My Loving Mother...... Alleen Gadd, loving mother, daughter, sister and friend passed on, Wednesday, November 2, 2011. She was born on August 11, 1940 in Missouri daughter of Anna Jane & William (Kinzie) Barnhill . Alleen truly enjoyed her family, friends and life itself. She was a great activist and stood strong in her beliefs never once faltering no matter the odds. She instilled this courageous spirit in her children and taught us to walk to the beat of a different drum. Alleen was also a gifted artist her brush showed a gentle person who believed that art, beauty, and love was the keys to living a life of simplicity. Her great love for animals took her to opening a rescue kennel on her 10 acre farm in Missouri where she was known for taking in absolutely any animal and giving them a second chance. Whether she was out riding her Harley, (yes she did that to), enjoying her garden, or learning to teach and work with various animals she did it all with great zest and a love for life. Later in life Alleen with her husband Robert sought the sun filled days and settled in Arizona. Not ready to retire her love for animals she built a kennel, took on the knowledge of desert animals and even rehabbed a coyote. Alleen never once let her smile fade or her hope for her children Mary Jane, Peggy, Wendy, Bobbie, Bonnie, brothers Tom & TJ along with her love and hope to many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughters Brenda, Belinda & Sandra, sisters Desie, Jessie, Irene & brothers John, JW, CH & LD. A private ceremony was held in Kingman, Arizona on November 2, 2011. Memorial service time (tbd) shall be held in Lathem, Missouri. May her journey back into the light from which we all come and to which we will return be easy and may the wonderful parts of her spirit stay with you always.
Wendy Benge