Nancy Lee Allen

02/08/1938 – 11/12/2019

Loving wife, mother, sibling, and friend to all. Nancy passed away peacefully and suddenly Wednesday evening, November 12, surrounded by her family. Nancy is survived by her husband Kenneth Eugene (Gene) Allen and their three children, Dixie Garden, Kenneth Allen (spouse Lynda Allen), Pamila Allen (partner Karin Fischer), 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Nancy was the third child of five born to Charles Francois and Evelyn Marie Winckel. Her surviving siblings are Charlene Nelson, Janice Woods, Carol Redabaugh, and Paul Winckel.

Although she was born in Brighton, Colorado, her most formative years were spent on her parent’s farm in Johnstown, Colorado. Her romance with her husband of nearly 63 years, started in the fields of that farm. That is when Gene asked for their first date from a low flying crop duster … of course she accepted! She went on to marry that dashing young man that had a need to fly the skies and who later joined the U.S. Navy. While Gene became a highly decorated U.S. Navy fighter pilot in Vietnam, Nancy diligently took care of children, pets, and home. And when Gene was stationed throughout various parts of the U.S., Nancy was always there to support him and those around him in every way she could, including being a mentor and parent-figure to the young officer’s wives in Gene’s squadrons.

Her purpose in life was simple but inspiring. She just wanted to be the best mother she could to all her children. She was the Pied Piper of children of all ages as they flocked to her side everywhere she went. All who crossed her path drew strength and encouragement from her wise and indomitable spirit. Even on her worst health days, her first concern was always for those around her.

Nancy was also inconspicuously brilliant. She lived the message that an education is important and most of all, to never quit. She taught us that being the best isn’t what mattered but trying your best was mandatory. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and the wit of a seasoned comedian. She was relatively quiet but when something was said, it was either funny or impactful, so we all learned to listen carefully when Nancy was ready to speak.

Along with a love for family and friends, Nancy also had a great passion for animals and the outdoors. She helped raise everything from dogs to raccoons to neighborhood kids and taught her children that all life is precious, beautiful, and should be respected. She loved camping in their RV on Lake Crowley in California and fishing from their boat while enjoying the surrounding scenery. Her single most important message is to live life in the moment and to the fullest. Never pass up an opportunity to laugh, even if it’s at yourself. And when it snows, stop where you are and enjoy a good slide down a hill.

If you were part of her circle of friends or family, you know these words to be true. Hold the memories of her close to your heart and find solace in knowing that she is always with you. If you need inspiration and strength, look toward the west – you will see ‘her’ mountains, as she always put it. And isn’t that fitting because the only other thing as majestic, strong, and enduring as those peaks, is her never-ending love.