Ora Dale Allen

Early on the morning of July 6, 2017 Ora Dale Allen, 92 of Chandler, Texas accepted the outstretched hand of her Lord and Savior as He relieved her from months of pain and illness and welcomed her into His eternal embrace and the reunion with others of her family awaiting her arrival.

She was born in Mankins, Archer County, Texas on March 11, 1925 to Abner Earl and Grace Strawn Arrington. She graduated from high school in Electra, Texas and later moved with her family to Prairie Grove, Arkansas where she met and married Rev. Russell D. Allen, her husband of 53 years at the time of his passing in 1995.

During her lifetime Dale devoted her energy, her love, and her values to her role as a mother, homemaker, and a supportive wife of an ordained Methodist minister as they pastored and founded churches in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. After "retiring" to Chandler, Texas they continued to serve in churches in the Moore Community, Arp, and Starrville and later as members of First United Methodist Church of Chandler. Dale always felt that her role in life included volunteering wherever a need appeared. She spent many hours at God's Open Hands ministry in Chandler, teaching Sunday School, volunteering in the nursery, and many other volunteer activities until her health would no longer allow her to do so. She became a charter member of Lake Palestine United Methodist Church when it was founded, where her membership remains today. She was a proud member of the "Southern Angels" women's group where she joined others in volunteering for whatever need they became aware of at their new church.

Dale was "the best mom in the world" to her children. She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Russell D. Allen; son, Rev. Charles Robert Allen; and daughter Judy Kay Gibbs.

She is survived by sons, Russell W. Allen (Sherry) of The Woodlands, Texas; Joe D. Allen (Lisa) of Chandler, Texas; and Richard L. "Rick" Allen (Melanie) of Plano, Texas; 13 Grandchildren; 16 Great-Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great-Grandchildren; 6 nieces; 2 nephews and countless friends.

A public memorial service will be held in her honor at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18th at Lake Palestine United Methodist Church in Chandler. Her earthly remains will be placed alongside her life's companion in a private family ceremony at Chandler Memorial Cemetery.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Lake Palestine United Methodist Church, for Local Needs, 2889 FM 315, Chandler, TX 75758, or to Chandler Memorial Cemetery Association, Care Fund, Box 1822, Chandler, TX 75758.