Mary Magdalene Combs Allen

Mary Magdalene Combs Allen, age 95, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence in Berea, Kentucky. Born on June 4, 1930, in Cartersville, Kentucky, to the late Charlie and Hattie Ballard Conn Combs, Mary lived a life deeply rooted in love for her family and devotion to others. She was affectionately known as a “Cracker Jack” and taught her children the importance of love through her example. Mary cherished gathering her family for Sunday dinners and sought to befriend everyone she met.

She found joy in crafts, crocheting, knitting, gardening, and sewing, and she took great pleasure in helping those in need. A proud patriot who loved her country, Mary was also a woman of strong faith. She was a Baptist who loved the Lord with all her heart and was the author of the book “A Life Worth Living.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Paul Wesley Allen, and two sons, Ben Allen and Barry R. Allen. She was also preceded by five siblings: Earl Combs, Edna Hensley, Fred Combs, Bernadene Thacker, and Doris Dollins.

Mary is survived by her eight children, Peggy Austin of Richmond, Kentucky, Lapana Jean Bolaski and her husband Larry of Rockingham, Vermont, Dianna Jo Fussell of Berea, Kentucky, Michael P. Allen and his wife Betty of Bryant Pond, Maine, Kenneth D. Allen and his wife Caryn of Richmond, Kentucky, Amy Cheryl Allen of Berea, Kentucky, Christopher Allen of Richmond, Kentucky, and Christy Allen-Harrington and her husband Jaime of Rutland, Vermont. She is also survived by her brother Roy Combs of Berea, Kentucky, twenty-two grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.