Doris G Allen

April 6, 1923 - June 24, 2009

Doris G. Allen, 86, stepped from this life into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday June 24, 2009. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cygnet, Ohio, a small farming community south of Toledo on April 6, 1923. She was the oldest daughter born to William "Mack" and Beulah Morehouse. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Allen and her parents, William "Mack" and Beulah Morehouse She is survived by her 3 daughters, Becky (David) Pimentel, Darlene (Jim) Grimley, and Karen (Jeff) Burgoon; grandchildren, Jason (Melissa) Pimentel, Kevin (Staci) Pimentel, John (Tara) Grimley, Michelle (Jeff) Schlueter, Danya Kilker, Joe Grimley, Danielle Grimley, Lauren (Patrick) Wishart, Jacob (Rebecca) Burgoon, Tyler Burgoon; 11 great grandchildren and one on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Martha Blevins, of Green Valley, AZ. Doris, as many hearing children of deaf adults, was called into service at an early age to be the ears and voice of her family. At the age of 8 or 9, she began losing her hearing as well and became more comfortable in the deaf world than in the hearing, though fluent in both. She attended Robinson Junior High, and graduated from Devilbiss High School in 1942. At the age of 17, while visiting friends of her parents, she met the love of her life. When she saw Art coming down the stairs, with his blonde hair and blue eyes, she knew in her heart that "this is the one for me." They maintained a long distance relationship through letters until they were married June 10, 1945. After living for a short time in VA, they returned to Toledo in 1946. They were married for 61 years until Art's death in 2006. After graduation from high school, Doris worked for the Erie Thomas Pie Co., where she learned the art pie baking for which she was well known. Over the years, she also worked for short periods of time in the office at Willys-Overland (Jeep), in the catalog department at J.C. Penny, as a nurse's aide at Holly Glen Nursing Home and as an evaluator for the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. Her greatest joy, however, was staying at home with her family. Doris enjoyed working in flower filled gardens, was an avid reader, and loved to bake. The aroma of cookies always brought the neighborhood children to the door on Saturday mornings. In their later years, she and Art treasured their time traveling across America in their motor home. They also enjoyed exploring the world having visited Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Israel, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal among others. For 38 years, she has served faithfully as a member of Good Shepherd of the Deaf Lutheran Church. Family and friends may visit from 2:00 to 8:00pm Sunday in Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue where funeral services will be held 11:00am Monday. Interment will follow immediately at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. The family asks that any contributions be made to Good Shepherd of the Deaf Lutheran Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Online condolences may be left at www.ansberg-west.com