Allen, Mary L. 1945-2012

ALLEN, THOMPSON, HICOK, STONE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 3/8/2021 at 11:53:28

Mary L. Allen
1945-2012
Waukee

A celebration of life for Mary L. Allen, 66, of Waukee, will be held Tuesday, January 31 at 10:30 a.m. at the Waukee United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held Monday, January 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. also at the church. Mary passed away January 27 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.

Mary was born in the family farmhouse in rural Dallas County on July 19, 1945 to Gale (Shorty) and Bonnie Thompson. She graduated as the 1963 valedictorian of Van Meter High School and attended SCI (now UNI) in Cedar Falls. Mary retired from a career in Special Services at Preferred Risk to begin a second career as child care provider for her grandchildren.

Mary was a long time resident of Waukee and highly involved in community activities. For over 40 years she was the organist/pianist for the Waukee United Methodist Church. She also played in the Waukee Big Band, accompanied the choir for the Adel Christian Church, Van Meter School choirs and Waukee music contest students. Over the years she taught hundreds of children to play the piano. When not playing the piano she was active in the Lions Club, the Des Moines Child Abuse Prevention Council, the Red Hat Society and Questers. She loved being with her grandchildren, Cubs baseball, puzzles, games and mysteries, and being of service to others. Her heart knew no limits. Her community contributions were recognized when she was named the 1999 Waukee Citizen of the Year.

Left to cherish Mary's memory are sons, Greg (Laura) Allen of rural Adel and Tony (Sharleen) Allen of Greenville, TX; grandchildren, Maddie, Rachel, Ayanna, and Joshua; sister, Sharon (Larry) Hicok of Rockford, IA; brother, Larry (Susan) Thompson of Van Meter, IA; and sister, Betty (Hugh) Stone of rural Adel; countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and more friends than one can imagine.

Memorials in her honor may be made to the Waukee United Methodist Church or to the family for a special music fund to be established for Van Meter Community School students.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register 30 Jan 2012.