Frances Mae Allen, 90, formerly of Springfield, passed away on December 29, 2012 at Country Health Nursing Home in Gifford, Illinois. Fran was born November 20, 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri, a daughter of Harold Charles Fisher and Mary Frances Fisher. Fran's family moved to Springfield in 1933. She graduated from Old Springfield High School and then attended Drury College. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with her BS and RN degrees. While there, she met Jerry Allen, whom she married on January 3, 1945, at Drury College Stone Chapel. Dr. Allen died January 31, 2007. The Allens moved to Springfield in 1953 with their three young children. Fran was active in the Springfield community for many years. She served as a president of the Greene County Medical Auxiliary and held several positions locally and at the state level. She also served on the Springfield Art Museum Board, the Southwest Missouri Museum Association Board, and the Visiting Nurse Association Board. Additionally, she was the volunteer manager of the Baptist Hospital Gift Shop, and served as its buyer in the 1970's. She was a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for more than 65 years and served on the Church Board. Fran was a loving wife and devoted mother and grandmother. She and Jerry traveled often to visit their three children and many grandchildren. She loved to knit, needlepoint, read, and play bridge and golf. In 2009, due to failing health, Fran moved to Illinois to be closer to her daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years, and her sister Gwendolyn Wyett. She is survived by her three children; Dr. Jerry H. Allen, III (Jennifer) of Washington, MO; Janice Presley (Dwight) of St. Joseph, IL; Eugene H. Allen (Karen) of Fulton, MO; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; her brother-in-law Cecil (Ruthie) Wyett; her sister-in-law Nettie Allen; and seven nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 am January 4, 2013 at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 East Seminole, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be at 10:30 am with the service following at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 413 East Walnut; Springfield, MO 65806.
