Dorothy Sorenson Allen

Jan. 18, 1934 – Jan. 25, 2022

Dorothy Sorenson Allen died on Jan. 25, 2022, one week after her 88th birthday, following a brief illness.

She was born Jan. 18, 1934. Her parents were Mabel and Dale Melton and John Sorenson. 

She worked at Keystone Consolidated Industries as a secretary, and it was while working there that she met her husband, Wayne. They were married on March 3, 1961.

Residing in many different states throughout the years, she and Wayne shared cross-country adventures. They started their life together in Bartonville, Ill. and then moved to Crawfordsville, Ind. From there, they moved to Cypress, Calif., followed by moves to Germantown, Tenn., Whittier, Calif., and finally – at her persuasion – back to Crawfordsville to be near their grandkids.  

Growing up in Pekin, Ill., she graduated from Pekin High School in 1952. In her youth, she enjoyed playing cards, bowling and going on vacations with her friends. As a young woman in the 1950s, she belonged to the Job’s Daughters organization.

Never one to back down from a challenge or activity, Mrs. Allen was a survivor of non-Hodgkins lymphoma and an active participant in a variety of clubs, serving as secretary at many of the organizations she participated in. She was a member – and also president – of the Mothers of Twins club in Bartonville, Ill. in the 1970s. She was a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Crawfordsville, Ind., also serving as their historian for some time.

In addition, she was a member of the Crawfordsville Red Hat Society, serving as president for several years, and greatly enjoyed organizing their monthly gatherings. She also served for 20 years as a volunteer ‘pink lady’ at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville, an activity she loved.

As you can see, Mrs. Allen was extremely social and considered no one a stranger. She enjoyed filling her time with friends, clubs, volunteering, hosting dinners and celebrations. She especially loved birthdays, and she still sent handwritten Christmas cards to her friends and family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She never missed one of her grandchildren’s events and will always be their number one fan. Her smile and friendly personality will be greatly missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband, who passed away on Dec. 20, 2011.

Survivors include her three children, Suzi (Ray) Gephart, Cindy (Rod) Bryant and Scott Allen; and eight grandchildren, Dana Gephart, Cary (Karese) Gephart, Alexis (Clay) Pierce, Adam (Taylor) Davis, Conner Davis, Sarah Davis; Cody (Jessica) Allen and Isabella Allen; and 11 great-grandchildren. Her half-brother John Sorenson Jr. also survives.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled on Saturday, Feb. 5 at The Vine Church, 1004 Wayne Avenue, Crawfordsville. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. with the celebration beginning at 4 p.m.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.BurkhartFH.com.

Gifts may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.