Lela Darlene Allen

Lela Darlene Allen, age 81, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2012, at Jefferson City Manor Care Center. She was born May 10, 1930, in Bolivar, the daughter of Clifford Cribbs and Sadie Irene (Seiner) Cribbs. Darlene graduated from Central Bible College where she met her husband of 30 years, Kelso Allen, and raised three daughters: Carolyn, Renee and Marilyn. Darlene was an assistant pastor in several churches she and her husband pastored. She spent the last 30 years of her life dedicated to prison ministry and wrote a book to commemorate this legacy. Her life was completely driven by her dedication to God and his good works. Darlene is survived by her three daughters: Carolyn DeVol-Odom and her husband Mike of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Marilyn Henry and her husband Joe of Jacksonville, Fla., Renee Vanderhoof and her husband John of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; two brothers: David Cribbs and his wife Betty of Bolivar, Darrol Cribbs and his wife Judy of Bolivar; two sisters: Carrol Stepp and her husband Diz of Walnut Grove, Wanda Agee and her husband Dorman of Springfield; five grandchildren: Jeremy Booth of Bolivar, Michael, Christine and Ashley Vanderhoof of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Haley DeVol of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; two great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Lilly Booth, of Bolivar. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Monday, January 23, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar. No visitation will be held. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, January 24, at the First Assembly of God Church in Jefferson City, with Rev. Van Mitchell officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Assembly of God Church in Jefferson City. Friends and family may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com