MARGARET ANN (EMERICH) ALLEN

Margaret Ann (Emerich) Allen, 78, of Thornfield, MO passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016 in her home surrounded by her family and loving husband.

Margaret was born on November 10, 1937 in McMinnville, TN as one of nine children born to Jack and Ella (Singleton) Emerich. Her parents preceded her in death. She was married to Raymond Allen at Fort Hood, Bell County, Texas on March 10, 1960.

She attended Sutton High School in Sutton, West Virginia. She worked for AT&T for 30 years retiring in 1990 and received many commendations for her outstanding service. She worked as a telephone operator for much of her time with the phone company, and had started out working as a telephone operator on the old "cord boards", but had also worked in the Business office.

She attended Church in Ava and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She loved helping others and serving in many different capacities including serving two Temple Missions with her husband at the St Louis Temple, and had also been the Family History Director at the Muncie, IN Stake Center. She also served as the Relief Society President (Women's Auxiliary) for several years.

She used her many talents to serve others. Her natural talents in sewing and crochet were used to bless her family, friends, and community. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She constantly strived to strengthen the feeble knees and help lift the hands that hang down. She loved the scriptures and always strived to keep the commandments. She was a wonderful example of love, service and goodness to those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Allen; son Douglas Allen, Seattle, WA; daughter, Margo (Tony) Brandenburg, Greenwood, IN; grandson, Corbin Allen, Yorktown, IN. She is also survived by one sister, Betty Thomas, Albany, IN; and two brothers, Charles (Barbara) Emerich, Isabella, MO; Kenneth Emerich, North Carolina.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers; James "Jim" Emerich, John Emerich, Eugene Emerich, Paul Emerich; and one sister, Susan (Emerich) Deeds.

Services were held on July 12, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO. Special thanks to all of the exceptional nurses and doctors that served on Margaret's behalf (Baxter Regional Medical Center and Hospice Compassus) during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice Compassus 1406 Kentucky Ave. West Plains, MO 65775.
Arrangements are by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.