Obituary: Allen, Gwynna Lavon
Age 65
She was born in Coulee Dam, WA on June 19, 1948, the daughter of Melvin and Lorraine Shipley.
She grew up in Outlook, WA and attended Sunnyside High School.
It was there she met the love of her life, Terry Allen, at just fifteen years of age.
They married on March 17, 1965, in Coeur d’Alene, ID.
They raised their three children, Wendy, Ken and Jodi, in Kittitas, WA, where Gwynna worked as the manager of Maid O’ Clover until choosing to become a stay-at-home mom.
She loved the small town and the many friends she had made, and in 1988, much to her dismay, Terry and Gwynna moved to Spokane, WA.
It did not take long, however, for her to discover she enjoyed the city life.
She also loved being surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Being a wife, mother, and grandmother was her greatest joy.
Gwynna was an avid sports fan.
She cheered for her Seattle Supersonics, Seahawks, Mariners, and the Gonzaga Bulldogs, win or lose.
She passed this passion on to her family.
Gwynna had the rare gift of making friends wherever she went.
She could strike up a conversation with anyone, and they were always better for having met her.
She was always telling a joke and making others laugh.
Her laugh was infectious.
She had a big heart and she loved life.
Gwynna is survived by her husband, Terry, her three children Wendy Hudson (Mitch) of Kittitas, WA, Ken Allen (Jill) of Otis Orchards, WA, and Jodi Estlund (Robert) of Spokane, WA.
She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Jamie, Jordyn, Jeni, Justin, Michael, Kristen, Colton, and Christian.
Also, her sister Linda Allen (Jim) of Yakima, WA and her brother, Melvin Glenn Shipley (Diane) of Selah, WA.
She was preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Lorraine Shipley.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 1, 2013 at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA at 1:00 pm with burial to follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA.
Remembrance gifts may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Those wishing to sign Gwynna’s online memorial may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematory Sunnyside in charge of arrangements.