Dr. Judith Allen
1953 - 2014
Dr. Judith Allen
1953 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
Judith Allen Obituary
Des Moines
Dr. Judith Allen of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, August 12th at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, at the age of 61. She was born on July 13th, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Ernest and Carl Anne Matkin.
Judy's life was devoted to teaching others. She earned her PhD in psychology at the University of Arkansas and taught first at Colgate University, from 1985-1988, and then as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Drake University from 1988-2014. She was a social psychologist specializing in stereotyping & prejudice, ethnic conflict & peace-making, and theories of consciousness. She was passionate about Tai Chi and Qigong, becoming a respected teacher of both disciplines.
She is survived by her two children; Bo Allen of Des Moines, Iowa and Jon Allen of Springdale, Arkansas; her three grandchildren Zora, Beatrice, and River; and her sister Mary Purvis of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was preceded by her brother, Bo Matkin, and her parents, Ernest and Carl Anne Matkin.
Judy was active in Above and Beyond Cancer, and supported Heifer International and Human Rights Watch. For those who wish, donations can be made to these organizations.
Her memory will be honored at 10 a.m., August 23, at Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock, AR.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dr. Jane Robinson
August 11, 2025
Dr. Allen was my professor at Drake University. I have yet to meet anyone with her degree of integrity, intellectual gifts and kindness - she was an amazing human being. I was blessed to enter her orbit - if only for a short time. My prayers to her family. She will not be forgotten. . Unfortunately cancer has touched many of us.
Jan DeWese
December 8, 2014
I met Judi in 1974 at the university of Arkansas. We became dear friends and I saw saw the glory of God touch her in her first pregnancy after I prayed for her and saw Bo, born. We'd texted and spoken on the phone often the year before she died. Mary, she spoke of you and your parents. So special you all were to me. Be blessed , in Jesus Name.
Jane Robinson
October 7, 2014
Dr. Allen was my professor as I earned my Masters degree. She had tremendous integrity and lived with a sense of self that was beyond impressive. Throughout my career I have thought of her as an example to follow. My prayers go out to her family. She touched many lives, including mine.
John McInnerney
September 17, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Allen's passing. She was a great lady and I am a better person from knowing her. God Bless.
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Shirley Howard
August 23, 2014
I offer my deepest sympathy for your great loss. May Almighty God provide peace and strength as you endure this difficult time. - Isa. 33:24
Jim O'Brien
August 22, 2014
judy was a truely nice person, kind and gentel to all
She will be missed.
Rachel Bachman
August 21, 2014
Dr. Allen was my adviser and professor at Drake. I remember that at first I was a bit intimidated by her, but after my first meeting with her she became one of the professors I most enjoyed talking with. I will never forget her kindness and encouragement!
Bruce Gilbert
August 21, 2014
The earth has lost a kind and inspiring soul. Everyone at Drake will miss her.
August 21, 2014
I smile at her memory. Inspiring, always so positive, so generous. I don't know if she knew what effect she had on people, but I'll bet she makes the angels smile
Michael Rieck
August 21, 2014
Hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful person. I am blessed to have spent a few years knowing you, Judy. Rest well.
August 21, 2014
Bo & Jon and family, Your mother became a dear friend these past several years. She contributed to our lives & to the Des Moines Meditation group. We are thankful we had the opportunity to meet family at her celebration of birthday and life this summer. She lives in our memory. With love, Fred & Sandie
August 20, 2014
I will miss Judy at the Des Moines Meditation and Mindfulness Group. She was wonderful person and her teaching there was so appreciated. Deb Anders-Bond
Rick Morrow
August 20, 2014
To Judy's family,
In Liar Liar, Jim Carrey struggled with always having to tell the truth. That trait, embraced by Judy, served her so well because her beliefs and thoughts were fraught with compassion and a penchant for justice. Her friends and students mourn with you.
August 20, 2014
To the family and friends of Judy Allen, I have been a Drake staff member for many years. I knew of Judy and her passion and well being of her students and the university. I didn't know her personally but I also have a passion for the students who work for me in the office admission. By the entries in her guest book, she has touched many young lives here at Drake and beyond. I am so sorry for her loss not just for the students she mentored but also for Drake University. Sincerely Jane Lynch
Kitty Olsen
August 20, 2014
Professor Allen was one of my advisors at Drake and one of my favorite psychology professors. She has touched a lot of lives. Sending my deepest sympathy.
Sally Beisser
August 19, 2014
To the family of Judy Allen:
Everyone who knew Judy knew her research acumen, ethical standards, and heart. She truly was a great colleague. She was an inspirational teacher, solid contributor to Drake university, and truly good friend. I will miss her so much as will the Drake community. Bless you. Thank you for sharing this woman with us.
Sally Beisser
August 19, 2014
Hello, Bo and Jon,
Your mother was a fine researcher and teacher. I learned a great deal from her, including how to live in harmony with golden retrievers. I am sorry for your loss.
Eunice Merideth
Gretchen Beckley
August 19, 2014
Bo and Jon,
There was a place at Drake that only your mother could fill and I am among many people who will miss her gentleness and passion for students and learning. As a member of Drake International, I loved hearing Judy's stories about her travels in China. Her experiences and recommendations about short courses taught abroad have made us better at what we do. My sympathy as you move through this time of grief and loss.
June Johnson
August 19, 2014
Dear Bo and Jon, I was saddened to hear about your mom. I worked with Judy at Drake, and she was an inspiring teacher and caring, compassionate person. Drake is less because of her passing, but she left a legacy in making us aware of how to treat others with respect.
May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead. I will miss her greatly. -June Johnson (pharmacy faculty)
August 19, 2014
Dear Bo and Jon,
I was very sorry to learn of your mother's untimely passing. She was a gifted and inspirational teacher who had a lasting impact on Drake students and a caring and thoughtful person who inspired others to act on their best values. I hope that your memories of her will provide some comfort at this difficult time. Jane Rankin
Todd Evans
August 18, 2014
Professor Allen was a dedicated educator. She deeply cared about her students as individuals. God Bless.
Dan Spencer
August 18, 2014
Dear Bo and Jon, My very deepest condolences to you on the loss of your mother, my dear friend Judy. Judy and I were faculty colleagues for many years at Drake, and friends for even longer (Jon -- I was part of the 1995 RAGBRAI group with you, Nancy and Judy -- what an adventure!). I had a wonderful visit with her when I was back at Drake in March, and I knew of her valiant struggle with cancer. She was such a dear friend and person of amazing integrity. I will miss her so very much. All my love to you -- Dan Spencer
August 18, 2014
Judy was a respected teacher of the weekly Des Moines Meditation Group and a close friend of mine for many years. We will miss her. And I will miss her. Peace, Charlie
August 17, 2014
My sympathy to you in the loss of your mother. I knew her from the time Bo was at Hanawalt.
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2121 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
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