Reta (Spears-Stewart) Allen, 91, of Chicago, IL and Springfield, MO passed from this earth August 8, 2023. Early Tuesday morning her Lord and Savior took her by the hand and led her home.

Reta Allen was born January 6, 1932, in Chicago, IL to Bobbie and Thomas Spears. She graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1949 and went on to study at Northern Illinois University. Her studies in art and literature led her to many creative ventures in her life.

Reta had a passion for communicating and genuinely loved people and was able to express it in many facets. She had an art studio where she taught and sold ceramics, was the art director at Illinois Bell, ran live camera at a news station, sold radio spots, was a radio DJ, and owned and operated a bible bookstore.

Her innovative and creative spirit inspired many works of art in clay, oil painting and writing, in which many fans have revered. At the age of 50, the Lord revealed to her that He created her to write. She didn't hesitate, writing several children's books and historical/entertainment books. Later, she started a publishing company by the name of Barnabus Publishing, in which she helped many fulfill their life-long dream of being published writers.

During her life she shared the gospel and "Good News," leading many to the Lord. She cared deeply for people and lived by Jesus' commandment to love one another as He has loved.

Reta is survived by her seven children, David Stewart, Daniel Stewart, Peter Stewart, Maureen Stewart-Hodges, Hope Suttles, Logan Stewart, Judson Stewart, sixteen grandchildren and lots of great-grandchildren.

We will miss you, Mama.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 pm in the funeral home.