Rose Mary Allen, 81, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 27, 1943, in Albion, Illinois, the daughter of Ray and Lula (Bassett) Wood. She married Harold Gene Allen on November 27, 1961, and they enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage until his passing on March 10, 2021.
Rose Mary was a Certified Nursing Assistant who dedicated her life to caring for others. For over ten years, she worked at Wabash General Hospital in obstetrics helping bring new babies into the world. Rose Mary went to work at Oakview Nursing Home, caring for the elderly, which became her passion. She continued at Oakview working in any department that needed her, patient care, physical therapy, cooking and in her later years, she was in the medical records department until her retirement on June 29, 2012. Rose Mary served as an officer in the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 423. She enjoyed family camping trips when the children were young. Rose Mary loved traveling with Gene to Vermont to visit with his Army buddy to explore the area. She loved her family, and her grandchildren were the dearest to her heart.
Rose Mary leaves behind two sons, James Allen and wife Leslie, Jerry Allen and wife Shelly; three daughters, Kristina Phelps and husband Rick, Teresa Blair and husband Greg, and Melody (Tim Deal) Allen; ten grandchildren, Mike Phelps and wife Kieri, Jennifer Isham and husband Ralston, Alicia Allen, Courtlyn Johnson, Kaleb (Kera Harrington) Johnson, Gabriel (Marcail) Allen, Jacob Allen, Brianna Chace and husband Bill, Isabella Gunderson and husband Cory; six great-grandchildren; half-brother, Eddie Nading; half-sisters, Cheryl Nading, Patricia Nava; brothers -in-law, Farrell Allen, John Allen and wife Norma; many loved nieces and nephews.
Rose Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and four brothers.
A private family service will be held at a later date at Bethel Cemetery, where Rose Mary will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Rose Mary’s tribute wall, and leave condolences for the Allen family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
