GWENDOLYN M. ALLEN
Oct. 15, 1926 - March 4, 2009
KNOX - Gwendolyn Mary White Allen, 82, passed away Wednesday,
March 4, 2009, in Golden Living Center, Knox. She was born October
15, 1926, at Bass Lake, to the late Clarence James White and Opal
Marie Banta White, and lived most of her life in California Township in
Starke County. On April 19, 1943 in El Paso, Texas, she married Ollie
Allen before he left for the South Pacific during World War II. She
waited faithfully for him to return, and after the war they returned to
the Knox area to make their home and raise a family. Ollie died April 7, 1979. She is
survived by a daughter, Mary Lynch-Weirich of Culver; and two sons, Marvin (Kathy)
Allen and Tom (Lyn) Allen of Knox. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Chris
(Marilyn) Allen, Jason Allen, Eric (Angela) Allen, Joel (Sara) Allen, Melody (Jason)
Lynch-Kimery, Annie Lynch, and Emma Lynch and six great-grandchildren, Ashlyn
Allen, Bryce Allen, Emilie Allen, Paige Allen, Owen Allen, and Kate Allen, and special
grand niece, Jennifer Allen. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Alvin White,
Eugene White, Wilbur White, Raymond White, and sisters, Ruth White and Betty
Fagner. Gwen leaves behind many treasured friends and acquaintances. She made
friends easily because of her kind and gentle concern for others. Her actions and
compassion toward others in need exemplified her strong faith and personal values.
She was most often described by those she met in life as "The Sweetest Lady."
Throughout her life she retained an optimistic and hopeful attitude, despite the many
personal tragedies and losses she experienced. She grew up during the Great
Depression, and knew the importance of hard work and perseverance. Gwen and Ollie
sacrificed a great deal in life, as did many of their generation, so that their children
could have the opportunities of a better life. She worked at various jobs to help
support her family, but most of all she was a homemaker and mother. She loved
working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds.
She loved taking walks in the woods. Gwen will be greatly missed by those fortunate
enough to have known her. Her legacy will be the example of life well lived. Visitation
will be today, March 6, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. CDT in M.C. Smith Funeral Home, Knox.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. CDT in M.C. Smith
Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Bass Lake Cemetery. The Reverends Arlen
Perry and Robin Keating will conduct the services. Memorial donations to the Gospel
Meeting House, Knox or the American Lung Assoc. would be appreciated.