Mary Lou Allen

 

Mary Lou Allen, 87, of Oakwood, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois.

She was born on March 8, 1937, in Danville, Illinois, daughter of Kleemon and Nancy (Swank) Holycross.

Mary Lou married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Allen, on October 18, 1959, in Oakwood, Illinois. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. He passed away June 22, 2024 and his passing truly broke her heart.

Surviving are her daughters: Cindy (Jeff) Acton of Danville, IL, and Susan (Doug) Canfield of Fayetteville, AR; her grandchildren: Katie (Derek) Davis, Kelly (Andrew) Kaufmann, Cole (Megan) Acton, Shane Canfield and Stephanie (Kurt) Stinnett; and four great-grandchildren, Liyah, Milo and Neil Kaufmann and Chandler Stinnett; one sister, Margaret Steffey; and two brothers: Dean Holycross, and Donald Holycross.

Along with her husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her young daughter, Cheryl Lynn, one sister and three brothers.

Mary Lou and Bob lived many years in Homer, IL prior to building their dream home in Oakwood. She retired from Colwell Systems/Patterson Printing in Champaign, IL, in 1999.

As a proficient homemaker, Mary Lou made every meal special, renowned for her exceptional pies and desserts. She was an excellent seamstress, making clothes for her daughters and quilts for ladies in the nursing home. One of her true passions was tending to her beloved garden and canning the fruits of her labor. She found joy in visiting with her Oakwood neighbors and friends who were a great blessing to her.

Above all, Mary Lou cherished her family. She was one of eight children, and she often shared stories of growing up in a large family. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. She also enjoyed lively card games with friends and sharing pie with her “ladies”.

Mary Lou was a member of Muncie Baptist Church. Her strong faith led her through life, and she rarely missed a Sunday morning church service.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Muncie Baptist Church, 205 Main Street, Muncie, IL. A celebration of life for Mary Lou will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2024, also at the church. Burial will be at GAR cemetery in Homer, IL.

Memorials in Mary Lou’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Homer GAR cemetery.

Sunset Funeral Homes Oakwood Chapel 105 E. South Main Street in Oakwood, Illinois is honored to be caring for the family.