and her sister Alice La Pinta of Pilot Hill, CA. Betty Lou was best known by her friends and family as a gifted musician. She spent much of her life as an accompanist for churches and choirs in Southern California and the San Francisco Peninsula. For over twelve years Betty Lou enjoyed singing with the 200 voice Masterworks Chorale of San Mateo, performing with them in Italy, Greece, and Spain, and at Carnegie Hall. She and her husband, Jim, enjoyed RVing extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, cruising on the seven seas and traveling abroad. Betty Lou will most be remembered for her strong Christian faith, and her ability to create harmony in the world around her by bringing out the best in everyone through her joyous love, acceptance, and laughter. While Betty Lou's encore is in Heaven, she will be deeply missed here on Earth. The family greatly appreciates Betty Lou's primary care physician Dr. Bruce Tucker for his thoughtful care these past several months, and two specialists, Drs. Eugene Belogorsky (pulmonology), and Tomas Vasiliauskas (cardiology). We also appreciate the expertise and care of the medical staff of Santa Rosa Memorial hospital and the gentle ministry of the Memorial Hospice team. A memorial service will be held for Betty Lou on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Community Church of Sebastopol, 1000 Gravenstein Highway (Hwy 116 North), Sebastopol. In lieu of flowers we encourage contributions to Memorial Hospice, 821 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. (Published Online in the Press Democrat from May 26 to May 29, 2011.)
Events
| Birth | March 23, 1931 | Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California | | | |
| Marriage | June 6, 1953 | San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California - James McAllister | | | |
| Death | May 20, 2011 | Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California | | | |
Families