Leona M. Allen's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Leona May Allen, age 85 of Charleston, passed away at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. A private family Visitation, followed by a Funeral Service honoring and celebrating her life, was held at Adams Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 16, 2015 with Reverend Maureen Clark officiating. Musical selections included "Ashokan Farewell" and "Amazing Grace" by fiddler and grandson, Jason Jennings. Additional music included "Softly and Tenderly" , "The Lord's Prayer" , "When The Roll is Called Up Yonder" and a recording of "I Am A Pilgrim" by Big Blue Mountain featuring daughter Karen Jennings on bass fiddle. Burial followed in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston and those serving as Pallbearers were Jason Jennings, Brian Jennings, Randy Jennings, Steve Keigley, Karen Jennings and Mike Keigley. Honorary Pallbearers were Bob Allen and Ron Fitzpatrick. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Five Mile House Foundation. Gifts may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Leona was born on April 21, 1929 in Ashmore, Illinois, a daughter of the late Charles Albert and Cecil (Childress) Keigley. She married Ward Allen, Jr. on May 7, 1947 in Morganfield, Kentucky, and for 61 years they traveled life's highways together. Ward preceded her in death on June 9, 2008. She leaves two children; a son, Robert "Bob" Allen and wife Gloria of Dieterich, Illinois and a daughter, Karen Jennings and husband Randy of Charleston; two grandsons, Jason Allen Jennings of Charleston and Brian Lee Jennings and wife Jessie of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; three great-grandchildren, Whitney Jennings, Zackery Allen Jennings and Lennon Jennings; a brother, Albert Lynn Keigley and wife Fran and a sister, Betty Sorensen, all of Charleston, and several nieces and nephews. Leona was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Hannah Marie Jennings; a sister, Lucille Matthews; and two brothers, Bill and Willis Keigley. Leona was employed by Charleston Brown Shoe Company before taking a position with Moore Business Forms in Charleston, a job she held for 25 years. She was a long time member of the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church. Camping was a family event for Ward, Leona and their children as they toured the United States with some of their favorite destinations located in the Southwest. She had a way of making life fun and their camping trips were more than a vacation - they were an adventure. She could be called a "rockhound" as she brought home rocks she had collected from their various trips. She also enjoyed crocheting and her meticulous nature resulted in beautifully stitched creations. Leona enjoyed the company provided by her canine pets and her keen sense of humor was always appreciated. Leona loved her family dearly and she will always be remembered for being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Leona's family would like to thank the staff of the Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center for their kindness and their loving care and compassion, not only shown to Leona but to her family as well.
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