Ira Jean Allen

Ira Jean Allen, age 89, passed away Monday, December 2, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was born June 3, 1930 in Quantico, Virginia to Lester Hamilton Cross and Ethel (Kelly) Cross. She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband; Keith Allen, her sister; Anna Mae Holdridge, her parents-in-law Hubert Allen & Alma Alice (King) Allen and her daughter-in-law; Karmen Allen. She is survived by her daughter Nadine DiBacco and husband T. Jay of Omaha, Nebraska; her son, Keith Allen of Farmington, Arkansas; sisters-in-law Linda (Allen) Asbury of Cheyenne, WY, Joanne Allen of Missouri; brother-in-law Norman Kugler of Livonia, Mich. and two grandchildren, Bailey Allen and Maya Allen of Farmington, Ark. Although Ira Jean was her legal name, she was Jeannie Allen to all who knew her. The wife of a career military man, she and Keith lived in many places. Their last station of duty was Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They quickly became enamored of the lovely mountains and spent almost every weekend camping, fishing, hiking or hunting, taking their kids along on the adventure. Jeannie was a true pioneering woman throughout her life, always up to any new challenge. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years, and trained at the home of Juliet Gordon Lowe, founder of the Girl Scouts of America. She was the Family Services Coordinator at two military bases and was honored to work with Mrs. Curtis LeMay. After retirement they sold their house, packed their motor home and went travelling across the country, becoming full-time Snowbirds for more than twenty years. As a result, Jeanne has friends around the country. Many of those friends have treasured items that she crocheted or knitted. She was faithful in sending hand-written letters every year to her friends and family, never missing a birthday or anniversary. Anyone who met Jeannie immediately had a Cheerful Friend. When settled in Arkansas to be near their son and grandchildren, Keith played golf every day and she was his faithful caddy…and scorekeeper. She joined the Springdale Senior Center and attended the Silver Sneakers Exercise class, becoming very close to many of her classmates. Some them encouraged her to join the First United Methodist Church in Springdale, Arkansas. She was immediately impressed with the group, and always shared her understanding of the wonderful sermons with her daughter. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 5, 2019 from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, 4520 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Arkansas. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 6, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Save the Turtles, 5114 Parkhurst Drive, Santa Rosa, California 95409. To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com.