Gloria Marie Allen, 77, died on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at her home in Woodbine. She was born on Aug. 21, 1947, at her grandparents’ house in Woodbine, to parents Lawrence and Myrna Marie (Smith) Shaffer. She grew up in Woodbine and attended Woodbine schools. Gloria worked at the Moore Brothers grocery store in Missouri Valley. On Sept. 18, 1968, Gloria married Richard “Dick” Allen in Fremont, Neb. The couple lived in Sacramento, Calif., Houston, Texas and Gilbert, Ariz. before moving back to Woodbine in 2008. While in Gilbert, Gloria worked at the Gilbert Alternative School.
Gloria loved Elvis Presley and anything referring to Elvis. She had visited Graceland and Tupelo, Miss. several times. Their last visit to Graceland was just a few years ago and Gloria said it was the best trip ever. Gloria enjoyed the older country western singers. The couple wintered in Arizona every winter since they moved back to Iowa except one. She was looking forward to going to Arizona this year also. She loved to go to flea markets and loved to wear colorful and flashy clothes.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Gwyn Marie DeLance. She is survived by her husband, Dick Allen of Woodbine; three sons, Jeff DeLance and his wife Brenda of LeMars, Tim Allen and his wife Staci of Lubbock, Texas and Aaron Allen of Phoenix, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine. Pastor Jerry Greenwalt presided over the service. The recorded musical selections were “How Great Thou Art”, “Just Pretend”, “Peace In The Valley” and “Memories” by Elvis. The pallbearers were Keltyn Solis, Tim Allen Jr., Tyler Boehm, Abigail Allen, Alexis Allen and Caleb Allen. Gloria’s final resting place is at the Woodbine Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
