Donna Allen

Donna Allen

SALEM, Mo. -- Donna Faye Allen, 70, of Salem passed away Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, in St. Louis.

She was born July 3, 1938, in Gainsville, Mo., daughter of Claude and Osa Loftis. She and Ralph Allen were married April 15, 1953, and to this union eight children were born.

Donna attended the Church of Christ, enjoyed embroidery work, fishing and camping, and liked frogs and flowers, especially lilacs.

Preceding her in death was her father, Claude Loftis; a brother, Jerry Hollingshad; a sister, Dormalee Pry; a granddaughter, Joni Allen; and a nephew, Robert Allen Jennings.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph Allen of Salem; her mother, Osa Allen of Salem; eight children, Pam Emory and husband Jack of Salem, Ralph Allen Jr. and wife Diane of Vichy, Mo., Terri Lynn Bower and husband David of Humble, Texas, Ronald Allen of Salem, Donald Allen and wife Marilyn of House Springs, Mo., Marcia Sturdivant and husband Carl of Salem, Donna Rhea and husband Terry of Jackson and James Allen of North Carolina.

Also a brother, James Hollingshad and wife Olivia of Alaska; two stepbrothers, Edward Allen and wife Susan of Kansas, Rodney Allen and wife Patsy of Colorado; two sisters, Judy Perkins and husband Gene of Salem, Jackie Jennings and husband Wayne of Heavener, Okla.; two stepsisters, Carolyn Gresham and husband Bill of Salem, Diana Wyble and husband Ron of Salem; 18 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, mother, children and all who knew and loved her.

The funeral for Donna Allen was held Jan. 12, 2009, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel in Salem, with Rick Pitchford officiating. Special CDs were played. Burial was in New Harmony Cemetery.

Pallbearers were John Crocker, Jason Rhea, Nathaniel Sturdivant, James Hyman, William T. Perkins and Billy Nash. Scott Radford was an honorary pallbearer.