Obituary of Donna Mae Allen

Donna Mae (Bates) Allen passed away March 13, 2017 at Meadowview Assisted Living in Greeley, Colorado. Donna Mae (Bates) Allen, the daughter of Henry and Faye (Hinkhouse) Bates, was born on June 15, 1928 at Pueblo, CO. She lived with her parents, older sister Lois and younger brother Edward in a log home in Canon City, CO where she grew to love the mountains. In 1936, her parents purchased a farm north of Genoa, CO near the Bates family homestead. Donna attended one-room grade schools taught by her Mom in Canon City and Lindon; one year at Campion Church School in Loveland, CO; and 3 years High School at Genoa. Following her high school graduation at age 16, she lived with her half-sister Leona in Longmont and worked at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, a war plant north of Denver. On January 27, 1946 she married Ellis Allen, the young man from Genoa who stole her heart. They lived on the “Slice Place” north of Genoa where Kay, Neil and Gail were born. In 1955 they moved to Ellis’s parent’s home place 3 miles north of Genoa where they raised their family. Donna was a homemaker and farm/ranch wife working very hard alongside Ellis doing whatever needed done without complaint. There was always room at their table for extra guests, accompanied by her homemade cinnamon rolls and bread. Donna first knew the Lord as a small child and was baptized when she was a freshman in high school. She was an active member of the Genoa EUB Church later known as the United Methodist Church. She loved the Lord her entire life and shared that love with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She sewed out of necessity and painted many beautiful paintings. She loved to read and knit. Every grandchild, their spouse, great grandchildren and others have their own personalized Christmas Stockings she knitted. Donna and Ellis were married for 47 years when Ellis passed away on May 1, 1993. She described his death as the hardest thing that happened to her in her life but continued on the farm for several years. In September of 1995 she married Ralph Allen living in Missouri, Genoa and later Falcon, CO where they enjoyed retirement attending Black Forest Baptist Church. Health issues in June of 2012 necessitated moves to separate care facilities. Ralph passed away in January, 2014. Donna is preceded in death by her parents, in laws, half-sister Leona, sister Lois, special brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews. Donna’s life is celebrated by her three children and spouses; Kay & Dennis Hicks of Sidney, NE; Neil & Linda Allen of Orchard, CO; Gail & Millie Allen of LaJunta, CO. 10 grandchildren and their spouses; soon to be 30 great grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren and one step great grandchild. Her brother Ed & Rosie Bates; nephews Gary Johnson, Lynn & Shari Johnson; Darrel Bates. Nieces Joy Bates and Sandy & Randy Bright. Sisters in law Peggy Allen, Georgia Link, Jean Allen and the Allen nieces and nephews. Donna considered her Lord and her family her greatest blessings. We loved her; and she loved us MORE!