Mrs. Alice "Ruth" Allen, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026 at the age of 89 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved mom, grandma, and great-grandma, she lived a beautiful life. Ruth was ready to meet her Savior and be reunited with those who have gone on before.

Ruth was born in Walnut Hill, Illinois, on October 9, 1936, daughter of the late Nora Timmons Walker and Charles "Herman" Walker. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty years, Raymond "Verneil" Allen; son Steven Allen; brother Charles Walker; sisters Thelma Nelson, Geneva McLemore, Atheline King.

She is survived by her daughters, Dana (Nick) Cowart and Kim (Ron) Marks and daughter-in-law Kathy Allen; her grandchildren, Thomas (Lydia) Marks, Kelly (Brian) Laurens, Niki (Adam) Smith, Jessica (Miguel) Triviño, Josh (Jennifer) Cowart, and James Allen; as well as her pride and joy, all of her great-grandchildren: Allen Marks, Sydney Smith, Jordyn Garrett, Jadyn Garrett, Emmaline Laurens, Jonah Marks, Dante Smith, Jynna Garrett, Jaxon Garrett, Thatcher Laurens, Eleanor Laurens, Matthew Trivino, Waverly Trivino and Hudson Laurens. She is also survived by her sister, Vera Piercy and sister-in-law Jo-Alice Walker as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ruth and Verneil were married in 1957. In 1974, they relocated to Georgia from Illinois for employment opportunities. Leaving friends and family behind, they still maintained close ties. Ruth was a wonderful mother, a doting grandma, and a great-grandma who was unable to say no to all those children listed above. Her family was blessed to have her leading the way in love and kindness for so many years. She was famous for her fried chicken and her love of game shows, but more importantly, she was known for her love of Jesus, her love of Southern gospel music, and her many years as a devoted and faithful member of First Christian Church of Adairsville. Dedicated to the Lord, Ruth and Verneil were charter members of the Hickory Street Christian Church in Centralia, Illinois. Now the Calumet Street Christian Church, it traces its history back to 1958. The legacy of those first members lives on in a vibrant congregation.

Retired from the banking industry, her favorite things were spending time with family; children, grandchildren and pride of her life, great-grandchildren. She loved shopping "Black Friday" sales, and spending time in the mountains of North Carolina. Although her family is deeply saddened to be without her, they entrust her to the loving mercy of God and hold fast to the hope of the resurrection and a joyous reunion in heaven one day.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church of Adairsville with minister Ron Marks and Austin Stephens. Interment will follow in Eastview Cemetery, Adairsville. Pallbearers include Miguel Trivino, Joshua Cowart, Adam Smith and Dante Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be John D Hooker, Richard Cowart, Ronnie Evans, Ronnie Self, Bill Jackson, Gary Blalock, Randy Baggett and Ronald Stephens.

The family will receive friends Friday, September 4 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville.

Sign the guestbook and leave online condolences at www.BartonFuneralHome.net. R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Mrs. Alice "Ruth" Allen