Ruth McAlister, 74, of Oak Harbor died Friday, March 18, 2005, at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville after a short illness.

Ruth was born July 9, 1930 in Fresno, Calif., to Jerald and Faye DeChant Johnson. She went to school in the Fresno school system, but starting at age 11 she became very aware of World War II and wanted to contribute to the war effort. She began working at the local USO to do her part and also as a waitress in a local restaurant so that she could save money to go to the movies. Ruth got through the war years and graduated from high school in Fresno in 1948. She later married Joe Carroll and was blessed with a son Rick. Joe died in 1966 after a long battle with cancer, leaving Ruth to raise her son.

In 1968 Ruth met and married Roy McAlister in Dinuba, Calif. In 1969 the U.S. Navy moved them to Oak Harbor, where they stayed until 1972, when Roy received orders for shipboard duty. The family, Ruth, Rick and recently born Carol, moved back to California. In 1979 the family returned to Oak Harbor and in 1980 Ruth went to work for Island Telepage as a dispatcher. She was employed there until she retired in 1989.

Ruth was a member of Family Bible Church where she enjoyed many friendships. She was especially fond of Christian music and artists and groups at the church. Ruth had also been a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, Amateur Radio Association and at one point had a M.A.R.R.S. radio setup in her home where she received teletype messages from military personnel who were overseas and relayed them to their families in the Northwest. Ruth was active with Citizens on Patrol here in Oak Harbor, a position she took very seriously and loved very deeply.

Ruth is survived by her husband of nearly 37 years, Roy G. McAlister, a son and his wife, Rick and Dawn Carroll of Oak Harbor and daughter Carol Keeler with husband William. Carol is presently stationed in Seoul, South Korea, and William is stationed in Iraq. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Christopher Allen Keeler, Brian Patrick Carroll, Kadie Lynn Carroll, Michael Anthony Keeler and Mia Elizabeth Keeler.

A private family gathering and visitation was held at Burley Funeral Chapel for Ruth Sunday, March 20, and a memorial service held at Family Bible Church Tuesday, March 22. Ruth was a 10-year breast cancer survivor, so in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.