GOUVERNEUR

Glenna “Ruth” McAllister, our loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, was called home on November 12, 2025. Born on March 19, 1925, in Gouverneur, New York, she was the daughter of Frederick Q. Drumb and Helen Mae (Shippee) Drumb. One of seven children, Ruth grew up on the family’s farming homestead where some of her happiest childhood memories were made. The values she learned on the farm: love, resilience, hard work, and loyalty remained the foundation of who she was throughout her life.

Ruth loved her sons dearly, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the true light of her world. Spending time with them was one of her greatest joys. She was always there for her family, often driving her grandchildren to their jobs, school events, practices, and stepping in to help raise them whenever they needed her. She was the steady hand, the comforting hug, and the reassuring voice her family could always count on. To her grandchildren, she was not just a grandmother, she was a second mother, a safe place to land in good times and in bad.

In her earlier years, Ruth enjoyed tending to her large and beautiful garden alongside her husband, Cecil “Mac” McAllister. She found great fulfillment in being a homemaker, creating a warm, welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and the delicious smells of her kitchen. Ruth was an extraordinary cook and baker who could make anything from scratch. Her holiday meals, homemade pies, and famous donuts will forever be missed.

Ruth was also a talented seamstress and quilter. She lovingly knitted sweaters, slippers, and crafted handmade quilts for her grandchildren, gifts they continue to treasure. She found joy in music, square dancing, and listening to fiddlers play across the North Country. Her love of adventure led her to travel throughout the United States with senior citizen groups and her sister Anne. Ruth lived her life fully and with a grateful heart.

After Mac’s passing, Ruth later found companionship, comfort, and happiness with Frank Keough of Fulton. They shared many years together and loved each other deeply. Their time was filled with laughter, travel, and the simple joys of shared interests. Ruth cherished the love and companionship they found in one another.

In 1943, Ruth married Cecil “Mac” Leonard McAllister in Gouverneur, NY and together they raised two sons. She is survived by her sons Gary F. McAllister of Theresa, NY, and Allan L. (Judy) McAllister of Black Lake, NY; her grandchildren Renee (Scott) McAllister, Sara (Cullen) Lundy, Heather McAllister, Amber (Kevin) Dean, Carrie (Skip) Zahler, and Matthew McAllister; her great-grandchildren Brooke Booth, Jacob McAllister, Alivia McAllister, Marissa McAllister, Adam (Celsea) Nezezon, Hayden Nezezon, Hudson Dean, and Hunter Zahler; and her great-great-grandchildren Amelia and Justin Nezezon. She is also survived by her sister Lois Steel; her beloved niece and caregiver, Rosemary Geer Dennesha; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruth is predeceased by her husband, Cecil; her sisters Betty Benjamin, Doris Geer, Alice Phelps, and Anne Weller; her brother Donald “Bub” Drumb; her daughter-in-law Christine Weeks McAllister; and many loved ones who welcomed her home again.

Ruth was the pillar of her family. She was the person everyone could turn to—no matter the circumstance, no matter the time, no matter the need. Her love was constant, unconditional, and unwavering. The legacy she leaves is one of strength, tenderness, and a lifetime of devotion to the people she loved most.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Rosemary Geer Dennesha for her sincere and compassionate care for their mother and grandmother over the past several years.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday, November 19th, from 2–4 p.m. at Frederick Bros. Funeral Home in Theresa, NY. A funeral service will immediately follow, with the Reverend Canon Samuel P. Lundy officiating. At the family’s convenience a spring burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Theresa, NY.

Online condolences may be made at www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to the Lewis County Residential Care Facility, 7785 N. State St., Lowville, NY.

Ruth will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who were blessed to know her.