Obituary – Lucile Ann Keller Allen

It is with great love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Lucile Ann Keller Allen on October 2, 2025, at the age of 84, in Eagle, Idaho.

Lucile was born on February 11, 1941, in Pasco, Washington, to Lambert and Olga Keller. She was one of six children and grew up on a humble asparagus farm in Finley, Washington, where she learned the value of hard work, the joy of laughter, and the importance of family—principles that would guide her entire life.

She is survived by her five children: Mike (Carolina), Lynn (Matthew Slocum), Jeff (Amber), Verl (Nancy), and Ken Jr. (Emily); 21 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces and nephews. Lucile was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ken Allen; her parents; four brothers—Howard, Delmar, Glen, and Melvin; and her sister, Vivian. Lucile's family was the greatest source of joy in her life.

She attended Kennewick High School, graduating in 1958. Gifted in dance, Lucile was the lead ballerina when she had the incredible opportunity to perform in New York—an early glimpse of her quiet determination and grace.

Lucile met the love of her life, Ken Allen, while working with her mother at the Finley Grange booth during the Benton County Fair. Their love blossomed quickly, and they were married on September 19, 1959, in a simple A-frame chapel at Camp Hanford in Richland, Washington, by a military chaplain. She was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 17, 1963, and later sealed in the Cardston Alberta Temple on June 18, 1966—a decision that shaped her lifelong devotion to faith and service.

Lucile and Ken began their life together on Bowles Road in Kennewick, Washington, where they started their family and farm, raising everything from cattle and horses to pigs, chickens, and rabbits. She taught her children how to pick fruit from the same local orchards she worked in as a child. They enjoyed many fun times with Lucile's mother, siblings, and their families. In 1972, they built a new home on Oak Street, nestled in an old prune orchard that they transformed into a thriving farm of apples, peaches, nectarines, alfalfa, and, of course, asparagus. Summers were spent canning fruits and vegetables—her canned peaches and cherries became family treasures.

Lucile had a deep love for attending her children's many sporting events and always cheered them on with pride. She and Ken shared a passion for classic cars, especially Ford Mustangs, and were active in the Mustang Club. Her favorite was a 1964½ Red Mustang Convertible. They also took on the venture to help design and build an Allen family cabin in Cle Elum, Washington-a favorite retreat at vacation time. Sunday family rides and Jeep outings in the sand dunes are memories that remain vivid for her children and grandchildren.

After their children were grown, Lucile and Ken moved to Buntin Loop, where they built a welcoming home filled with laughter and "mushka" breakfasts for the grandkids. It was here that Lucile's mother, Olga, lived with them during the last years of her life, and Lucile felt blessed to have her in their home. In 2011, they moved to Meridian, Idaho, to be closer to their children and continue their legacy of love and togetherness.

Lucile was a woman of many talents and boundless devotion. She loved gardening, canning, sewing, baking, camping, playing cards, and especially serving in her LDS Church callings, as well as missions with Ken, and was an active temple worker. She never missed a birthday, recital, or special moment in the lives of her loved ones. Her rhubarb crisp—made with rhubarb she grew herself—was legendary, and biscuits and gravy were a staple at family gatherings. She and Ken enjoyed their winter escapes to Lake Havasu and Quartzsite, Arizona, in their fifth-wheel trailer, often joined by Ken's siblings and their spouses. Later, the Oregon Coast became a favorite vacation spot, full of laughter, card games, and lifelong memories shared with family and dear friends.

Lucile's heart never stopped missing her beloved Kenny, who passed away peacefully in their Meridian home on January 29, 2020. Her faith sustained her with the assurance that they would be reunited someday.

In 2023, she helped design and build her new home in Eagle, Idaho, where she lived until her passing.

Lucile's warmth, generosity, and unwavering love will be forever felt in the lives she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and strength that will continue to inspire us all.

We love and honor all that you are, Lucile. You will be forever missed, forever loved, and forever a part of us.

________________________________________

Funeral Services

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Einan's at Hillcrest, 9353 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336.

A second viewing will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m.. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 829 S. Buntin Street, Kennewick, WA.

A graveside service will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 S. Union Street, Kennewick, WA