Leota Jean (Ball) Allen, 73, was born September 23, 1937 in Ardmore, OK. She was loved and known as "LODAJEAN" by her husband Don for over 49 years of marriage. She put up a memorable battle against the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease and had to yield this 13-year fight in her last home in The Sterling Commons, Victorville,CA on April 27, 2011. Leota Jean leaves her loving Don, two sons, four grandchildren, two sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law and many nephews and nieces. Son, Earl Lance, his wife, Cassie, their children Brooks and Gabrielle of Apple Valley, CA Son, Craig Lee, his son, Matthew, of Redmond, OR. And Son, Pvt. Brett M. Allen, US Army. Sister, Lola Stiles and her husband, Gerald, of Longview, TX. Sister, Loretta Sherard and her husband, Glenn, of Longview, TX. Don's brother, Steve Allen and his wife, Beverly, of Allen, TX. Leota Jean lived a full, successful and happy life. She was raised in a house trailer as an "Oil Patch Kid" in West Texas and attended 26 different elementary schools before Junior High. She shared a bed with her two sisters until she graduated from Seminole High School in 1956. She directed and sat in all of the chairs of Rainbow Girls. In 2007 She became a 50 Year member of The Eastern Star of Seminole, TX. She graduated from McMurry University in Abilene, TX in 1960. She attended West Texas State in Canyon, TX and Chapman University, CA and was paid as a master degree teacher. In Texas, she taught Elem-entary School in Odessa and Amarillo and in Calif-ornia at Oro Grande, Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley and retired after 32 years of career teaching from Hesp-eria Unified School District. Her lovely natural beauty, charm and confidence resulted in her being elected President of every organization she ever joined, she was past president of: The High Desert Theater Guild, Los Ninos del Desierto, Iota Xi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and The Assistance League of Victor Valley. She attended college on a Voice Scholarship. She was principal Soloist for the McMurry Chanters and toured with them. She became a Choir Member and soloist in every church she attended. She was a 34-year member of The Church of the Valley and 7 year member of The Community Church of Jess Ranch. She sang with The Victor Valley Community Chorus, and for 3 years with the Sweet Adeline's of North Texas and The Amarillo Symphony Chorus. She loved Musical Theater and Grand Opera. For many years, she and Don had season tickets to the LA Opera, The Orange County Opera and the LA Master Chorale. She was very proud of the fact that she was "Nellie Forbush" in South Pacific. She also had lead parts in Girl Crazy, Fiddler on the Roof and many other shows in college and as produced by The High Desert Theater Guild. In 2002-07 she and Don took 42 cruises, including three trans-Atlantic cruises and one "west" through the Panama Canal. She enjoyed the fun she had attending the Black and White Ball on The Queen Mary II. She toured England, France, Spain, Italy, Central America, Mexico, Canada and the Eastern part of our US. She lived a month in Whittier, Alaska and toured that great state. She traveled extensively in the US and Europe by rail, including five round trips across our great country. Keep in mind, all of this came after the diagnoses of Alzheimer's Disease. She could not remember what had just happened but she had a good time while it was happening and that is all that matters. The Moment is what counts. During the full 2008-year Leota Jean and Don relocated to Longview, TX so her sisters could spend time with her before the Alzheimer's Disease took control. She enjoyed watching the wild life, flowers, trees and water of the Great Piney Woods of East Texas. During this year, she made many friends by attending "The Tuesday Unforgettable Day Club", which was operated by the ladies of Pilot Clubs International and sponsored by The Alzheimer's Association. We cannot thank the Pilot Club ladies enough for their love. For over 25 months, Leota Jean was a resident of the Sterling Commons including time under the care of The Community Hospice of Victor Valley. The concern, love and care provided by all the caregivers and management was exceptional and greatly appreciated. Leota Jean's life and her love will be missed. There is no doubt; the singing angels in heaven have a new voice. Services are to be conducted by Dr. Frank (Butch) Fahnestock of The Community Church at Jess Ranch. Services on Wednesday May 4, 2011 at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Apple Valley, CA. in Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Sunset Chapel Viewing held at 10am Celebration of Leota Jean's life Service at 11am Burial in Garden of Reflection at noon with lunch reception.