Georgia Marguerite (Rita) Howell Allen was born August 19, 1927, in Bogalusa, Louisiana to John Franklyn Howell and Mary Louise Watts Howell. She died on February 13, 2023 in Dallas.
Rita grew up in Sonora with her two younger brothers, Frank and Charlie. She attended Sonora schools and graduated Salutatorian of her 1944 class at Sonora High School.
She was an accomplished pianist, a member of the band, and was selected to attend Bluebonnet Girls State. During WWII she assisted her father in his medical office after school and on weekends.
Rita attended the University of Texas in Austin where she met her future husband, Jack M. Allen. They married on December 28, 1947 and lived in Austin while finishing their degrees. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in History. After graduation they moved to Perryton where Jack built a law practice.
The Allens had four children, Kay, Nancy, Suzanne, and Brent. They enjoyed many family trips, especially snow-skiing. She loved to fish and taught her children and grandchildren her fishing skills. A lifelong Methodist, Rita was a member of the United Methodist Women.
As a member of Jennie Junes, she served as President twice. She was a Scout Leader, served as room mother for her children’s classes, and made sure they were involved in activities such as scouting, church activities, and lots of different sports. She instilled in her children a love of music, art, and learning.
Philanthropy was important to her, and she participated in numerous fundraising efforts including March of Dimes. She and Jack helped establish the Allen Campus of Frank Phillips College in Perryton as well as the Pathways program which allows qualified Perryton graduates to attend the campus at no cost.
When their children were grown, Rita and Jack enjoyed travelling with their friends to many countries. They loved spending summers in Angel Fire, NM and winters in Horseshoe Bay. That allowed them to fish and golf for most of the year.
Rita took watercolor classes and produced some beautiful paintings. She treasured many fun times with her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, reading and singing to them.
She was preceded in death by Jack M. Allen, her husband of 65 years; her parents, Dr. J.F. and Louise Howell, and her grandson, Dean Allen Willis.
Her survivors include children Kathryn Louise (Kay) Ferrell (Bob) of Garland, Nancy Allen Bowdre (Marty Halliburton) of Rowlett, Suzanne Faye Willis (Barry) of Perryton, and Jack Brent Allen (Pat) of Amarillo; Brothers, John Franklin Howell, Jr (Lynn) and Charlie Watts Howell (Mollie); Grandchildren Elise Hart (Michael), Stephanie Hines (Matt), Charlotte Willis (Tony DiPiazza), Heather Haglund (Ryan), Kristen Bowdre, and Shelby Ramaekers (Troy); Great-grandchildren Ethan and Collin Hart, Gabriel and Nathan Willis DiPiazza, Addison and Austin Hines, Hannah and Blythe Haglund, Hope and Ally Ramaekers; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life was held at the First Methodist Church in Perryton on Monday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Dean Allen Willis Foundation, P.O. Box 1046, Perryton, TX 79070, Pathways, P.O. Box 179, Perryton, TX 79070, or OGH Healthcare Foundation, 3101 Garrett Drive, Perryton, TX 79070.