Marcelyn McAllister

Marcelyn Sue McAllister, age 82, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024, with her devoted husband by her side, after a twelve-year struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was born August 1942 in Saginaw, MI, the oldest child of Robert and Evelyn Hiles. She was a graduate of Capitol University in Columbus, OH. Her beloved husband of 58 years, Ron, survives her as do her daughters, Amy (Chris) Daley, Julie (Dann) Van Dyke; son, Scott (Kirsten) McAllister; seven grandchildren, Emily (Tyler) Sniegowski, Grace Van Dyke, Abby Daley, Mary Daley, Dylan, Paige, and Tyler McAllister; and brother, Roger (Linda) Hiles. Another brother, Daniel (Beth) Hiles, preceded her in death.

Marcy was a first grade teacher, then loved being a full-time mom to her children. Her two passions were music and sewing. She played the organ for church services beginning at the age of 14 and accompanied choirs of all ages on the piano for nearly forty years. From an early age, she loved to sew, making clothes for herself and her family for many years. Later, she made custom draperies for a home decorating shop. She also became an avid quilter and was a former member of the Grand Haven and Allendale Quilt Guilds. Marcy had a strong faith her entire life and was a great Christian witness. “Now absent from the body, present with the Lord.” (II Corinthians 5:8). A special heartfelt thank you to the memory care staff at Waterford Place in Jenison where she was a resident for 5 years, and for the outstanding help of the Faith Hospice staff. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 23, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendale) 6651 Scott St. with Pastor Caleb Walcott officiating. Burial will take place at Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Monday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice or Youth Haven.