Yvonne Annette McAlpine, 85, passed away on January 22nd in Shelby, MT. Yvonne lovingly known as Vonnie was born November 24th, 1938 in Shelby to Obert and Clarice Carlson. 

Vonnie grew up in Kevin with her parents and brother Merle Carlson. She attended school in Kevin up to 8th grade and then finished the rest of her high school years in Sunburst, MT where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) McAlpine. 

They were married at the Methodist church in Kevin on September 15th, 1957, and began building their beautiful life together on Bob’s family farm just west of Sunburst. They raised their four children, Elaine, Lorelie, Leisha and Wes on the family farm. 

Vonnie was an active member of the Sunburst community which she loved and welcomed all. She devoted much of her time to various school activities, 4-H, and Girl Scouts while the kids were in school. She was also a helping member of the Sunburst Lutheran Church and WELCA. Vonnie had a love of history and spent several years as a board member at the Marias Museum in Shelby. 

Vonnie had a love of nature and when she wasn’t taking walks around the family farm, you could find her spending time at the family cabin and hiking in Glacier National Park. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Obert and Clarice Carlson; and great-granddaughter, Heather Shea. She is survived by her husband, Bob McAlpine; brother, Merle (Janet) Carlson; daughters, Elaine (Jim) Suta, Lorelie (Herb) Hartzell, Leisha (Tony) Fleisher; and son, Wes (Marlena) McAlpine. She also leaves behind 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. 

 Services will be on Saturday, February 17, at 11 am at Lutheran Church of Sunburst.

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