LaRene Allen Obituary (1932 - 2023)

Surrounded by her loving family, Mary LaRene Thomas Allen passed away at the age of 90 on January 11, 2023. She was the oldest of three children born to Lawrence John Thomas and Mary Hunt Thomas on December 1, 1932. LaRene attended schools in Ogden where she was very outgoing, a member of the Pep Club and a Drum Majorette in the Ray Minter Drum and Bugle Corp. At that time, she held the record for catching the highest thrown baton. She worked at the counter and as a carhop at Vogel's Ice Cream Shop where she learned to perfect the root beer float. She married Lowell James Allen on November 29, 1949. He left shortly after to serve as a Marine in the Korean War while she worked at the Naval Base in San Diego, California. Their four daughters are Linda Arleen, Mary Kathleen, Patricia Jolene and Terry Jean. Although they were divorced, they always had concern for the other. At a young age and at a time when it was very uncommon, LaRene became a single mother. With four young daughters, she graduated with honors with a business degree from Stevens-Henagar College. She began a long, successful career of over 30 years as an office manager and assistant to President Ron Inkley at Inkley's, Inc., where she developed life-long friendships. She retired at the age of 65. During this time, she also served in the Altrusa Club with her mother. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as the Relief Society Secretary for many years. Mom was very supportive and proud of all of her family's accomplishments. She never missed a single event. She had a very soft heart for the less fortunate and would give her last dime to help anyone in need. That also went for stray animals. She loved her little dogs and one stray Siamese cat found a permanent home for 25 years, long after her children moved out. She was fiercely protective, very independent and brave enough to take four little girls by herself to California and Yellowstone every year so they could have a vacation. Her favorite hobbies were traveling anywhere at any time and she was very seldom seen without her crossword puzzles (always in ink and never peeking at answers), thick books (several at the same time) or her jumbo mugs of Diet Coke, which she was never without. But most importantly, she loved to bowl. After joining a Ladies League with her friends in her early 20s, she received her first bowling ball and never put it down unless she had to. She bowled continuously on numerous leagues for over 60 years, only taking a few short months off for cancer treatments in the 1990s. She was so proud to bowl with her brother Larry, her sister Arleen, and several other family members. In 1966-67, she received her first WIBC patch as League Champion and Mixed League Champion in 1970-71. In addition to earning hundreds of bowling trophies, pins, patches and prize money, she has bowled in 12 National Tournaments in Denver, Colorado (1976), Seattle, Washington (1980), Niagara Falls (1984), Orange County, California (1986) Reno/Carson City, Nevada (1988), Salt Lake City, Utah (1994), Tucson, Arizona (1995), Buffalo, New York (1996), Reno, Nevada (1997, 2003 and 2006) and the Golden Spike Tournament. She served as a bowling secretary and treasurer for many, many years. Her greatest honor was being inducted to the Northern Utah USBC Association Hall of Fame in 2007. LaRene was also honored in 2006 for her volunteer service with the Weber County Sheriff's Office. In addition to a large extended family and numerous friends, she is survived by her sister Arleen (Charlie) Maylin, her daughters Linda (Scott) Lee, Kathy (Chris) Oleson, Patti (Mike) Aven and Terry (Gary) Knighton, 16 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild with 2 on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Larry Thomas, a granddaughter Chelsie Knighton, a special nephew Larry Thomas Jr., as well as all those family members who have gone before her. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the wonderful care she received at Mount Ogden Health and Rehabilitation, Atlas Hospice and for all the loving care by family members. A celebration of her amazing 90 years of life will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. that morning at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah. Her service will be live streamed on the Myers website www.myers-mortuary.com. To watch scroll to the bottom of her obituary at 11:00 a.m. day of Celebration. If unable to watch at this time it will be on the website indefinitely. Interment Ogden City Cemetery, 1875 Monroe Blvd., Ogden, UT. In lieu of flowers, please give your loved ones a hug. Rest in peace Mom, you've earned your wings.