Elizabeth Van Fleet Richards Allen, 82, passed away July 28, 2015, at her home in Bucyrus.
She was born Feb. 16, 1933, in Somerville, N.J., daughter of Elmer L. and Esther Van Fleet Richards. She and James E. Allen were married April 7, 1955. He passed away May 3, 2005.
She graduated from Peabody College in Nashville, Tenn., in 1955 with a degree in library science.
She and her husband, James, moved to Alaska in 1958 and lived there 25 years. He taught shop class and she was a librarian. After retiring, they moved to a farm in Bucyrus. They stocked the farm with pigs, cattle and a mule, “Sissy.”
She continued her devotion to libraries and was an active volunteer at the Texas County Library, which presented her with a plaque in October 2009.
Until it became physically difficult, she both quilted and collected quilts. She and her husband supported local crafts people both in Alaska and Missouri. She had an avid interest in birds and animals on the farm and rode her horse “Flicker” when she participated in trail rides.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Survivors include a sister, Eloise Barter of Sacramento, Calif.; a brother, Elmer Richards of Ossining, N.Y.; five nieces and nephews; and many friends and caregivers.
Memorial services are 3-5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in the basement of the Houston United Methodist Church. Cremation was under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.