Connie D. Allen

Connie D. Allen, 76, of Washington, Kansas, died September 19, 2011 at her home in Washington. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 23, at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Clyde, Kansas. Pastor Tom Sahl officiated. Evelyn Peterson was the organist and Dr. James Smart sang, “In the Garden” and “Beyond the Sunset.” The congregation sang “Amazing Grace.” Burial was in the Emmons Cemetery, Washington. Connie was born April 16, 1935 at Waterville, Kansas, the daughter of Conner and Evelyn (Peterson) Coates. The first five years of her life she lived in Blue Rapids, Kansas, where her parents and grandparents owned and published the Blue Rapids Times, one of several newspapers they owned in their lifetime. When she was seven years old, the family moved to Washington, Kansas, and published the Washington County News which they founded in 1939. Connie attended grade school and high school in Washington where she graduated in 1953. She attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Kansas State University. In 1961, she married James D. Allen in Falls City, Nebraska. They lived in Washington their entire married life. To this union two sons were born, James and Darin. Connie worked at her parents newspaper and after that was sold, at other newspapers in the area. Connie taught baton twirling for over 50 years and was a National Baton Twirling Association registered teacher and contest director. In 1991, she and a friend established MarCon Catering / MarCon Pies. After selling that business she became a substitute teacher. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Clyde, KS, and remained a lifelong member. She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband James "Jim" Allen. Survivors include two sons, James Allen, Fairbury, Neb., and Darin (Nichole) Allen, Beatrice, Neb.; granddaughter Emily; step-grandchildren, Brianna and Samantha. A memorial fund has been established to the Zion Lutheran Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, 115 W 2nd, Washington, KS 66968. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Connie D. Allen, please visit our flower store.