Juanita Allen

Juanita Gladys Allen, age 92, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2012 at Magnolia Nursing Home in Springfield, MO.  She is survived by her husband of nearly 68 years, James Curtis Allen, who resides at the same skilled nursing facility.      She was born November 3, 1920, in Centerville, IA, the daughter of George Ivor and Nancy Elizabeth (Dismore) Kennedy.  She graduated from Centerville High School.  She was married to Jim on December 4, 1944.  Juanita lived in Moberly, Chillicothe and Kansas City, MO for short times before she and Jim made Lamar their home for 59 years, then moved to Springfield in July, 2009 and resided in independent, assisted and skilled care facilities.      Juanita was a gentle woman who showed compassion, kindness, patience and respect to all people.  She was truly a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all.  She had a beautiful smile and displayed it promptly to everyone.  She loved traveling, gardening, baking and cooking, and spent endless time with her family giving them guidance and help.  Her ambition was to make a good housewife and she accomplished this goal.  She devoted her life for her family.  Her primary hobby was genealogy and she spent many hours searching, telephoning and traveling to document this history.  The Barton County Library, in Lamar, has the Juanita G. Allen Genealogy Division established by her donations of data she had compiled.  She also enjoyed crochet and embroidery.      Juanita was employed at the Federal Reserve in Kansas City, MO and worked there a short time after marriage.  In Lamar, she was a member of Lamar United Methodist Church, teaching classes.  She also served as President of Beta Sigma Phi, Ladies of Lamar Country Club and several other civic and bridge clubs.      She is survived by five children:  Daryl Allen, Oak Leaf, TX; Karen Allen, Lamar, MO; Dr. Marti Allen, Jonesboro, AR; James and his wife Nancy Allen, Overland Park, KS; and, Randy and his wife Nancy Allen, Springfield, MO.  There are several grandchildren:  Austin and wife Bekah Allen, Olathe, KS; Gabrianne and husband Nick Rickard, Carol Stream, IL; Benjamin Allen, Springfield, MO; and, Martha Allen, Springfield, MO.  Nieces and nephews are Leslie and wife Pat Key of Sherman, TX; Joyce Ann (Kennedy) Graeme, Blue Springs, MO; Kathy (Kennedy) Camella and Ricki Kennedy, Alexandria, LA; and a great-granddaughter, Alba Grace Allen, Olathe, KS.       She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Doris Kennedy all of Centerville, IA; three brothers, Delmar Kennedy, Alexandria, LA.; George and his wife Betty Kennedy, St. Joseph, MO; and Gerald Kennedy (KIA on Normandy Beach), Centerville, IA.  All three brothers served in the Armed Forces and received medals for service in World War II.      Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 12th at the Lamar United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Daniel Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Lake Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Lamar United Methodist Church.