Bernice Allen

GREENVILLE -- Bernice K. Allen died September 24, 2025, as a result of cancer. Born March 6, 1953 to Norbert and Clara Grube, she was the first twin Dr. Slusser ever delivered.

She graduated from Fort Recovery High School in 1971 and soon after went to work. She spent her whole life working in factories. Divorced in 1975, she was left to raise her daughter by herself, often working two and three jobs to make ends meet. Unable to afford to hire things done, she became a Jill of all trades. With some guidance from her brothers, she learned to do some plumbing and electric work, landscaping, roofing, carpentry, and eventually built a 2-car garage all by herself.

In 1998, with her daughter grown and gone, she rekindled her love of motorcycling. For the next 15 years she traveled 50,000 miles riding to Florida, South Dakota, and everywhere in-between. Only the lack of time and money kept her home. When her knees gave out, she had to give up her motorcycle.

Bernice had a love of animals from an early age. It broke her heart to see an animal neglected or abused. She often referred to her dogs as her four-legged kids. Her favorite sweatshirt said, "Dogs make me happy, humans not so much."

The murders of her brother Robert and his daughter Colleen in 2011 had a profound effect on her; she never looked at life quite the same way again.

She was a strong independent woman and was often flattered when friends or coworkers said they wanted to be like her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Ronald Lee (infant 1942), twin Bernard (2011), Robert (2011), and Marvin (2016). She is survived by her daughter Susan (Rick) Puterbaugh of New Castle, Indiana; brother Gene (Elaine) Grube of Fort Recovery; and sister Linda Downing of Greenville. She also leaves behind her dog, Max.

Viewing will be at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Services will be at the funeral home on October 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm with burial to follow at Brock cemetery, close to her childhood hero, Annie Oakley. Purple was Bernice's favorite color. If you have something purple, please wear it to the viewing and funeral to celebrate her life.

Donations may be made to one of Bernice's favorite charities: Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in Hot Springs, South Dakota; or Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah.

Online condolences may be shared with her family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.