Marilyn K. Allen

Marilyn K. Allen, 82, died on September 20, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital following a brief illness. Marilyn (Matriarch of the Allen Family, loving Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma) was born December 21, 1941, at St. Francis Hospital, Topeka, Kansas, to Willard F. (Bud) Kraus and Maisie Gurtler Kraus. She was raised at Keene, Kansas at the Mossman Ranch (Waugh Ranch) where her father was Foreman. She attended the one room Keene Grade School and graduated from Eskridge Rural High School in 1959, and immediately started working at First National Bank of Topeka. Marilyn married William L. (Bill) Allen September 4, 1959, making their home in Topeka until 1962, when they settled in Eskridge, Kansas. They were married almost 56 years before Bill’s death on July 4, 2015. In 1964, Marilyn left the First National Bank of Topeka to be home with their son Rodney. She eventually started working at the Eskridge State Bank full time, and for Charles Waugh Law Office and Eugene B. Durr, Wabaunsee County Engineer, part time. In 1974 she returned to the First National Bank and retired in 1998 from Boatmen’s Bank (now Bank of America) with 30 years of service.

Marilyn was a member of the Eskridge United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary and Eskridge Community Chamber of Commerce. She is survived by her son, Rodney (Rod) L. Allen (LaDeen), Keene, KS, grandsons Dayton L. Allen (Abby), Eskridge, KS and Tanner E. Allen (Kacy), Dover, KS. Two wonderful great grandchildren, Carter Jo Allen and Finnlee James Allen. Also surviving are a brother Warren F. Kraus (Jennifer), a sister Linda L. Kraus, a sister-in-law Ivajean Allen and numerous nephews and nieces and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bill, parents Bud and Maisie, stepfather James L. DeVore, and an older brother Williard D. Kraus.

Cremation has taken place and visitation will be on Friday evening, September 27, 2024, 6:30 to 8:00 at the Eskridge Senior Citizens Center. Graveside services will be Saturday, September 28, at the Eskridge Cemetery at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Maisie DeVore Swimming Pool or the Eskridge Senior Citizens Center and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, PO Box 43, Lebo, KS 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.