Leona A. Allen

Leona A. Allen, 102, of Spokane, Washington, and formerly of Sabula and Clinton, Iowa, passed peacefully away on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at Providence Health Care Center, Spokane, of natural causes. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Sabula. Inurnment will follow in Miles Cemetery, Miles, Iowa. A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Sabula, prior to the service.
Leona was born on March 17, 1910, in rural Preston, Iowa, to Louis and Anna Krabbenhoft. She led an interesting and colorful early life, living in a number of different locations.
She married Wendell Allen on October 10, 1931, in Arlington, South Dakota. In the early 1940’s they moved to Sabula, Iowa and purchased the local funeral home. Being entrepreneurs, the also established several other successful businesses in Sabula, i.e. the Allen Furniture Store, Allen Budget Shop (clothing), and a L.P. gas service.
Following the death of her husband on July 31, 1968, Leona continued to operate the funeral home and clothing store until her retirement and move to Clinton. Not one to be idle, Leona remained active in a variety of activities. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Rebecca’s, and White Shrine, past President of Business and Professional Women of Clinton, served on the board of the Shick Veteran’s Hospital, and volunteered at the former Clinton Art Center.
She was extremely active in the Republican Party, hosting many functions and open houses in support of local and national candidates. She served several times as a Delegate and considered former President Reagan a friend. She also attended his Presidential inauguration ceremony and other festivities.
Surviving are her children Major Ron (Carol) Allen of Spokane, Washington, Phillip (Carol) Allen of Bellevue, Iowa, and Wendy (Bill) Allen – Crook of Springfield, Illinois; 9 grandchildren, and 13 great – grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister Janice Moyer, a brother Alwin Minor, a granddaughter – in – law Jessica Ketelsen, and a great grandson Jeremy Ketelsen.