Alice R. Allen

Alice Elizabeth Rucker Allen passed away January 22, 2007, in Austin, TX. Born September 10, 1918 in Taylor County, TX, Ms. Allen was the oldest daughter of Joseph Herman (J.H.) Rucker, Sr. and Mary Ophelia Fuller Rucker. Ms. Allen graduated from Abilene High School, and received a degree in Mathematics from McMurry College. She subsequently attended Texas Tech in Lubbock where she obtained a degree in Home Economics and met her future husband, Howard C. Allen, whom she married in Abilene, TX on June 30, 1941. Mr. & Mrs. Allen first resided in St. Louis, MO and returned to Texas when Mr. Allen entered WWII. The couple then moved to Lamesa, TX, where Mr. Allen was associated with his father in the architectural and building business. In 1966 the Allen family moved to Austin, TX, where Mr. Allen was associated with the Texas Department of Health. Ms. Allen is survived by husband Howard C. Allen, son Donald H. Allen, grandson Austin H. Allen, of Austin; daughter Wanza E. (Brooks) Grantier of Marshall, MI, and grandchildren Charles F. Grantier, Marguerite C. (Scott) Grupke, and Elise M. Grantier; daughter Barbara J. (David) Bend of Marble Falls, TX, and grandchildren Aaron D. (Cristy) Bend, and Hannah E. Bend; and daughter Mary Jane (Mark) Phelps of Kingwood, TX, grandchildren Ashley E., Amanda M., and Angela V. Phelps. She was preceded in death by her older brother, Joe Herman Rucker, Jr. of Fresno, CA, and by a younger sister, Ruth R. Hickock of Houston, TX. Surviving brothers and sisters, all of TX., are J. Morris Rucker of Houston, J. Lloyd Rucker of McKinney, Rev. Harold B. Rucker of Richardson, Lucille R. Chessmore of Fort Worth, Juanita R. Marshall of Midland, and Melba R. Boozer of Abilene. She is survived by numerous nephews and nieces. Ms. Allen joined the Methodist church at a young age, taught kindergarten classes, sang in the choir for many years, and was a member of the Susanna Wesley Sunday School Class of FUMC, Austin. She published in 1993 a book of her Rucker family genealogy, Rucker Heritage, and also The Rucker Family Cookbook. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Services for Mrs. Allen will be held at 3:00 p.m. on January 26, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, Austin, TX, with Rev. John McMullen and Rev. Kathleen Jones, FUMC, and Rev. Harold B. Rucker, brother of the deceased, officiating. Honorary pallbearers are the grandsons and sons-in-law of the deceased. A preceding burial will be in Austin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Endowment Fund of FUMC, the FUMC organ fund, or organization of one's choice.