Barbara “Barb” Lou Allen, 87, of Sabetha Kansas, died peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024, surrounded by her family at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha.

Barb was born on April 13, 1936, to Lynn and Pearl (Cotton) King. She was raised in rural Nemaha County, attended grade school in Goff, Kansas, and graduated in 1950 from Oneida High School in Oneida, Kansas.

After high school, Barb worked in Topeka, Kansas over the summer and then returned to Nemaha County in September of 1950. Barb married the love of her life, Jerry L. Allen, on September 19, 1954, at the United Methodist Church in Oneida, and to this union were born three children, Ronald, Joelene, and Douglas. Barb and Jerry were married for nearly 59 years until his death on September 1, 2013.

After their marriage, Barb and Jerry resided in Sabetha. Barb worked as the office manager for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company located in Sabetha for nearly seven years, and then, later worked at the Farmers State Bank in Sabetha until her retirement in 2003.

Barb- greatest joy in life was her family and dear friends. She loved having family and friends over for Saturday night BBQs and Sunday dinners. Knowing Barb, guests knew they would feel right at home with wonderful food and lots of laughter. Everyone was always entertained with, oh so many, Jerry and Barb stories, narrated by Jerry who was one of the best story tellers of all time. Over the years, Barb became well known for her many dishes, but especially her potato salad, chicken and noodles, and her amazing hot fudge sauce which were all “Over the Top.”

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry L. Allen; and her three sisters, Charlotte Howey, Betty Meyer, and Bonnie Milne.

Barb is survived by her children, Ron Allen and husband, Jorge Cepeda of Sabetha, Jody Allen of Topeka, Kansas, Doug (Amy) Allen of Sabetha, and her foreign exchange son, Ole Petter Finess and his life partner, Jetta; her wonderful grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Abigail Madden of Sabetha, Madeline Allen-Kasten and her husband, Joel of Lawrence, Kansas; Margaret (Mitchell) Suther of Sabetha, and Mitchell (Rachel) Allen of Sabetha. Her heart over-flowed with love for her nine beautiful great-grandchildren who she adored, Liam Suther, Charlotte Suther, Wesley Madden, Oliver Kasten, Hudson Allen, Luella Suther, Elliott Kasten, Nora Allen, and Mollie Allen. Additionally, Barb is survived by her sister in-laws and brother-in-law, but the “in-law” is misleading, as in Barb- eyes they were her beloved sisters and brother, Waunita Allen and Ethel Allen both of Seneca, Kansas, Jean Allen of rural Fairview, Kansas, Shirley Allen of Topeka, Kansas, and Robert Allen of Sabetha; her many nieces and nephews; and her dear friends.

Our family will profoundly miss Barb and her kind heart.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Sabetha. Prior to the funeral service, a visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. The interment will be made in the Albany Cemetery north of Sabetha. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sabetha Community Hospital sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas 66534. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.popkessmortuaries.com.