ALLEN
BAYLES LAKE — Joanne Allen, 93, of Bayles Lake, died Friday, April 19, 2024.
Private graveside services will be at Lyman Township Cemetery, Roberts. Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton was handling arrangements.
Mrs. Allen was born in Chicago on Jan. 14, 1931, the daughter of Henry and Mary ( Thompson) Netherton.
She moved to Ford County as a young girl and grew up as the fourth generation on the Netherton family farm. She married Robert R. Allen on Sept. 29, 1951, at the Roberts United Methodist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Candace (Jim) Kietzman of rural Loda; a son, Roger (Susan Larson) Allen of Cameron, Ill.; three grandchildren, Dustin, Brooke and Jordan Kietzman; three step grandchildren, Andy (Dannon), Katie and Matt (Stephanie) Kietzman; and two step-great-grandchildren, Autumn and Anika.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years; her parents; and her cousin, Sally (Thompson) Wooldridge.
Mrs. Allen was an educator who taught school in Illinois for 42 years, starting as a kindergarten teacher in Gibson City and for the last 30 years in Champaign schools as a reading specialist. She graduated from Roberts Township High School in 1948. She held a bachelor of science degree from Illinois State Normal University and a master of science degree from the University of Illinois.
Mrs. Allen was a member of the Governor Thomas Ford Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and the First United Methodist Church of Paxton. She was also a life member of the Champaign County Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Retired Teachers Association and University of Illinois Alumni Association.
Memorials may be made to the Paxton First United Methodist Church or Governor Thomas Ford Chapter of the NSDAR.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.
