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Date Posted: 2010-05-03
Maiden Name: Snyder

Verna R. Allen, 86, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Monday, May 3, 2010, at her daughter's home in Lexington surrounded by her children. She was born February 1, 1924, at Lexington, Nebraska to Joseph and Alice (Gardner) Snyder. Verna was a graduate of Lexington High school with the class of 1942 and went on to further her education at Hastings College. Verna was united in marriage to Fred E. Allen on September 24, 1944, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. Four children were blessed to this marriage; Rick, Linda, Janet and Lori. The couple lived 4 miles north of the home place until Fred's father died and his mother moved to Cozad. Fred and Verna moved to the home place in 1951, where they lived until 2009, when failing health forced them to move to Park Avenue Estates in Lexington. Fred passed away on February 14, 2009.     

Verna had so many interests throughout her life, most notably was her love of home and family and raising her children. She read her Bible daily and continued her prayers until she passed. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and being a member of a knitting club, bird watching, reading and music. She was the church organist for many, many years at Buffalo Grove and would share her talent by playing the organ at many funerals and weddings around the area.

She was baptized in the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington and transferred her membership to Buffalo Grove where she was a faithful member until her death. She was past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, Dawson Chapter #33, Guardian of Job's Daughters Bethel #44 and Grand Deputy. Verna was a member of the Mariner's Club, the Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church Women , Evening Circle and served as an Elder. She also served as a leader of the Farmer's Daughters 4-H club for many years.

Survivors include one son: Rick Allen of Lexington, Nebraska, Three daughters: Linda (Mike) Warner of Lexington, Nebraska; Janet (Joe) Olmstead of Lincoln, Nebraska and Lori (Dennis) Wallace of Lexington, Nebraska, Nine grandchildren: Amy (Adam) Cedarlind of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jennifer (Brian) Mikkelsen of Lincoln, Nebraska; Cassie (Derrick) Freshour of Villisca, Iowa; Joe (Rachelle) Warner of Minden, Nebraska; Kelli (Ben) Sander of Norfolk, Nebraska; Justin (Amanda) Olmstead of Belton, Missouri; Heather Olmstead and fiance' Brandon Panasiuk of Omaha, Nebraska; Josh (Georgette) Jordening of Gering, Nebraska and Katie (Mark) Cozad of Kearney, Nebraska. Five Step-grandchildren: Amber (Kirby) Novacek of Lincoln, Nebraska; Ashley (A.J.) Bowen of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sandy (Don) Wenburg of Dundee, Michigan; Roger (Tracie) Ballmer of Omaha, Nebraska; Marsha (John) Neill of Omaha, Nebraska. Nine great-grandchildren with one on the way; eight step-great-grandchildren and seven step-great-great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Verna was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Robert Snyder and three sisters, Florence Schmitt and twin infant sisters, Hilda & Josephine Snyder.

Funeral Services will be Monday, May 10, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church north of Lexington with Ethel Fox, C.L.P. officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 9, 2010, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to AsceraCare Hospice of Kearney, Nebraska or Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of Sympathy or Condolence may be shared with the family at: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com