Marie Magdelena Allen, 90

Marie Magdelena Allen, 90, passed away on July 11, 2011, after a year of exceptional care by the staff at the Boundary County Nursing Home, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at 10 a.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, with interment and Military Rites following in the Paradise Valley Cemetery.

Marie was born to Albert and Anna Domke in Ocqueoc, Mich., on Aug. 11, 1920.

She was the middle child of 13 and had many stories of a good childhood with a balance of hard work and good times on their family farm.

During WW II she worked in the defense plant in Detroit and then enlisted in the military, serving in the Women's Army Air Corps. She was proud to serve her country and always had a patriotic spirit.

Marie enjoyed traveling, and after her honorable discharge she made her way west. She married Harold L. Allen on Jan. 8, 1949, in Mount Vernon, Wash. They settled in Concrete, Wash., where Marie was a homemaker and mother of four children.

In 1968, they moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where they bought a farm in District 5.

The welcome mat was always out, and new friends were easily made.

Harold and Marie spent many years working side by side. They enjoyed many activities including; camping, fishing, hunting, gardening and sharing family time. They became "snowbirds" for 10 years prior to Harold's passing in 1984. Marie continued her active life of traveling and spending time at her homes in Yuma, Ariz., and Paradise Valley near Bonners Ferry.

Marie was an active and dedicated member of the Lutheran Church all her life. One of her greatest joys was singing hymns and songs of all kinds, which often blessed others. She loved telling a story or joke to get a good laugh.

Marie loved her family and has left them with wonderful memories.

They surrounded her with their love right to the very end as she entered her eternal home in Heaven to the tune of "Jesus Loves Me"

She is survived by: Four children, Otis Allen and wife Bonnie of Sedro Woolley, WA; Nella English and husband Emery of Seattle; Juanita Fairchild and husband Jim of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Loretta Gutterud and husband Mike of Post Falls, Idaho; two stepsons, Harold Allen and wife Verdi of Iowa, Chester Allen of Arizona; nine grandchildren: Trista and Colby Allen, Kim Berges; Troy, Clark, Glen and Gus Fairchild; Josh Baker and Alisa Tenney; twelve great-grandchildren and three brothers Herbert, Benedict and Otis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold; brothers: Paul, Albert, Marvel, Morris, and Bruno; and sisters Joshephena, Esther, Anna and Mayend.

Family and friends are invited to sign Marie's book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.