Patricia "Pat" McCallister

Patrica “Pat” McCallister, 92, of Huntington, IN, died Sunday, August 20th in Bloomington, IN.. She was born June 1, 1931, in Union City, OH, to William and Nelli (Harding) Thornburg. She married Bob McCallister in 1953. Mrs. McCallister was a 1937 graduate of Union City, OH High School. Pat is survived by two sons, Bruce (Rosemary King) McCallister and Bart (Rowena) McCallister; a daughter, Elizabeth (Steve) Ochs; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Graham. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob McCallister; two sisters, Mable Simmons and Nina Hartzel; a brother Lloyd Thornburg; and son-in-law, Steve Ochs. Pat met Bob McCallister on a blind date in Union City, OH. That date turned into 67 years of marriage. Their kindness and devotion to each other was a blessing for all who knew them. Pat grew up on Wildcat Road in Darke County, Ohio where she acquired her remarkable baking skills from her mother. When you walked into Pat’s house and smelled a pie fresh out of the oven or cookies cooling on the counter, you knew you were in for a treat. Not only was Pat a great baker she had the greenest of thumbs. Her house was filled with African Violets, Iron Cross and Beefsteak begonias from which she propagated hundreds of starts that she loved to give away. In addition to nurturing plants, Pat devoted her life to caring for her family, neighbors and anyone she came to know. If you entered her orbit, you would be cared for unconditionally and without judgment. Making others feel loved was her superpower. The love she packed into her 5 feet and 90 lb. frame was immeasurable. She could get the most out of life with very little. All it took was playing board games, being in nature and above all being with family. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Deb Pressler and Jeannette Gage, whose dedicated caring allowed Bob and Pat to remain in their home for many years. We would also like to thank the staff at Monroe Place and Stonecroft in Bloomington. A remembrance will be held Saturday, Sept 2nd, 2023, at 1 p.m. at First Brethren Church, 245 S. Marion Rd., Huntington, In. Memorial gifts may be made to the Nature Conservatory or other organizations that work to preserve farmland. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Patricia "Pat" McCallister.

Patricia "Pat" McCallister

August 20, 2023