Ruth Elizabeth Allen

Ruth Elizabeth Allen joined her loved ones in Heaven on February 27, 2019.  Ruth passed while receiving Hospice care at Safe Haven Assisted Living in Okemos.  Ruth was born on June 22, 1933, in the home of her parents, Gardner and Mildred Amelia (Wilbur) Crawford.  She met the love of her life, Ronald Duane Allen, in music class at Michigan State and they were married June 19, 1954.  Her beloved husband, Ron, preceded her in death in 1998.

Ruth was known by many for her sweet treats from her kitchen.  Many a family wedding was brightened by Auntie Ruth’s chocolate sheet cake and holidays were not the same without her caramel corn and fudge.  She had a beautiful soprano voice and played the clarinet in the Michigan State Concert Band.  She completed her education at Michigan State and went on to teach elementary school music in Holt in their early married life.  She was a supportive member of the audience throughout her husband, Ron’s, 37 years as Holt High School Choir Director.  Mrs. Allen was always in the front row, always encouraging smiles from nervous students on the stage, and frequently holding out her hand to retrieve gum being chewed at the wrong time.  Ruth was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Holt and sang for many years in the church choir.  She was a volunteer with Hospice and a member of the American Business Women’s Association, after becoming a Realtor in the Holt area.  Above all, Ruth loved her family.

Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents, her wonderful brothers, Wilbur and Robert Crawford, her treasured sister, Anne (Crawford) Harmon, her dear son, Mark Douglas Allen and her precious grandson, Jacob Wayne Allen.  Ruth was welcomed home by many beloved family members.

Ruth is survived by four of her five children, daughter Kathy Ball (Mike), son Mike Allen (Terrie), son Tim Allen, son Chris (Genny) Allen and her dear brother, James Arthur Crawford.   She leaves behind much loved grandchildren, Jennifer (Brad), Jon (Jessey), Jeremy, Faith (Uri), Doug, Matt (Morgan), Ben, Travis, Daniel (Ryan), Caleb and David as well as very special great-grandchildren, Abigail, Alex, Elliott, Lincoln, Maizey, Thomas, Titus and Thaddeus.

A celebration of Ruth’s life is being planned for friends and family on Saturday, June 22 (Ruth’s birthday).  Details will be announced at a later date.   In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ruth’s name to Hospice of Lansing (Memorial Donations).

The family would especially like to express its gratitude to the staff of Safe Haven Assisted Living, Director Tamesha Porter.  They created a loving and welcoming home for our mother, while providing her with the special care that she needed. The family also wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to Diane of Care Team (Hospice) for her loving care of our mother.  God Bless you all.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.