She was born in Detroit, MI, July 6, 1929 the daughter of Edward William and Helen Dorothy (Smith) Bonnett. She married James William “Bill” Allen in Key West, FL, June 1, 1951 and he preceded her in death in 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Wayne Bonnett.
Ruth retired from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. She was a member of the Elks Lodge #158, and the Jerome Women’s Club. She was a member of the Jerome United Methodist Church. Ruth was a great cook and enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren and great granddaughter. She loved to watch birds, especially cardinals and Hummingbirds.
Ruth and Bill loved to dance to Big Band music, especially with their friends at the Elks Club. For many years, Ruth and Bill spent their summers camping with their family and friends at Otter Lake.
Surviving are her children: Lucinda “Cindy” (husband Fred) Coombe, and Billy (wife Heidi) Allen, two grandsons: Mark (wife Lauren) Coombe and Eric (Fiancé Abby Shafer) Coombe, her great granddaughter, Aria Rose Coombe, all of Springfield, her siblings: Edna Reynolds of Springfield, Bill (wife Mary Alice) Bonnett of Pleasant Plains, IL, Helen (husband Fred) Weidhuner of Greenview, IL, and Trudy (husband Mike) Irwin of Pleasant Plains, IL. She has many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be hosted by the Allen family at Bisch and Son Funeral Home 505 E. Allen St. Springfield, IL from 4-7 pm Monday, August 6, 2018. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the funeral home with Donn Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Those that wish may direct memorial contributions to the Animal Protection League or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bischfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch and Son Funeral Home 544-5424
