Barbara S. Allen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Sue Allen, 84, formerly of Alexandria. Barbara stepped into Heaven and the arms of Jesus on December 11, 2025 with her daughters at her side.

Born on November 9, 1941, in Owensboro, Kentucky Barbara was the beloved daughter of James and Lula (Stone) Odom. She spent her life devoted to Ermal Allen, who sadly preceded her in death in 2016.

Barbara was born to James and Lulu (Stone) Odom in Owensboro, Kentucky on November 9, 1941. The family moved to Alexandria in 1944 and she attended school here, graduating in 1959. She married her former husband Ermal Allen Jr. in 1961. Barbara delighted in being a wife as well as gardening and cooking. She adored baking for her family and was an excellent seamstress. She was a loyal friend with a generous spirit and kind soul. 

Barbara was a former member of the Alexandria Nazarene Church and served as the secretary to the Superintendent of the Alexandria-Monroe School Corporation until her retirement in 2005. In 2018 she moved to Ohio.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Terri Smith of Alexandria and Rachel (Matt) Enderly of Hicksville, Ohio. Also, her grandchildren; Joshua, Elizabeth, Noah, and their father Jeff Shafter. Her brother Don R. Odom of Venice, Florida and her twin sister Linda Hysong of Lawton, Oklahoma.

She was preceded to Heaven by her parents; sister-in-law, Lynda Odom; sister Donna Schacht; nephew, Jerry Schacht; lifelong friend, Joyce Eastman; and her former husband, Ermal Allen.

A graveside service will be held at I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Alexandria, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

"...And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

- John 14:3

Bud & Susan Whetsel, along with our entire Whetsel Funeral Service staff, are honored to care for the Allen family during this time.