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Marla Allen Obituary
1946 - 2014
Marla Jensen Allen, one of the most selfless people to ever grace the earth, returned home October 5th to the God who gave her life. Our wife, mother, and grandmother passed peacefully from this world into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and the joyful embraces of loved ones who have awaited her return.
Marla was born November 29, 1946, in Spokane, Washington. The youngest of five children and raised on the family dairy, she developed a strong work ethic and learned to sacrifice at a young age. While attending Brigham Young University, she met the love of her life. She married Chris Allen in the Idaho Falls Temple August 25, 1967.
Hers was a life of service, always placing the needs of her family, friends, and students ahead of her own. An educator long before teaching at Centennial High School for 21 years, she taught her family how to live and how to serve. She chose to use her life to ease others' burdens and to demonstrate to her children the path to follow. Her greatest commitment was to her family and her faith.
Learning was a lifelong passion. Like Thomas Jefferson, she could not live without books. She graduated with honors from Brigham Young and Boise State Universities. Teaching was a vehicle to instill a love of words, journalism, and literature in young minds.
She is survived by her sweetheart and husband of 47 years, Chris Allen; her eight children: Jeff (Annette) Allen, Erin (Mark) Madsen, Greg (Tieryn) Allen, Brooke (Bill) Camp, Holly (Abe) Smith, Ben (Heidi) Allen, Ashley (Morris) Poole, and Todd (Kim) Allen; and her 30 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, LaMar and Theodora Jensen, and her grandson, Zachary Allen.
She was thankful for the impact of her family, friends and students on her life and bids them farewell "until we meet again."
The family would like to express their thanks to the doctors and staff of Legacy Hospice for providing wonderful support and care throughout her prolonged illness.
Viewings will be held at the LDS Chapel at 8620 W. Goddard Road on Thursday evening, October 9th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Friday morning, October 10th from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will commence at 11:00 a.m. with interment at Dry Creek Cemetery. Funeral services are under the direction of Relyea Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marla Allen
Angela Johnson
October 11, 2014
She was a friend to everyone, kind ,loving and compassionate. Her laughter brightened the cloudiest day. She will be missed.
Melissa Stephenson
October 11, 2014
Mrs. Allen was my journalism teacher and adviser for three years at Centennial High School. Although we occasionally did not see eye-to-eye about newspaper matters, she was always there to answer questions, guide us through the publication process, and support us. I remember her frequently baking us, as a whole class, pies from scratch to celebrate sending an issue of the paper to press. I send her family my condolences and will always keep Mrs. Allen in my thoughts.
Kathy Moyer
October 10, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Marla. I was fortunate to work with her at Centennial High School! She truly loved her job and was endeared by so many students and staff. I always enjoyed our conversations about her own children that I had the pleasure of knowing and working with. Her legacy is with her beautiful family!!! I will miss that lovely lady!!!
October 10, 2014
My father and I would like to send our deepest condolences for her family at this time. Gordon and Mary Alice Cox
Judy Jenkins
October 9, 2014
Marla was a favorite Miamaid teacher. She loved and cared for our class of budding teenage girls. We shared Darby Camp fund raiser's together, mutual activities, spiritual Sunday lessons, and many treats in the Allen home. We admired Chris and Marla's marriage and beautiful children. Such a good spirit in their home. We all wanted families like their's. Lots of love to the Allen family. Judy Ahlstrom Jenkins
October 9, 2014
I will forever remember Marla's smile which seemed to be ever present. When we first moved in, she along with Nancy Boman came to visit me. Even as she was at the end of her journey she continued to smile in spite of everything going on. My absence at her viewing and services is because of the disability I have with my hip and I am sorry I cannot be there to try to comfort each and everyone. Please remember I love each of you and can only too well know what you are going through. God bless and keep each of you. Nancy D Johnson
Elder Jack and Sister Cheryl Wilson
October 8, 2014
We will always remember Marla as a great woman of faith. She will be missed by all who knew here. Our thoughts and prayers are with her wonderful family.
Justin Eslinger
October 8, 2014
Mrs. Allen was a fantastic teacher and mentor for me during my time at Centennial High working on the student newspaper. She was invested in my success and was a strong advocate for her student's journalistic independence from the school administration. Many people have those few teachers that had a strong positive impact on their lives and Mrs. Allen was one of those teachers to me and countless other students.
October 8, 2014
We will forever remember this sweet sweet lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and family.
Cathy and Charlene
Ben Ahlstrom
October 8, 2014
I remember Sister Allen, Chris & family from the time they were in the same ward as my family in Idaho Falls. She was always a happy, vibrant person, and I know my parents consider Marla and Chris to be great friends. We're sorry to hear that she passed on from this life so soon, but what a wonderful reunion it will be one day!
David and RuthAnn Smith
October 7, 2014
Marla is a wonderful lady whose love influence will bless our family into the eternities. We look forward to continuing our friendship when we meet again. We send our love and sympathy to your family. It is not easy to say goodbye to your mother.
David and RuthAnn Smith
October 7, 2014
Marla is a wonderful lady whose love and influence will bless our family into the eterniities. We look forward to our continued friendship when we meet again. We extend our love and sympathy to your family. It is not easy to say good bye to your mother.
October 7, 2014
What a gracious, wonderful lady, teacher, roll model and friend. You will be missed, my dear. Condolences to the Allen family.
-Darla Oliver
Darla Oliver
October 7, 2014
What a wonderful lady, teacher and friend? What a blessing she was to all who knew her. Thank you to all of her family who shared her with the rest of us. You are in my prayers.
October 7, 2014
Erin your mother is a Beautiful lady. Marty and I are so sorry for your loss. Love, Stacey
Rhonda Call
October 7, 2014
I feel blessed to have known this great lady for a few short years. She has left her mark in this world as she has taught countless others professionally. Her influence and legacy will live on for generations to come through her amazing family. She must be so proud! Rest in peace Marla. You have done well!!!!
Gloria Rhoades
October 7, 2014
Rest in peace my sweet lady. I enjoyed the time I got to know you. You lifted my spirits many of times. I know you are in a better place now and are no longer suffering. Love you.
To her family my condolences.
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