Anna Allen

Graveside Funeral ServiceSaturday, February 25, 2006, 11 a.m.Nishnabotna Cemetery at Manilla

Officiating Pastor David Swinton Monroe Chapel Walnut, Iowa

Annas family will receive friends and host a luncheon at Manilla Memorial Hall immediately following services.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.    Anna K., daughter of Jens and Maria (Zobrist) Kolby, was born September 3, 1918, at Avoca, Iowa. She grew up in the Avoca and Hancock area, graduating from Hancock High School in 1935. Anna was confirmed in the Avoca Lutheran Church. She received her country school teaching certificate following graduation.        On September 30, 1936, Anna was united in marriage with John Allen at Papillion, Nebraska. Four children were born to this union. During World War II, Anna worked at the Bomber plant in Omaha and at Boeing in Washington State. For many years Anna was a farm wife while they lived in the Shelby and Avoca area. In 1958 they moved to Irwin and Anna began work as a merchandise buyer for Variety Distributors in Harlan, where she worked until her retirement. In 1963 they moved to Manilla. In 1986 Anna and John celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.   Anna loved reading, picture puzzles, crossword puzzles, sewing, quilting, fishing, traveling, and cooking for her family. She used her sewing skills to volunteer at the Manilla Manor for many years. Anna and John made many trips to Canada fishing over the years and visited the 48 contiguous states. John died in 1989 and Anna continued to live in their home in Manilla.    Anna passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2006, in Omaha, Nebraska following a brief illness. She was 87 years, 5 months, and 7 days of age.    Anna was preceded in death by her parents; husband John Allen; son Ronald Allen in 1973; brother Martin Kolby; and sister Erna Chambers.    She is survived by her two sons: Gary Allen and wife Jan of Harlan; Steve Allen and wife Mardi of Spirit Lake; daughter Beverly and husband Bernie Zylstra of West Des Moines; seven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; eleven step great-grandchildren; brother Tom Kolby and wife Pat of Lebanon, Tennessee; brother-in-law Richard Allen and wife Kathie of Arlington, Texas; two sisters-in-law: Lois Allen of Oakland and Veryldene Kolby of Council Bluffs; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including special niece Vinetta Shinkle of Arkansas; and many friends.