1928-2024
Revah M. (Atkins) McAllister, 96, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away at 1:10 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024, at her home at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria.
She was born July 31, 1928, to Frank and Ermel (Lance) Atkins near Fillmore, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her sisters Hazel, Thelma, Helen Dorene and brother Verl.
She graduated from Rosendale High School, then married Okel McAllister on May 28, 1946. She was a farm wife. She would ride their horse to round up the Holsteins and herd them to the barn for milking. She had a big garden, canned and sewed. She helped with 4-H and many school and church activities.
Okel and Revah had three children and were married 59 years until his passing in 2005. Surviving children are Beckie Poole (Jim-deceased) of Metamora, Illinois; Roger McAllister (Laurie) of Vancouver, Washington; and Chad McAllister (Katrina) of Monument, Colorado. Her grandchildren blessed her greatly: Joshua Poole (Angie) of Metamora, Illinois; Mary Poole Baird of Fort Collins, Colorado; Kaitlin McAllister of Monument, Colorado; Cooper McAllister of Monument, Colorado; and Gina Parshall (Barry) of Portland, Oregon. Her six great-grandchildren were GREAT, according to her. They loved her stories and playing Rummikub.
Revah had the gift of hospitality. She loved entertaining company and camping. Her sense of humor and storytelling could fill a room with laughter.
Her highest priorities in life were faith, family and friends. As a young mother she started the first Children’s Church at Antioch Christian Church near Fillmore, Missouri. After moving to Colorado, she enjoyed the Christian Women’s Club in Denver and Women’s Aglow in Colorado Springs.
She married family friend, Chuck Hudson, in 2006. She returned to his home in Missouri and enjoyed country life again until his passing in 2012. She then moved to Metamora, Illinois, to live with her daughter. She loved the Hands of Love Women’s Bible Study in Germantown Hills. She became “mom” to many of the gals. She had the gift of intercessory prayer. Being confined to a wheelchair did not stop her from serving the Lord.
Her favorite hymn was “In the Garden.” She lived by the Golden Rule and put others first. Revah’s life could be summed up in the greatest commandment: Matthew 22:37-39 — Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date in Fillmore, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hands of Love Ministry, 704 Devon Drive, Metamora, IL 61548-9460.
Online condolences at www. masonfuneralhomes.com.
