Clara Allen

Clara Allen, 100, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away on December 20, 2018 at Millers Merry Manor in Chesterfield.

Clara was born September 6, 1918 near Dana, Illinois in LaSalle County. She was the daughter of Amos Kellie and Lorella Ethel Swartz. She married John Thomas Allen on June 16, 1943 in West Palm Beach, Florida. He preceded her in death on September 2, 2005.

She is survived by a son, Don Allen of Anderson; three granddaughters Angela (Tony) Gray, Amie (Darren) Gardner, and Kristy (Landis) Walker; eight great-grandchildren Coleton and Kennedy Gray, Addison and Ava Gardner, Jordan and Kaylen Cage, and Brooke and Christopher Webber, all of Anderson.

Other survivors are a sister-in-law Betty, of Bloomington, Illinois and several special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers, Amos W. Swartz, John Samuel Swartz, and Ernest M. Swartz, and one sister Mildred E. Yeazel.

Clara was a 1936 graduate of Dana Township High School in Dana, Illinois. She received a two-year diploma from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Illinois. She was an educator for 36 years.

Clara was a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Danville, Illinois and a member of UMW. Other memberships were the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association.

Clara was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Clara’s family wishes to thank the staff at Millers Merry Manor in Chesterfield for their excellent care and concern for Clara during her 4 year stay there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. James United Methodist Church in Danville, IL, 504 N. Vermillion St, 61832.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday December 26, 2018 at 2pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Danville, Illinois.

Services were handled by Legacy Cremation and Funeral Service – Anderson.