On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, Noma Darlene McKain McAlister slipped peacefully into the arms of her loving husband waiting at the feet of her Lord and Savior. She had been a resident of Via Christi Village.

Darlene was born May 3, 1927 in Independence, Kan. , the daughter of Homer Everett “Eritt” and Elizabeth Barbara (Crigger) McKain. As a young girl she moved with her parents, sister and two brothers to Ponca City. She attended grade school at McCord School in the Osage and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1947. She worked at S.H. Kress and St. Joseph’s Hospital until one day, at the old Cobb’s Café, she caught the eye of a spunky young mechanic, and thus began a love story that spanned more than sixty years. After waiting for the love of her life, Donald McAlister, to return from the Korean Conflict bearing wedding rings he purchased on the ship home, they married on January 6, 1952.

They began their lives and family in Ponca City being blessed with a son David on New Year’s Eve 1952. Two years later they were blessed with a daughter Donita and thought their family was complete, until twelve years later they were blessed with another daughter, Deena. Darlene was a devoted wife and mother. She deeply supported a musical education for all three children.

In 1979 the couple relocated to the Osage where they resided until declining health moved them to Via Christi Village. They remained together until Donald’s passing in 2013.

Darlene and Don spent many years between Texas and Colorad,o traveling in their RV. Darlene loved to write letters to family and enjoyed making friends, playing dominos and taking care of Don. She had comical stories from the campsite laundromat and rec room. Darlene also enjoyed sewing, needlework and especially crochet. She would learn new patterns from crochet groups while camping, and make afghans for her family for special occasions. Darlene liked busy hands. She seldom missed the Guiding Light, Days of Our Lives and Wheel of Fortune.

Darlene and Don were charter members of St. Luke’s Nazarene Church in Ponca City. She was a devout Christian who looked forward to seeing her Savior and lived each day as though he may call her home.

She is survived by her son David McAlister and his wife Linda of Burbank; two daughters Donita Gauger and her husband Steve of Ponca City, and Deena Neely of Enid; grandchildren, Darleanna Warnecke and husband John, Kristal Schlicting and husband Craig, Kendra Wright and husband Jeff, Daniel Holtz and husband Emmitt, David Lee McAlister II, and Logan Neely and wife Becca; and six great-grandchildren, Braley Warnecke, Cameron, Kylie and KayLynn Johnson, Cheyenne, Cora, Clara and Caroline Schlicting.

Darlene was preceded in death by Donald, her beloved husband of over 61½ years; her parents; two brothers, Homer and Donald McKain; and a sister, Wanda Bishop.

The family expresses their deepest appreciation for the loving care Darlene received during her stay at Via Christi and from the staff of Hospice of Northern Oklahoma.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 1 in Longwood Cemetery, Ponca City with her grandson, the Rev. Logan Neely of Enid officiating. Please wear masks and remember distancing. There will be no viewing at any time. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.