Virginia Allen

Virginia “Gin” Allen was a woman who was beautiful on the inside and out and a true blessing to all those within her reach. There were so many things that contributed to her beauty such as her generous spirit, her loving touch, and her grateful heart just to name a few. Gin was lucky to share a lifetime of love with her true companion and was so thankful for the family that sprang forth from their love. Although she enjoyed a great many things throughout her life, Gin’s most precious times were always spent gathered with her family or friends. She was truly an amazing woman whose grace and loveliness is unmatched.

Although the year 1917 is most often associated as the year that America became involved in WWI, it was also a year of transition for our nation back home. We were struggling with poverty and the escalation of immigration while women were striving for equality. It was also in this same year that Harry and Ruby (Witt) Kelso were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Virginia Opal, on August 1st in Gun Plain Township. Virginia, who soon was called Gin, was raised on the family farm with her older sisters Irene, Dortha, and Eva, and her younger sister Maxine. It was during her formative years that Gin learned vital skills that would serve her well throughout her lifetime including cooking, cleaning, baking, and tending to a house. The farm provided her with additional life lessons in the value of hard work as she was needed to help weed and top onions. It was also while living at home that Gin learned of the extraordinary love that can be shared within a family. She established close relationships with her sisters that remained forever close to her heart.

A new chapter in Gin’s life began when she was introduced by some friends to a young man with whom she would share an incredible love story. His name was Donald Allen and it wasn’t long before a romance blossomed between Gin and Donald. After falling deeply in love, the couple was married on June 20, 1940. For a time, Don served his country during WWII and when he retuned, he owned and operated Stephenson and Allen Shell in Plainwell along with his brother-in-law. This became a longtime fixture in the community and the means through which Don was able to support his family.

Gin had dreamed of having children for the longest time and nothing could have filled her with more joy than when she was blessed with her two sons: Tim in 1952 and Jeff in 1956. Being a mother was more than just a dream come true for Gin, but it was also her greatest gift. She loved being a mother and instilled within her boys the family values that she felt were so important. Gin was supportive of them in their various endeavors, but also made sure that they toed the line. While Don was busy working, she was at home tending to the house and raising the boys. Gin was a great cook who loved cooking for her family and always prepared everything from scratch including pizza and noodles, and she also loved to bake.

It wasn’t only her children that brought Gin such great joy, but it was her entire family as well. Her family was always the center of her life including her sisters and their families, her in-laws, and when her family tree grew to include grandchildren, they brought her such happiness too. Gin always made Christmas special with not only her baking and cooking, but also by simply lacing everything she did with a little bit of love. Another important family event occurred on Memorial Day. Everyone gathered at their house to watch the parade and then have fellowship while enjoying a variety of baked goods and coffee. Gin loved her grandchildren dearly and was supportive of them and very involved in their lives as often as time allowed.

There were many things that made Gin so special and so easy to love. She was always doing something whether large or small. Gin liked doing crafts and working in her garden. In fact her garden was so extensive that there was always plenty to share with neighbors. Gin had a very giving heart and always gave generously. She also loved being social and made plenty of friends through her lifelong membership at Plainwell United Methodist Church. Gin was additionally a member of the Pythian Sisters, and enjoyed her circle of friends that would gather for coffee and cards.

For nearly 55 years, Gin and Don shared a wonderfully fulfilling marriage and never lost that spark for each other either. Gin was deeply saddened with Don’s death in 1995 and understandably so, the days that followed were so very difficult for her. It seemed as though Gin was never quite the same without her beloved husband. She did draw even closer to her sisters during her later years and lived just down the hall from her sister Dortha in her apartment.

Life again changed for Gin just this year when she relinquished some of her independence after moving into Borgess Nursing Home. Her family gave her a 92nd birthday celebration this year which was such a happy day for her and certainly a day to celebrate the love of one another.

Like the intricate beauty contained within a flower, Virginia “Gin” Allen was such a rare gift given to all those who were blessed to know and love her. It was plain to see that she cherished her family above all else, and that she lived her life to give to others. Although life was not without hardship for her at times, Gin was very grateful for the life she lived and knew that she was blessed by many years of good health and such a precious family. She leaves behind a rich legacy of love that will be forever treasured. Gin will be dearly missed.

Gin Allen died at the Borgess Nursing Home in Kalamazoo on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Members of her family include her 2 sons: Tim (Lisa) and Jeff (Linda) Allen, 3 sisters: Dortha Barton, Eva Lewis and Maxine Stafford, and 4 grandchildren: Erin, Jessie, Thomas and Jessica. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald and sister Irene. Learn more about Gin and visit with her family and friends while sharing light refreshments, Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881). Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Plainwell United Methodist Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to Wings of Hope Hospice.