Evelyn L McAlister

Evelyn Loretta (Ward) McAlister, 64, of Rogers, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2016 in Springdale. She died from extensive health complications following a stroke. Evelyn was born in Fort Smith on July 23, 1951 to the late William G. Ward, Jr. and Evelyn Virginia (Harmon) Ward. She married the love of her life, Tom Stephen McAlister, on December 23, 1977 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Evelyn obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Oklahoma Baptist University, and later received her non-traditional teaching license for the state of Arkansas. She was a respected and well-loved history teacher at Rogers High School. Evelyn homeschooled her own children for many years. She was an avid reader of historical non-fiction and an award-winning seamstress. She was an active Girl Scout leader and a devout member of Trinity Grace Church. In her lifetime, Evelyn went on several mission trips to Mexico and Honduras, helping build houses for those in need of shelter. She was also passionate about her research in history and genealogy, and she extensively charted both her and her husband's family ancestry all the way back to the 17th century. Evelyn is survived by her devoted husband, Tom of Rogers; two daughters, Virginia Ellen McAlister of Fayetteville and Elizabeth Susan McAlister of Benton; sister, R. Susan Spradlin of Wagoner, Oklahoma; brother, William Alan Ward of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, and youngest sister, Kathryn Elizabeth Ward. Evelyn's family would like to thank their extended family and friends for their unending love and support during the last several months. They would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the nurses and staff of the Highlands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Circle of Life Hospice House for helping them care for her with such love and compassion. Visitation will be on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 5 until 7 p.m. in Rollins Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be on Saturday, April 16 at 10:30 in Trinity Grace Church, Rogers. Burial will follow at Rogers Cemetery, Rogers. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.