Arla Allen

Arla Ann Allen, 72, of Van Wert, died at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at Vancrest Healthcare Center, Van Wert.

She was born Oct. 11, 1939, in Van Wert County, Ohio, to the late Mary Hope (Harker) Oechsle and Paul L. Oechsle.

Her husband, Harold C. Allen, survives of Van Wert. They were married July 29, 1960.

Other survivors include: children: Carlton H. Allen and Mary Ann (Joe) Falk, both of Van Wert, and Janeen (Robert) Thelen of Copley, Ohio; brother: Larry (Deanna) Oechsle of Van Wert; brother-in-law: Paul Repine of Leo, Ind., and eight grandchildren: Kelsey, Zachary and Jared Thelen; Sarah and Megan Vogt; Erik and Evan Falk, and Savanna Grubb.

She was preceded in death by a son: Donald Allen, and a sister: Phyllis Repine.

She was a homemaker and had formerly worked at the Van Wert Gospel Gift Shop and was a cashier for Bagley Realty and Auctioneer. She attended First United Methodist Church, Van Wert, where she was a member of the church choir. She was a member of Van Wert Civic Theater, Community Concert Association and served on the Board for Van Wert Area Boys Choir.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at First United Methodist Church, Van Wert. The Rev. Gus Christo-Baker will officiate. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert, and one hour prior to services Saturday at church.

Preferred memorial may be directed to the Agape Fund of First United Methodist Church (for the needy) or donor's choice.