Betty Ruth Allen

Betty Allen, 97, of Bicknell, Indiana, entered into eternal life on December 11, 2024, in Vincennes, Indiana at her daughter’s house who had been her caregiver for the past two years. Betty was born June 27, 1927, in Sumner, Illinois, to Sam and Mable Foote. She was the oldest of 12 children and attended Bruceville High School.

After high school, Betty worked as a waitress at Stephen’s Café. One evening as she was waiting tables, a handsome military man (who served in World War II) by the name of William (Bill) Allen, came in and swept her off her feet. They married five months later on September 14, 1946, and were married for 76 years. Bill and Betty enjoyed eating at veterans’ meetings and meals, as well as Denny’s in Vincennes, and talking with others and enjoying their company.

After Betty got married, she worked at Prestolite Battery Factory and was the owner of Bicknell Coffee House, where she worked alongside her mother and other employees. She sold Raleigh, Shaklee, Fuller Brush, and Amway, as well as a few other product lines. She was also a caregiver for the elderly for 10 years. Betty enjoyed this job very much and the people she cared for loved her too. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, singing specials at church, doing puzzle books, watching birds, and taking care of her flowers. Many people said she made the best homemade noodles, pies, yeast rolls, and killer sweet tea. Her loving heart, giving to others, and faith in God are what made her memorable.

In 1971, Betty gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized in the Wabash River and her life changed for the better. Throughout her life, she attended General Baptist Church and First Wesleyan Church and was a member of Pilgrim Holiness Church, all in Bicknell.

She is survived by her children Floyd (Betty) Allen of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mark (Janice) Allen, and Teresa (Brian) Blinn, both of Vincennes, IN, and daughter-in-law, Pam Allen, of Bicknell Indiana. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, sons Rex and Jim, and an infant son who died soon after birth. Siblings passing before her include Mary Roach, Ethel Cooper, Fred, John, Doyle, and Sam Foote.

Betty is also survived by grandchildren Dawn Gluth, Jesse (Teresa) Allen, Brent (Candi) Allen, Jennifer (Paul) Jones, Jimmy Allen, Todd (Crickett) Allen, Penney (Eric) Koenig, Tricia (Adam) Rife, Staci (Brent) Henderson, Kristen (Kirk) Young, Amy (Sean) Stovall, Mindy (Corry) Frison, Sarah (Josh) McKinney, and Kyle (Randa) Blinn, along with several great and great-great grandchildren. She also is survived by sisters Margreet (Marge) Ellis and Fleta Donham and brothers Gary, David, and Roy Foote.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Goodwin-Sievers Family Funeral Home in Vincennes, Indiana, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with funeral service immediately following. Burial will be in Bruceville, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Vincennes Animal Shelter or to the donor’s choice.