Betty Ellen Allen

On January 2, 1928 Betty was born to parents Opal and Earl McCasland.  Born at home in Yuma, Colorado, she the oldest daughter in the family of 10 children.  Betty attended Strawder School for Grades 1-8.  It was a one room school where all eight grades were taught.  Betty talked about walking to school in all sorts of weather, and even having black blizzard storms in the dirty thirty’s that would make day as dark as night.  The kids would have to hold onto fences to lead their way home.  Growing up she also helped with chores before school.  This often included milking the cows, feeding all the animals, and washing laundry to hang out to dry.  She did stay home a few years after 8th grade to help on the family farm, and then attended Yuma Union High School.  While attending school she worked at Mustain’s Store and served Rotary and Lions Club’s to help pay her expenses.  At the age of 21, she graduated from High School.

In April of 1949, Betty married the love of her life, Loris Dale Allen, at the Nazarene Church in Yuma.  To this union two sons were born, Loris Dean Allen in 1951, and Russell Allen in 1955.  The family had quite a few homes and did bring a homestead into Yuma.  The house was remodeled to the couple’s liking by Loris Dale.  This would be the home they spent their final years together in. 

Over the years, Betty had many jobs.  She worked at Mustain’s, at Safeway, and at the Yuma Café (Smorgasbord).  For a few years she ran her own personal catering service.  Although this business never had an official name, it didn’t need one because Betty was such an amazing cook and baker.  Word spread fast in Yuma and everyone was hiring her for events.  She developed many friendships with her employees because of this business, as well as making many friends through the community.  She was a member of the Home Extensions Club in Eckley, The American Legion Auxiliary in Yuma, and The Yuma County Racing Association. 

When Betty started working as a dispatcher for the Yuma Police Department, she found her second home.  She also found her last career.  Her love for her family and the community shone.  She was the voice on the radio and the person who answered your call.   She became an icon at the police station.  Sometimes, her family would come in when they found trouble.  Other times people would be there in trouble, and become her family.  She was the community’s mother, grandmother, and friend.  In January of 1996 Betty served her last day with the police station, and retired.  A town celebration was held in her honor. 

Betty had a lot of hobbies.  She loved gardening, flowers, cooking, baking, quilting, sewing, embroidering, and yard sales.  She passed her green thumb to her grandkids, who take great pride in their own gardens.  She taught them to cook from the heart and never measure ingredients.  She left them with handmade quilts, embroidered towels, pillowcases, and more.  She also taught them how to look for a good deal, and never pay more for an item than it’s worth. 

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loris Dale Allen, her parenst Earl and Opal McCasland, Sister in law: Dorothy McCasland, Brother and Sister in law: Dorral & Vada McCasland, Brother and Sister in law: Lile & Jane McCasland, Sibling: Babe McCasland (died in Infancy) Sister in law: Mary McCasland, Brother: Dick McCasland, Sister in law: Audrey Allen, Sister in law and Brother in law: Esther & Ervin Mathies, Sister in law and Brother in Law: Ruby & Maynard Lance, Brother in law and Sister in law: Oliver and Vernadeane Allen, Sister in law and Brother in law: Dorothy & Elmer Mathies, Sister in law and Brother in law: Marjorie & Hugh McCauley, Sister and Brother in law Clara & Kenneth Brant, Brother in law and Sister in law: Wilbur & Mary Allen, Sister in law and Brother in law: Alberta & Darrell Hardman, and Brother in law: Gloyd Seifert.

Betty is survived by her two sons Loris Dean Allen and Wife Susan, Russell Allen and Wife Mary.  Four Grandchildren, D.V. Allen and Wife Lisa, Jennie Miller and Husband Jason, Austin Allen, and Carson Allen.  Four Great Grandchildren, Zac Miller, Kinsey Miller, Zander Miller, Karlie Miller.  Brother: Lorraine McCasland, Brother Marvin McCasland, Sister and Brother in law: Coeta &Francis Perry, Sister: Mary Jane McCasland Allen, Brother and Sister in law: Don & Carolyn McCasland, Sister in law: Karen McCasland, Sister in law: Gladys Seifert, as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

On February 17th, 2019, Betty was received into her eternal home.  She was at the Yuma District Hospital surrounded by family and friends.  She will be remembered and greatly missed by many.  She was laid to rest on February 26th, 2019.  Funeral services held at the Nazarene Church in Yuma, Colorado at 10:00 A.M, and burial followed at the Yuma Cemetery.  The memorials can be made to the First Church of the Nazarene in memo please put Betty Allen Memorial and it will be designated to the Foundation for Peripheral  Neuropathy .  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.

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