Arla Ann Allen

Arla Ann Allen, 72, of Van Wert, died at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert.

She was born October 11, 1939, in Van Wert County, the daughter of the late Paul L. and Mary Hope (Harker) Oechsle. On July 29, 1960, she married Harold C. Allen, who survives in Van Wert.

Mrs. Allen was a homemaker and had formerly worked at the Van Wert Gospel Gift Shop and was a cashier for Bagley Realty & Auctioneer. She attended First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, where was a member of the church choir. She was also a member of Van Wert Civic Theatre, the Community Concert Association and served on the board of the Van Wert Area Boychoir.

In addition to her husband, survivors include three children, Carlton H. Allen and Mary Ann Falk, both of Van Wert, and Janeen (Robert) Thelen of Copley; a brother, Larry (Deanna) Oechsle of Van Wert; one brother-in-law, Paul Repine of Leo, Ind.; and eight grandchildren, Kelsey, Zachary and Jared Thelen, Sarah and Megan Vogt, Erik and Evan Falk and Savanna Grubb.

A son, Donald Allen; and one sister, Phyllis Repine, also preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 29, at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Gus Christo-Baker officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Friday, September 28, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert and an hour prior to services Saturday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Agape Fund of First United Methodist Church (for the needy) or a charity of donor’s choice.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.