Mary E. Allen, 98, of Mexico, passed away at 2:04 p.m. Friday February 4, 2022, at Kings Daughter's Home in Mexico.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday February 14, 2022, at Pickering Funeral Home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

Mary Eloise Allen (Nee Morris)

Memorial Celebration (A Reflection of Audrain County, Missouri History)

With deep respect for her active life, Mary E. Allen of Mexico (b. Oct.10-23 Bellflower, MO) passed away on February 04, 2022, at the Kings Daughters Nursing Home.

Memorial Service at the Pickering Funeral Home (11am Feb.14, 2022).  Private Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

On Nov. 7, 1943, she married Kirby K Allen ('20-2008).  Ever proud of their four sons, four grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, Nephews and families. Always supporting Kirby's 47 year career with AP Green Refractories Company and their combined interests in Community Life. Proving to be a serious and fun lady, telling him: "I'll go out with you if you go to church with me."  During WWII she was employed by the Telephone Company, Badaraccos Music Store, and baked pies at Mary Anne's Sweet Shop.  Always enjoying singing soprano in Christmas Contatas, Church Sanctuary Choirs, gardening, baking, rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and listening to Kirby announce Mexico Bulldog(s) sports. After raising her four sons, she became Dr. Phil Gaines, Dental receptionist in his Mexico and Fulton offices.  All the while, tending her gardens for Mexico Garden Club events, mowing her yard, visiting the homebound, baking, entertaining friends, and flying her American Flag.

The first born of Irby N. (Wells/LPN, dec. '83 and Alvie M. Morris dec.'79.)  Sister to Joanna Jaeger, (dec.) 2014; brother Maynard Wells Morris, Korean War Veteran, (dec.) 2017. Her father, served in WWI, then owned a Leather Shop in Wellsville, MO.  Early life found Mary walking mile upon mile from Bellflower to her Grandparent's farm (Frank and Theresa Wells). Strong influences were train travel, keeping a diary, gardening, horseback riding, home economics at Wellsville High School.  Always sincere and patriotic, she wrote letters to hometown WWII soldiers.  At 17 she traveled by train to a Church Camp in South Carolina. Graduating in 1941, she moved to Mexico to begin her career in Local and State memberships, Hospital Auxiliary,  Public Speaking, Voting Precinct Monitor, Church, University Extension, Garden and Bridge Clubs, President of PEO-Chapter IO, helping with Cottey College Scholarships, (Nevada, MO), Bible Study, AP Green Co. gatherings, Community Chest drives, the Laura Miller Help Center, Simmons Stables Auctions, Mexico's Historical Museum's 'Look Back in Time' celebrations, The Kings Daughters Home, 'What-So-Ever Circle' (circa 1888). Mary's enduring legacies.

Mary (and Kirby's) four sons are Gerald (Jerry), Mexico, Dan (Teresa), Bloomington, IN, Rod (Cindy), Lee's Summit, Mark (Pam), Blue Springs. Granddaughter Jessica (Aaron) Axmear, Lees Summit. Three Grandsons: J. Travis Allen, Lees Summit, Sean (Caroline) Allen, Sibley, Neil (Jennifer) Allen, Blue Springs. 11 great grandchildren: Mosiah, Israel, Carrianna, Olivia, Deborah, Sophia, Emily, Jackson (Kirby), Sibley, MO.  Weston, Braiden, and Anna,Blue Springs.  Nephews and Niece: Bruce (Nancy) Knipfel, KC, MO, Barry (Jackie) Knipfel, Mexico, Dennis (deceased), Nancy, Darrell, Dale Jaeger. Grand Nephews, Ross Knipfel, Dallas, TX, Jared Knipfel, Columbia; Todd (Mindy) Fuller, Columbia, Jami (Darrell) Purdue, KC MO.

Elaine Kuntz, Pastor, Midway Disciples of Christ Church, and  Zane Whorton, Minister, First Christian Church of Mexico will Honor Mary's life, patriotism, and kindness. Great Grand Children, Mosiah, Carrianna and Olivia will lovingly play Cello and Violin tributes.

Pickering Funeral Home: pickeringfh.com for On Line Memorials. Mailings to Jerry Allen 3 Oak Lane. Mexico 65265-2328.