Bernice Louise Allen

Allen, Bernice Louise Mrs. Bernice L. Allen of Apple Valley, Minnesota, formerly of Rockford, Michigan, passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, September 12, 2017, and rests now, in the arms of her Lord and Savior. Bernice was born to Alvin and Minnie (Hotchkiss) Terry on August 22, 1925, in Groveland Township, Michigan. Bernice was raised on a farm in Oakland County where her parents had raised cattle and crops to support their family. Her father worked at the Chevrolet factory in Flint, which was the first factory to unionize. Her mom was a stay at home wife and mother who raised nine daughters. While in high school, she took business courses and graduated from Ortonville High School in 1943. It was in Ortonville at an evangelist revival meeting the she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. After graduation, she worked at Fisher Tank, making war equipment during World War II. Bernice's future brother-in-law, Bob Allen set her up on blind date with his brother, Clarence Allen. At that time, Clarence had a 1936 Ford coupe. They dated and were married on November 11, 1944, in Ortonville by Pastor John Afman. She continued to work and when the children arrived she became a stay at home wife and mother. She enjoyed crocheting and making afghans which have become cherished gifts to family and friends. Mrs. Allen also bowled in a league, but never scored a perfect game. Christmas was her favorite time of the year because family gathered together. Bernice felt her greatest achievement in life was being a godly wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Bernice is survived by her beloved husband of seventy-two years, Clarence W. Allen; children, Garry Allen of Burnsville, MN and Sherryl Shadle of Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren, Jereme (Terry) Allen, Jennifer (Yancey) Stam, Shelly (James) Wilkins; seven great grandchildren; and former daughter-in-law Dariel Allen. Bernice is preceded in death by her parents; son Terry on July 24, 1949; son-in-law William Shadle; and seven sisters. There will be a time of visitation 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving will be celebrated by Pastor Ben Phebus at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2017, at Blythefield Hills Baptist Church, 6727 Kuttshill Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Bernice will be laid to rest Ortonville Cemetery, Oakland County, Michigan.