Reba Lea Van Allen

Reba Lea Scott Hornbuckle Van Allen, known as Scotty, was born on December 5th, 1926. She graduated to her heavenly home on April 27th, 2023, at the age of 96.
Scotty accepted Jesus Christ into her heart as a young teenager. Her relationship with Jesus was very important to her and was central to who she was. She was a member of Faith Assembly of God church in Forsyth where she loved to serve and be with her church family.
Shortly after graduating from Central High in Springfield, she married her high school sweetheart Daryl Hornbuckle. Together they raised two daughters, Darylene and Gale.
Later in life she met and married Doug Van Allen. Doug was in law enforcement and brought a whole new level of fun and excitement to her life. On several occasions Scotty was deputized so she could help Doug transport prisoners to and from jail. Doug and Scotty were both very generous and welcomed a few of these individuals into their home. One young lady that was expecting a baby stayed with them during her pregnancy until she delivered. They stayed in contact with her for many years after.
Affectionately known as "Granny", Scotty loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed attending gospel singings and made many lifelong friends. She had a keen sense of humor and could call the crew for dinner with a resounding "YOOOOOHOOOOO!"
She had an unusual talent of being able to write her name upside down and backwards in cursive with either hand. She was an excellent cook and made amazing cobblers and fudge that we looked forward to each Christmas. She played piano by ear and was a talented seamstress, making a blanket and pillow for each new baby joining the family.
Scotty had a special gift of seeing a need and filling it. She was often making someone dinner, sitting with a sick neighbor, visiting friends in the nursing home or offering a listening ear. She always wanted her children and grandchildren to know she was in their corner and wanted the best for each of them even though none of them were electricians (family joke).
She brought her friends and family before the Lord in prayer daily and wanted to have everyone she knew join her in heaven one day.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ben and Nancy Scott, her husbands' Daryl Hornbuckle and Doug Van Allen, a brother, Norman Scott, a sister, Wilma West, a son-in law, Sylva Howard, a grandson, Scott Howard, a great grand-daughter, Cara Arnold, and great-grandson, Tyler Arnold.
She is survived by daughters Darylene Howard of Forsyth, MO and Gale Thomas and husband Danny of Nixa, MO. Two stepsons Karl Van Allen and wife Kathy of Chino Hills, CA and Kurt Van Allen and wife Heather of Springfield, MO. Seven grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and twelve great-great grandchildren and several dear nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.