Phyllis Lynette Allen

On September 7, 1925 in Oregon City, Oregon, Phyllis Lynette Allen was born to Thereon and Berte (Purciful) Brown. She was active as a child and did ballet and tap dancing. At 15 years of age, she was asked to dance with the San Francisco Ballet, but did not pursue this. At 17, she modeled bathing suits for Jantzen's. She was a student at Oregon City High School when she met Donald Ray Allen. Phyllis graduated from High School in 1942. Donald enlisted in the Air Force and was sent to Sioux Falls City, Iowa. Phyllis rode the train by herself to Iowa and married Don on September 24, 1944. While he was in the military, they lived in Long Beach, California and witnessed the only flight of the Spruce Goose. Their family made it known they wanted them back in Oregon, so in 1946 they returned. Phyllis' first career was as a wife and homemaker.

She was always color coordinated just like her Mother Berte. She passed this on to her girls, Merlie and Suzie. She was very self assured and carried herself with dignity. She expected no less from anyone else in her family. You always knew where you stood with her. She was an accomplished tole and oil painter and graduated from the Portland Art Museum. In the 1960's she taught painting in the basement of their home. She also taught a night class for adults through Gresham High School. There were some paintings she wouldn't part with, but other works were sold at the art show in Sun River. The family built a home in Sun River where they could enjoy skiing, tennis and the outdoors. Phyllis was an avid gardener and passed this on to her children and their spouses. Phyllis and Donn began their careers as bowling proprietors in 1948 with Parkrose Lanes. They then added the first Interstate Bowl in 1955. They become known as Allen's Alley's. They then sold them both with the proceeds going to purchasing the land and building a brand new Interstate Lanes. This is where Phyllis began her second career as a bookkeeper in the early 80's. In 1987 they purchased Crosley Lanes in Vancouver WA and once again have Allen's Alley's.

Survivors include her son, Donald D. Allen; daughter, Suzanne Farrell; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Allen Farrell, Bryan Michael Farrell, Donald Scott Allen and Amanda Rae Allen; and 1 great grandson, Kyron Alan Carlson. She is preceded in death by her husband Donn and daughter, Merlynn L. Thompson.

Phyllis passed away at the age of 85 on July 3, 2011 in Vancouver, Washington. A Graveside Service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, Monday, July 11, 2011 at 10:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Ross Hollywood Chapel & Killingsworth St. John's Lombard Little Chapel of the Chimes, Portland, Oregon.