Shirley McAllister

Shirley McAllister
Dr. Shirley E. Stauber Friend McAllister was born November 12, 1931 in Noel, MO and passed peacefully in her sleep September 12, 2026 in Chandler, AZ at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Pearl Stauber, siblings Rose, James and Stevens Stauber, children Jon, Jacki and Jeffery Friend and her husband Harry McAllister. She is survived by her two children, Stevens and Scott Friend, three step children, Duncan and Kirk McAllister and Lynne Gremban. She also leaves a legacy of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Shirley married Harry McAllister on March 28, 2002. Harry was the love of her life and they were fortunate to have found each other late in life. Shirley was loved by all who knew her! She leaves behind a large family and a great number of friends to remember her.
Shirley raised five children while attending college working on her degree to support her family. She earned her Bachelors, Masters and PhD. Her college teaching career took her to Kansas State University, Southern Illinois University, Washington State University and finally, North Dakota State University. Shirley was a life long Democrat and supported them with time, money, and running for office when called upon. She was also passionate about education and gave money to family members seeking to improve themselves. She felt it was better to help people while were young rather then wait until they got some inheritance later in life.
There will be a brief celebration of life at the AZ National Memorial Cemetery in Cave Creek where her ashes will be laid to rest next to Harry’s on Saturday, October 17 at noon. The address is 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix 85024. The wall is located in Court A, Section 94, Number E56.