Peggy Jean Reinert McAllister, 87, of St. Charles, IA and formerly of Ottumwa, IA passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Bright Kavanaugh Hospice House in Des Moines, IA. She was born in Harper, IA on October 9, 1933 to Peter Reinert and Mary Mildred Lane Clubb.
Peggy was a graduate of the Ottumwa High School class of 1951. She was very proud of her accomplishments when she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from William Penn College, Oskaloosa, IA in 1979 and her Master of Arts degree in English from The University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA in 1985.
Peggy married Wayne McAllister on Easter Sunday of April 10, 1955, her early years were spent raising her children and working on the family farm in Ottumwa. She was actively involved in her children’s school and church programs. She later worked for the Franklin School hot lunch program. Upon completion of college, she taught High School English in various school districts. Before retirement she was a substitute teacher in the Redfield / Des Moines area while also working at Menards and Meredith Corp.
Peggy’s talents were many, she was an extremely accomplished seamstress, and gardener. She had strong abilities to design and construct many DIY projects from fabric, wood, metal, concrete to farm tractors. She enjoyed camping with her family throughout the United States, appreciated live performances of the theatre, roller skating, dancing and photography. Peggy was a strong advocate of continued education and the proper use of grammar.
She is survived by her sister: Patricia Gwin of Wildwood, FL and her children: Cyndi McAllister of Carlisle, IA, Sherri Housley of Indianola, IA and Chris (Julie) McAllister of Indianola, IA.
Grandchildren: Jessica (Shawn) O’Brien, Sam (Megan) Eastlick, Brandon (Jen) Utz, Bryce Housley, Blake Housley, Ryan (Emily) McAllister & Shelby McAllister
Great Grandchildren: Annica, Kadyn, Ayden, Gracie, Jacob, Morgan, Brylen and Oliver with several nieces and nephews. She preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Mary Ruth Gwin.
Peggy was excited to see the spring flowers this year. A graveside service officiated by Shawn O’Brien will be held at 11:30 am Saturday, May 1, 2021 at her father Peter Reinert’s plot in block 3 of Shaul Cemetery, 1339 Bluegrass Rd., Ottumwa, IA.
Families and friends are welcome to visit and share a potluck luncheon following the service at Shelter #2 in Wildwood Park, 1821 W. Finley Ave, Ottumwa IA 52501.
The family of Peggy would like to express their sincere thanks for the wonderful help and care given by EveryStep Hospice in Des Moines, IA. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the EveryStep Hospice, 3000 Easton Blvd #3, Des Moines, IA 50317.
