Obituary of Gay McCallister

Gay McCallister (Bartram) 84, of Beach Park, Ill., passed away Monday, April 4, 2011 at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. She was born in the West Virginia coal country on Feb. 3, 1927 in Chattaroy, WV, to the late Ben and Norma Bartram. Gay was united in marriage to Bill McCallister on Jan. 31, 1948 during a blinding snow storm in Williamson WV. He passed away on June 26, 1982. Gay was a long time resident of Zion and Beach Park after moving to Zion from Ragland WV, in 1966. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. Everyone that knew her felt her kindness, friendship and generosity. Although her smile, big heart and warm hugs will be missed, the family unity and traditions that she held so dear are treasured and will continue. She was a great cook and we'll miss her spaghetti, fried apple pies and big Christmas morning breakfast. Gay was so proud of her family. She loved her three children and their spouses, Norma ( the late Roger) Rigby of Antioch Ill., Bill (Toni) McCallister of Pleasant Prairie, Wis; and Del (Sheri) McCallister of Pleasant Prairie, Wis. She also cherished her grandchildren Tom (Gina) Osborne, Nichole (Robert) Jones, Roger Rigby Jr., Tyler and Trevor McCallister, Dustin and Kacie McCallister; six great- grandchildren, loving nieces, nephews and other family. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband; son-in-law Roger Rigby and three brothers, Buster, Howard and Wayne Bartram. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 9 at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, Illinois followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Pine View Cemetery, Beach Park, Illinois.