Mary Lou Allaman, age 97, of Rozetta, Ill. died April 12,
2025. Mary Lou was born on Sept. 25, 1927, and is the daughter of
John B. and Pearl Custer Rinker. She attended Law School grades 1
through 8 and then graduated from Monmouth High School in 1945. She then attended Monmouth College graduating in 1949 with a degree in political science. She later returned to college to receive a teaching
certificate. Mary Lou married John H. Allaman on June 9, 1951, and they
began farming in Rozetta. They were married for 67 years. Besides
helping John on the farm, she taught second grade at Unit 115 Biggsville
Elementary School for 22 years before retiring in 1989.
After her retirement she and John enjoyed many vacations. Mary Lou was a current member of Heritage Bible Church in Monmouth. Over the years, she served in church as an Elder, Trustee, and Sunday School Superintendent. Mary Lou also was a member of the Henderson County Retired Teachers; Henderson County Historical Society; and served on the WIAAA Board of Directors and numerous other community organizations and clubs. She collected pressed glass and sterling silver spoons. She loved tending her large flower bed, cross-stitching, crafts, and baking. She was the most wonderful and dedicated Mother, Mamoo (grandmother), and Mamoo Supreme. She is survived by two daughters, Anita McKelvey and Mike of Monmouth, Ill., and Mary Reed and Randy of Rozetta. Three grandchildren are surviving, Ryan Sykes and Hannah of Peoria, Ill., Amy Sykes of Burlington, and Loren Reed and Jennifer of rural Carman, Ill. Mary Lou has her great-grandson surviving, Linden Reed. Also surviving is her dear friend Mildred Anderson and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in her death are her parents, and husband, John in 2018.
A funeral service for Mary Lou is planned on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at
11 a.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Ill. Her family
plans visitation and will receive their friends at the funeral home on
Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to her service. A private
family interment for her family is planned at Rozetta Cemetery following
her funeral. Memorial funds have been established for either Oak Lane
Nursing and Rehab in Stronghurst, Ill. or her church, Heritage Bible
Church in Monmouth, Ill.