Barbara Kay Allis, 81, of Houston passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026. She was born in Bartlesville, OK, to Mary Louise and Edward P. Allis IV. She attended Monte Cassino Catholic School in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was 1962 homecoming queen. After graduating high school, she studied at LSU and joined the Phi Beta Phi sorority like her mother Mary Louise.
While she faced much adversity in her life, Barb’s faith remained steadfast, her attitude optimistic, and her heart ever grateful. Many people described her as the sweetest soul, always wearing the biggest smile, and always deeply appreciative of even the smallest gestures of kindness. Telephone calls to Barbara were met with an explosion of excitement and curiosity about what the caller had been up to and how everyone was. She was a talented painter, and she possessed a remarkable detailed memory of people and events from her youth.
Her family was her world, and that includes extended family like the Crowley family, long-time friends Aline Haynes and Carol Frank, her cherished step siblings Jessica, Toby, Charles and Danny, and her assisted living family and friends.
She lived in an assisted living for years and many people have contributed to her care over that time. Her family is forever grateful to all those who made a positive impact on her life, including the hospice staff and her care aides. Her family would like to also express gratitude to her late uncle Bud Adams who provided for Barbara for so many years.
Barbara loved animals and held a special place in her heart for feline companion Toby who came from the rescue shelter Friends for Life.
She is survived by her children Scott Bass of Seattle, Robin Bass of Houston, and Theresa Crowley (John Jr) of Houston; grandchildren Sean Crook, Sydney Crook, Kayla Crowley; and great granddaughter Everly Crook; brother Brad Allis (Sybil), half brothers Patrick McMahon, Timothy Allis (Jeffery McCullough), and half sister Shawn Andersen (Chris), and many nieces and nephews.
Barbara was preceded in death by Mary Louise Adams, Edward P. Allis IV, Blanche Keeler Adams and brother Richard Allis who died as a baby.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to an animal or pet charity of your choosing.
Funeral services will be held on October 1, 2026 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, with visitation at 10 am and service at 11 am.
