Alexandra "Sandy" Allen

Sandy was born in Louisville, KY near Camp Taylor. Being in a military family, she moved frequently in her youth but eventually entered school in Rineyville where she met her husband of 64 years, Ralph Allen, in middle school. Both Ralph and Sandy graduated from Rineyville High School and went on to become high school administrators for 40 years in the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). Sandy ultimately retired from JCPS as the principal of Ballard High School in Louisville, KY.

Sandy was a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal for JCPS. Sandy enjoyed many successes throughout her career and as principal at Ballard High School, she enjoyed an active role in the athletic and academic teams and the arts. Sandy’s accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed by Ballard High School or others. While principal, Ballard built a new fine arts center and honored her by naming it The Sandy Allen Fine Arts Center. She was awarded Kentucky High School Principal of the Year. She was elected as one of the first females to the Kentucky High School Athletic Board of Control for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA). She was also the Jefferson County representative to the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). And even more importantly to Sandy, Ballard was a top Kentucky high school while she was principal, excelling in all aspects. Growing up in a military family, Sandy always spoke fondly of the places she lived and visited around the world.

Many stories were shared of life in Germany, Paris, and Japan. She continued to enjoy travel throughout her lifetime taking trips with Ralph, chaperoning students, and jetting off to Paris and Germany with family. Wherever Sandy was, antiques were never far behind. She was an avid collector of late 19th century and early 20th century furniture, collectibles, and memorabilia and somehow always managed to find a little more room to store her treasures, big and small. She had an extensive network of friends in the community and made time to stop by and check out the new wares in all of her friendly venues. Throughout all of her successes and travels, Sandy remained a steadfast supporter of both Louisville and Rineyville. In Louisville she was a board member for Riverside The Farnsley-Moorman Landing and a member of the Fillies. Rineyville was where Sandy and Ralph entertained extended family and kept tradition. It was here that they met, grew up together, and invested a lifetime of hard work to help make Rineyville a beautiful place for anyone to live.

A private ceremony was held on August 10th where, at her request, Sandy was laid to rest in Rineyville Cemetery. Her spirit will forever be alive in the hearts of her family, friends, co-workers, and students that she loved, respected, encouraged, and inspired.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Elta O. Baker and Richard W. Hampton; her step-father Lloyd J. Baker; and her brother Richard W. Hampton.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Ralph Allen; her sisters Patsy Hanna (Scott), Connie Perkins, and Alice Beshara; her children, Tim Allen (Maryellen), Meg Deshpande (Alvaro Brito); her grandchildren, Catherine Almond (Charlie), Maggie Gajcak (Chris), Rohan Deshpande, Mick Deshpande, Leela Deshpande; and her great-granddaughter Naomi Almond.

The family would also like to express their deep gratitude for the loving support Sandy and the family received from The Legacy, Sandy’s home away from home for 7 years.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider a donation to Riverside The Farnsley-Moremen Landing (www.riverside-landing.org) or Rineyville Baptist Church (www.rbcky.org).