Cleta Allen

Cleta Allen, 82, of Seneca, MO (formerly of Chadwick, MO), passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Nov. 23, 2020, to rejoice forever in the presence of Jesus Christ, her savior. She was resting beside her son at their residence in Seneca after a hard-fought battle with Multiple Myeloma, a painful and aggressive bone cancer which was diagnosed on Sept. 16, 2019. She fought courageously and with a grateful heart for the loving prayers and kind and constant support of her family and friends. Cleta was born April 14, 1938, in Chadwick to Charlie and Eula Mae Shipman. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age, and she followed him faithfully and prayerfully throughout her life. She attended both the Chadwick Union Church and the First Pentecostal Church in Chadwick. She attended Chadwick High School and Southwest Missouri State University, and she worked for the University of Missouri Extension Center in Ozark, MO for 36 years, diligently serving the Christian County community. On Nov. 24, 1965, she and Clarence "Red" Allen were united in marriage. To this union an only son, Denny Lee Allen, was born. The apple of their eye! As one relative said lovingly and lightheartedly about Cleta, "God help anyone who gets between her and her cub." Cleta was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence in 2004, after 38 years of marriage. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Charlie and Eula Mae Shipman; a brother, Leo; a sister, Mary Ellen Neff; and other dearly loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Survivors include a son, Denny Allen, Seneca, MO, two brothers, Paul Shipman, Klamath Falls, OR.; Farris Shipman and his wife, Wanda, Chadwick, MO; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, several cousins, and countless cherished friends. Cleta loved her family and friends. Her generosity and loving kindness were constant and tireless. She hosted family reunions and other gatherings for family and friends at which love, laughter, good times, and delicious food reigned. Her nieces and nephews remember riding in her car, going to McDonald's and shopping. The many country cooked meals, the gatherings at Swan Creek, the laugher, the warmth … they live in our hearts always. Cleta showed her profound love, kindness, and generosity not only during the good times, but also during the darkest days. She was a blessing to so many. The consummate caregiver, she cared for her husband and her parents, and her care extended to other family members - her sister, aunts, cousins-through many seriously challenging times and illnesses. During tough times or hospitalizations, Cleta was there as their advocate and caregiver. With these treasured memories, and with broken hearts, we say goodbye to Cleta. We will miss her kindness, gentleness, generosity, and love. We have been blessed to know a sensitive and loving soul who lived in and for her Christian faith. Cleta, she of gatherings and reunions, is now guest of honor at a reunion of beloved souls with their maker. We can only imagine. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, November 27, 2020 in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Reverend Jerry Applegate and Reverend Darrell Mead officiating. Cremation will follow the funeral service. Visitation will be from noon to 1 P.M. immediately before the funeral in Adams Funeral Home, 504 W. Walnut, Ozark, MO 65721. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html The family thanks C.H. Chub O'Reilly Cancer Center, Mercy Hospital Oncology Floor, and Integrity Home Care & Hospice of Springfield and Joplin for their compassionate and professional care.