Ruby R. Allen

Ruby R. Allen, 99, of West Des Moines, IA followed the path God had laid for her and took His hand when she heard His call to come home in the early hours of Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Ruby was born October 3, 1923 to Del and Ida Bell Krawl in rural Elmer, Missouri. One of seven siblings, she was the last remaining member of the family. She attended various county schools in the Gifford-Elmer, Missouri area, three years of high school at Gifford High School and one year at LaPlata High School, LaPlata, MO where she graduated. She attended business college in Chillicothe, MO.

On February 2, 1942, she was united in marriage to William Robert Allen. They had one daughter, Vicki. Bob and Ruby lived and farmed in rural LaPlata and Elmer until Bob died in an accident. Ruby continued to live on the family farm and worked for manufacturing companies from the age of 43, retiring from Hollister at age 62. Her sister, Ruth lived with her for 20 years. At age 81 she sold the farm and moved to Fair Meadows Retirement Village in West Des Moines, IA. She resided here until her death at age 99. Ruby’s faith was very important to her and she was a long-standing member of West Des Moines Christian Church.

Ruby is survived by her daughter, Vicki Swarts of West Des Moines, IA; granddaughter, Tiffany (Brent) Cooper; and great-grandchildren, Nathan and Haley Cooper all of Norwalk, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, William Allen, and son-in-law, Tony Swarts.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 7, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will take place at Elmer Cemetery in Elmer, Missouri. Elliot Funeral Home of Atlanta, Missouri will be handling her final arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to West Des Moines Christian Church in loving memory of Ruby and online condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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