Elizabeth Ann (Hueneke) Allen, 72
Beth finished her battle with cancer on Feb. 26, 2019. She took on cancer with grace, faith, strength and a smile. She remained the kindest, most loving woman through five years of chemo and numerous surgeries that almost took her life. She fought to live to make more memories with her loving family. We are so thankful for our five years of bonus time. If you met Beth, you would remember her, her laugh, her smile. She lit up every room, her genuine positive attitude was infectious.
Beth was a passionate, caring woman. She valued honesty, kindness and family. She loved the beach, the shells and the sand brought her great joy. She enjoyed genealogy and the actual history of our family. She left a legacy for our family through scrapbooking, memory albums and incredible detailed stories about the loved ones who came before us.
Beth was a wife, mother, daughter, Nonni, aunt, sister and friend. She was preceded in death by her gentle mother Ruth Hueneke, dear son Melvin L. Allen Jr. and father-in-law Lloyd C. Allen.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 53 years, her adoring daughter Angela Allen Walter and husband Donald Walter, and her pride and joy grandchildren Brooke and Tyler, her father Phillip Hueneke, her brother Rudy and wife Cheryl Hueneke, brother Phillip Hueneke, mother-in-law Norah Allen, brother Andy Allen, sister Debbie and husband Pete Coppen, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. All whom she cherished.
Beth was born Oct. 2, 1946, into a military family in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was a joyful child with love in her heart. She was so very fond of her brothers Rudy and Phillip. Her family traveled the world, landing them in England at the age of 15. Mel was her new next door neighbor and her soul mate. They married April 2, 1966, and later had two beautiful children. She gave abundant love to her family and took great pride in being a good mom and loving wife. She was truly the best mother to both her children. Beth provided great care to their son, Mel Jr., who became quadriplegic from a diving accident at the age of 16. She tended to him with motherly love and cared for him until he passed away a year and a half later. The bond with both her children was remarkable. Beth and Angela have had an amazing relationship since the beginning. Retirement found Mel and Beth enjoying the Montana life for over 18 years. They traveled the U.S. in their RV for six years before cancer invaded her body. She fought cancer with all she had. Her grandkids were too young to lose their Nonni. Her mission was to keep this awful disease at bay as long as she could. Five long years she was a cancer warrior and enjoyed life with Mel by her side. The love between Mel and Beth was unbreakable. They were best friends and truly enjoyed each other. She had five bonus years with her family and for that we are so thankful.
Mel was lovingly holding her hand when she took her last breath. She was at peace at the end. She was ready to rest.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, And I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me — 2 Timothy 4:7-8
A celebration of life will take place at a later date in Kalispell. A graveside service will be held near Bossier City, Louisiana, at the family cemetery this summer.