Margie Lee Allen, (nee McCallister): affectionately known as "Honey baby" & "sugar" by her hubs, flew from her "Portage, Indiana-planted Earth suit" on August 14, 2015, to be greeted by her precious Savior and her precious "daddy", "baby", husband of 62 years; Benigene Allen (who preceded her in death 0ctober 20, 2014). Entering the world on June 24, 1934, in Campbell, MO she was the 7th of 8 children born to Zady Beatrice and Grover Cleveland McCallister, of which she was the last surviving sibling.
Margie was a passionate, strong, independent, self-proclaimed stubborn "Missouri mule" ?… faithful, loyal, witty, and intelligent. She was a sacrificially-loving woman, who mentored women, children and "onlookers" by her daily living example.
A cotton-picker as a child (backbreaking, hot work) she developed both mental and physical strength – while playfully recalling how she would often bother the "tar" out of her dad (he was both Sheriff and Judge) when, if not getting the water breaks she thought they deserved, she would sing: "WATER! WATER!! Cool, clear WATER!!" – dozens and dozens of times until her dad could no longer ignore her persistence and would, indeed, offer the ladle. (and a switch!)
Margie often shared stories of her love of school, school mates, music, choir, and teachers. As much as she loved school, immediately after high school graduation, she went off to get a job to help her family. Her love of school was later realized, when as a married mother of two, she applied at and was accepted to Indiana University NW to begin her 4 years of "continuing education". (All the while continuing to work on their (then) 120 year old, 6 acre homestead in Portage, Indiana, AND managing 2 kids, during which time she was the business manager, bookkeeper, co-owner, of AAA Properties.)
Gardening, keeping squirrels away from her beautiful 1 acre garden at their home, she shared produce with friends and neighbors, each stopping by for friendly (often helpful!) conversations! Margie was known, however, to stop – disappear up the hill to the house – only to return with ice cold glasses of sun tea to offer to her friends/co-laborers. The ultimate hostess, she graciously "served up love" through food and beverages.
Margie's love of music, arts, people, gift-giving, encouraging, protecting, defending, and fiercely loving kept her vibrant and loved. She loved deeply, showing it through serving them and people loved her back.
In her late 40's she noticed changes in her vision; changes that eventually took her sight by 60. Diagnosed with "macular dystrophy" (genetic from birth) she began navigating a "formerly sighted" world with brave tenacity and perseverance until unseen changes in her brain, later resulted in becoming hesitant and anxiety ridden. Following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, her life began a journey of joyful giddiness coupled with fear and complete reliance on "daddy" (her husband) who was also facing his own challenges.
The community of Portage, Indiana and her church family of Real Life Church in Portage, gathered around her (and Benny) to protect, guide and care for her/them as they wound down their ability to live independently in their beloved home town. She gathered countless "family members" at Golden Living, in Portage. In taking care of her daily needs for the past few years, these precious angels on earth became dear loved ones. In serving her (as she served through her lifetime) she either grabbed their hands to kiss them with a sweet "I like you" or would smack at them (and land!) as they tried to gently care for her physical needs. Her sweet self was seen, honored and loved by these angels – they understood, respected and served her well. (They have rewards in heaven for treating her as extensions of Christ on earth.)
Margie's transition to heaven leaves behind a myriad of "adopted family" (friends), dearly loved "McCallister clan" and "Allen clan" nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law; and precious great-grandson Xavier, great granddaughter Lark Amalie, adoring grandsons David Michael Allen and Timothy William Gehrels, and children Barry Allen, Kevin Gehrels and Judy Allen Gehrels.
Her beautiful voice now singing "How Great Thou Art" along with the heavenly hosts, the family's prayer is that all who knew and loved her celebrate her "homecoming" with great joy.
Funeral services are Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Rev. Tim McGuire officiating. Burial will follow at McCool Cemetery, Portage. Visitation is Monday, August 17, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage. Call (219) 762-3013 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.