Betty M. Allen

Betty M. Allen, 94, formerly of Newton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, at her son’s home in Raleigh, N.C.

Betty was born in Nevada, Mo., June 7, 1924, to Paul and Leona (Johannes) Current. Betty grew up in Nevada, graduating from Nevada High School. Betty met her future husband while a young girl living in Nevada. Her future husband would come to Nevada each summer to visit his grandparents. Since Betty’s grandparents and her future husband’s grandparents were friends, Betty and Joe Bundy became friends too. As teenagers, they would write occasional letters to each other. Then in 1945, they both attended the same wedding in Chicago, and reunited their friendship, marrying her longtime friend, Joe Bundy Allen July 20, 1945.

They started their married lives in Chicago. They also lived in Keokuk, Ottumwa, Iowa City, Clinton and Newton. In 1965, Betty and Bundy bought Ron Hawkins Studio in Newton, which later became Bundy Allen Photography. They owned the studio until 1969. Besides working at the studio she also worked in the insurance office of Drs. Forsythe and Norris and later in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield office in the Farm Bureau building. In 1986, they left Newton for Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., then moved to St. Petersburg, Fla. Bundy, the love of her life, died in 1998. In 2013, Betty moved to Raleigh, NC. Betty was a 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star. She loved the beach, golf, playing bridge, dancing, having fun and worshiping the sun.

Betty is survived by her two children, Kathy (Ed) Stevens of Killduff, and Craig (Ewa) Allen of Raleigh, N.C.; her four grandchildren, Sara (Scott) Wilmesmeier of Killduff, Jordan (Jessica) Stevens of Sully, Sara Allen and Julia Allen of Raleigh, N.C.; and her two great-grandsons, Blake and Tyson Wilmesmeier; a sister-in-law; and many nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband; her five siblings and their spouses; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Betty will be at 4:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22 at Marmaduke Park in Nevada, Mo., where family members will gather. A short service and burial will be at 9:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23 at the Nevada cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Betty wishes were for memorials be given to your local American Cancer Society or SPCA. Betty’s greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty was a strong person who is loved and will be missed by many people.​