Elizabeth Allen

Elizabeth Ellen Allen, departed a long and rewarding life, peacefully, at her home in Tucson, Arizona, August 2, 2024. Mrs. Allen, always known as Liz, had enjoyed reasonably good health at advanced age until very recently.

Liz was born October 20, 1928, at home in Chillicothe, Missouri, to Robert Lee and Lillie Thompson. She was the eighth of the Thompson children, followed by two more, five girls and five boys in all. A large family of very modest means in the Depression and a world war somehow found tremendous joy in their lives, and Liz drew on that experience all her days. She had 26 nieces and nephews, and time and distance have never dimmed her loving interest in all.

Liz was a bank teller following high school and met and married Bryce Allen, a young businessman in Chillicothe. She and Bryce resided in Chillicothe 20 years raising their two children, moving on to Kansas City, then Cincinnati, back to Kansas City, and later to Tucson for retirement. Liz was Bryce's constant companion and support, and together they enjoyed great success -- personally and in business. They led a model "old age" and made time for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, travel, entertainment -- all that comprises a good life (including, of course, the occasional heartache). The door was always open, and Liz and Bryce were always devoted hosts.

Liz was preceded in death by her husband Bryce (in late 2018), her parents and eight of her brothers and sisters. She is survived by her children Stephanie J. Allen of Tucson and Gregory B. Allen of Kansas City; daughter-in-law Susan Allen; son-in-law John Lovell; grandchildren Alex and Marie Allen and Liz Troger; great-grandchildren Oscar and Gus Allen, Vivian Troger, and Gabriel and Romy Allen-Martin. Liz is also survived by her brother Haynie M. Thompson of Chillicothe. A memorial gathering will be announced when arrangements are complete.

Liz was a natural athlete, the pride of the Indian Hill Ladies Bowling League, and well-remembered as Grandma ("Paca") on her grandkids' pogostick. Life should be well lived.

Graveside services will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until service time at 3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Scleroderma Research Foundation, 200 Montomery St. STE 484, San Francisco, California 94104. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com. A social gathering following services will be announced to those present. The family greatly appreciates many expressions of condolence following Liz's death.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.