Margaret Richards Allen

Margaret Richards Allen, age 104, died peacefully in her home on July 11, following the complications of a stroke. Having been born in Mechanicsville, Iowa, where her father was a country doctor, raised in Le Claire, Iowa, where, as a teen, she worked as a pianist on the river ferry, to being a college girl in Dubuque, where she studied Music at the University of Dubuque, Margaret always referred to herself as "corn fed." However, Margaret spent over 30 years living in Lake Geneva, Wis., and came to Rogers after her husband, Neal, retired in 1972. Most of her years in Rogers were enjoyed in Prairie Creek, but in 2003 she joined the Apple Blossom community where she met many lovely new friends. In January of this year she moved into a private home in Springdale to accommodate her needs. Although Margaret had jobs as a nanny, teaching music, and selling real estate, her true "work" was volunteering. Both in Wisconsin and Arkansas, Margaret participated tirelessly in activities with the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was 99 when she stepped down as program chair from the local chapter in Rogers. The Republican Party was another of Margaret's great interests. In Lake Geneva, she was a long-time President of the local chapter of the National Federation of Republican Women. She continued to be active in Republican Women activities in Rogers, as well. But these interests did not keep her from her devotion to her church. Margaret was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rogers since 1972. She loved participating in worship and all church activities, but her church circles, and later, her Stephens' ministers brought particular spiritual satisfaction. Margaret's survivors include a first cousin, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren. A service celebrating Margaret's life will be held at the First Methodist Church of Rogers in the next several weeks, but details are still pending. Please watch for a forthcoming announcement. Margaret will be remembered for her generosity, faith, patriotism, understated elegance, sense of humor and deep dedication to family and friends. Those who knew her, know what a unique individual our society has lost. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St., Rogers. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.