Mary F. Allen 1933-2025

She was born June 29, 1933, and lived her entire life in the Struthers area. In 1951, she graduated as salutatorian from Struthers High School and began working in sales at Strouss, and then Ross Radio as a bookkeeper until her marriage to William Godward Allen in 1959, leaving to care for their family.

Following her passion and love for music, she served as church organist for various churches in the area. She was a member of Poland United Methodist Church. She also began a small business selling handmade dolls and other items at craft shows.

She and her late husband served on adult councils of The International Order of Job’s Daughters, volunteering many years of their time attending Grand and Supreme Sessions. During those years, the family traveled across the United States, as well as Canada and Australia, often taking other children to care for. Mary joined the Ohio Eastern Star in 1957, having served 67 years in many offices for Lamplight Chapter in Poland and the Miriam Chapter.

In her later years, she loved crocheting and composing family photo books. Over time, she became interested in genealogy, researching thousands of names in their family tree, even traveling to Salt Lake City in search of new information.

Mary was always open to learning new information; she would watch videos of bald eagles to learn their behaviors. She was very skilled in crafting, quilting and doll making, and being left-handed, posed more of a challenge in following patterns.

In her spare time, you could often find her watching sports, especially her favorite, the Cleveland Guardians.

Her greatest joy was being with her family, living a full life of love, compassion and quiet strength. Her memory will forever be treasured by those who knew her.

Mary is survived by her four children, Dara Lynn (Rick) Hansen of Michigan, Donald Arthur (DeLora) Allen of Mount Vernon, Caryl Ann (Rick) Karalic of New Franklin and Terri Beth (Tom) Williams of Poland, with whom she made her home; her loving grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Mette, Dan (Megan) Hansen, Melissa (Travis) Johnson, Kaitlin (Adrian) Rhodeback, Sarah Williams and Grace Allen; and her great-grandchildren, Gabriela and Abigail Mette, Camryn and Troy Johnson, Logan and Leah Hansen, and Ryker and Lincoln Rhodeback; and sister-in-law, Thelma Akins of Petersburg.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, William Allen; sister, Bette Friend; brother, William Akins Jr.; and a stillborn infant son.

Calling hours will be 2 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, OH 44514.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Shriners Children’s Hospital at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/campaign/618584/donate or Poland United Methodist Church at 940 Boardman Poland Road, Poland, OH 44514.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Thomas Burkert for his years of dedicated care for Mary, as well as Patriot Hospice for their wonderful care for Mary in recent weeks.

Online condolences may be shared at www.beckerobits.com.

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Mary F. Allen