Elmwood Cemetery

Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma

© Billings Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Jobyna Lee McAlister Bourassa

January 13, 1939 ~ December 10, 2024

Just shy of her 86th birthday, Jobyna Bourassa went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her remarkable life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Billings Funeral Home in Woodward, Oklahoma, with Jerry McAllister officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in the Billings Funeral Home at 1621 Downs Avenue in Woodward, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Billings Funeral Home.

Jobyna was born on January 13, 1939, in Woodward, Oklahoma, to Harold and Erma (Parsons) McAllister. She grew up on the family ranch in Harper County, 20 miles north of Woodward, where she developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, nature, and animals. Her cherished childhood memories included receiving a pony from her father when she was eight and the joy of welcoming her baby brother, Jerry, into the family.

At age 12, Jobyna and her family moved to Woodward, where she attended junior and senior high school. A talented athlete, she excelled in basketball and track, representing her school with distinction. She competed internationally in summer track events, traveling to Mexico and Germany, and received a commendation from the President of the USA Olympic Committee for her outstanding performances in the 110 hurdles and long jump. Jobyna graduated from Woodward High School in 1957.

After high school, Jobyna pursued business studies in Oklahoma City. It was there that she met her soulmate, Dahl Bourassa, on a blind date. The two married on July 17, 1958, and together raised four children: Sheilla, Vicki, and twins Dallas and Derric. Jobyna began her professional career at a large CPA firm in Oklahoma City, where she worked for six years.

In 1965, following the unexpected passing of her father, Jobyna and Dahl returned to the family ranch to carry on its operations. She fully embraced the ranching lifestyle, trading her business attire for blue jeans and boots, and became an integral part of the ranch's success for the next 55 years. Working side by side with Dahl and later partnering with her brother Jerry, Jobyna managed the daily operations of the ranch with dedication and resilience. Her contributions were vital in sustaining the family legacy and maintaining the land that she loved so deeply.

Jobyna had a special love for animals, particularly horses, and she and Dahl bred and raised paint horses that went on to become national champions. Over the years, their horses were crowned at the National Paint Horse Association Nationals, including celebrated champions such as Bar Patches, Triple Nickel, Triple Rascal, and Bar Patches Babe. In addition to her love for animals, Jobyna was incredibly adept at managing a variety of tasks. She drove tractors and combines with ease, cooked for her family when needed, and skillfully raised cattle and pigs.

Jobyna is survived by her children, Vicki Chandler and Derric Bourassa; her siblings, Darlene Orcutt, Peggy Cartright, and Jerry McAllister (Janis); grandchildren Joe Griffith, Tyler Whitecotton, Corinne Doyle (Dr. Michael Doyle), Kensley Bourassa, and Kassidy Bourassa; and great-grandchildren Nash Doyle and Emberly Whitecotton. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who cherished her deeply. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dahl Bourassa; her parents, Harold and Erma McAllister; her children, Sheilla Horton and Dallas Bourassa; her grandson, Denver Griffith; and her loyal dog, Buddy. Jobyna's life was a testament to her unwavering faith, dedication to her family, and love for the land. Her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched and the cherished memories she leaves behind..

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