Thelma Allen

Thelma Jo Allen, age 57, of West Des Moines, Iowa formerly of Albia died Tuesday, January 3, 2005 at her residence. She was born September 2, 1948 in Albia, Iowa to Gerald and LaVelle (Ricketts) Allen. She was a graduate of Albia High School, Class of 1966. Thelma had worked for Mutual of New York Insurance Company. She began her career in Des Moines and was promoted to Minneapolis, Minnesota and later to Syracuse, New York. She retired as an auditor from the Syracuse, New York office after 30 years and moved back to Des Moines. Thelma currently worked for Olsen Temp. Services. She enjoyed volunteering her time, making and giving memory books to family and close friends. Thelma was extremely close to her family, as she never forgot a birthday, holiday or special occasion. Thelma is survived by two brothers, Bill (Irma) Layton of Riverview, Florida and John (Hilda) Layton of Rock Island, Illinois; one sister, Karen (Vincent) Caldwell of Albia, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews including Rodney (Connie) Elswick of Albia, Iowa, Pat (Debbie) Gaffey of Oskaloosa, Iowa and Tonya (Steve) Bunch of Lovilia, Iowa; and several great nephews and nieces, including Stephan and Katie Bunch. Her aunts and uncles, and also her very close friends also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; one brother, Gaylor Allen; and one sister, Sue Woodward. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, January 7, 2006 at the Winfield Funeral Home in Albia with Rev. Lynda Carlson officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery south of Albia, Iowa. Visitation will begin after 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 6 at the Winfield Funeral Home with the family present from 6-8 P.M. Friday evening. An Open Memorial has been established.