Joan Allen of Chelsea, Michigan, age 94, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born May 26, 1932, in Royalton, Kentucky, the daughter of Homer and Elma (Crace) Howard.
Joan graduated from Royalton High School in 1950. She loved the South and the mountains of Kentucky. She grew up on a 2000-acre farm at the base of a mountain, where the Licking River ran in front of it. She shared stories about being stranded on the farm for days when the river would flood and about her favorite hill she liked to climb to sit and watch the train go by. Joan was a trained nurse's aide and worked for the Methodist Home. She was devoted to taking care of her son, Homer, who was blind from an accident, until he passed, and then worked at Silver Maples for a few years. Joan was a member, for many years, of the First Assembly of God in Chelsea. She enjoyed working in her yard, gardening and growing purple Irises, and baking. Joan was spirited and feisty and could let you know where she stood, even while laughing. She was devoted to Kellie and loved her family.
Joan married Kellie J. Allen, on October 2, 1950. He preceded her in death on February 10, 1999. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth (Gerald “Jerry”) Milliken of Chelsea; four grandchildren, Autumn Pustay, Jerry (Sara) Milliken, Mike Milliken, Kelly Jo (Greg) Van Orman; and 10 great-grandchildren, Gracie Milliken, Braeden Milliken, Kyli Milliken, Kloi Milliken, Nathan Van Orman, Nicholas Van Orman, Noah Van Orman, Kollin Pustay, Mason Pustay, and Belle Pustay. In addition to Kellie, she was preceded in death by her sons, Homer Dale Allen and Harold Allen; and sisters, Mabel Crawford and Ethel LaRoe.
Funeral services are being finalized. Please check back for updates. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
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