Dorothy was born on February 18, 1918 in Marion, Kansas to Robert M. and Mae G. Nelson, during the 1918 Flu Pandemic that almost took her life as an infant. Instead, she lived for 95 years, gracing her family, church and community with her generous spirit, keen intellect, and wonderful sense of humor.

A graduate of Marion High School, Dorothy went on to work her way through The University of Kansas, graduating in 1939. She was an avid KU basketball fan who displayed her autographed photo of Bill Self among the treasured pictures of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The mother of five, whose ages spanned 21 years, Dorothy still found time to devote to Overland Park Christian Church where she served as President of the Board of Elders, Board member of the Christian Women's Fellowship and a representative of the church to World Conventions of the Disciples of Christ Church. She was also a Girl Scout leader, PTA President, and volunteer in other community organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dr. H. G. Nelson, Stillwater, OK; her husband Jack Allen; and their son, Jack N. Allen of Topeka, KS. She leaves her daughter, Bishop Jane A. Middleton and her husband Jack of Woodstock Valley, CT; her daughter Marcia A. Johnston of Washington, DC; her daughter Susan A. Slattery and her husband Jeff, of Tulsa, OK; and her son Robert L. Allen and his wife Cathy, of Kansas City, MO. She also leaves her daughter-in-law Diana M. Allen of Topeka, KS; and her brother-in-law, William H. Allen and his wife Judi of Sun City Center, FL.

Her love for children brought her great joy. Her 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren all called her Grammy and loved spending time with her.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held at Lakeview Village in Lenexa, KS on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at Pioneer Cemetery, 75th and Antioch.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Lakeview Village Foundation, Centerpointe Care Center Fund (9100 Park Street - Lenexa, KS - 66215).