Betty J. Allan

Betty J. Allan nee Coe was born on August 31, 1931, at the Jacksonville, IL, State Hospital, where her parents, Alfred B. Coe and Mary E. Coe nee Wilson, met and worked. Betty peacefully passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 7:12pm surrounded by her daughters at Brookstone in Aledo, IL. She loved spending time on her family’s tenant farm and dairy near Springfield, IL where she spent her childhood and was loved by her grandparents, aunts and uncles. She attended grammar school in a one room schoolhouse and graduated from New Berlin High School in 1949. Betty received her certification as a Lab Technician from Gradwell College, in St. Louis, MO. On March 23, 1952, she married Henry D. Allan, the love her life, in Alexander, IL. They were happily married for 65 years. As newlyweds, Betty worked at Wood River Hospital until they could purchase their new home in Alton, IL. Having moved so many times as a child, it was Betty’s dream to be a stay-at-home mom in a home that she could call her own. She immersed herself in her children and grandchildren’s lives. She gathered her family and friends for wonderful dinners and special occasions. Betty was a gracious and welcoming hostess and a friend to many. Betty made everyone feel welcome and a part of her family. She was lover of beauty, both in nature and art. She was an avid oil painter and created many beautiful paintings. She was an active member of all of the churches that she attended. Known as a prayer warrior, she would seek out ways to pray for everyone she met. In 2019, Betty was recognized with “The 2019 Legend Servant Award” by the Aledo UMC. Some of her happiest memories include spending time with her husband and daughters, their families, camping all over the US, visiting family and friends, and her trips to Scotland. Betty and Hank moved into her daughter, Joanne’s home and ultimately to Brookstone of Aledo Assisted Living, where she resided until her death. Betty’s family is grateful and thankful for Brookstone of Aledo, Aledo UMC, Community Christian Church, Alton, IL and Beacon of Hope Hospice. So many wonderful caregivers, congregants, friends, and staff made her life happy and fulfilling. Her husband, parents, brother in-law, John Recknagel and son in-law (like a son), Mark N. Harris, preceded her in death. Betty is survived by her brother, Alfred (Joyce) Coe, TX, her sister, Clara Recknagel, TN, daughters, Janice (Paul) Fuchs, CA and Joanne Harris, Aledo, grandchildren, Sam Harris, IL, Paul Allan and Olivia Fuchs, CA and Hunter Harris, IL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Memorial Service (with COVID-19 restrictions) is planned for Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 10:00am at the Aledo UMC. A private burial will take place in Gillespie, IL. Memorials may be made to the Aledo United Methodist Church. Another way to honor Betty’s memory would be to pray, write, visit or call those that are alone or in need.