Artis Ilene Allen

Artis Ilene Allen, age 90, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She was born on April 21, 1927 to Edward and Pauline (Mack) Rapp. She grew up in Leola, South Dakota where she helped on the farm and later taught school in a one-room school house. She later moved to Madison, WI where she married Clayton “Curly” Allen on August 23, 1947. Their wedding reception was held at the East Mifflin Street residence they built and where they raised 4 children and lived for 68 years.

Artis was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was a caregiver by nature. She had a special place in her heart for children, and for 30 years provided daycare to children too numerous to count, but each one special to her. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and reading, but her passion was caring for others, especially her husband. Artis was the cornerstone of her family and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her 4 children: Eileen (Don Saunders) Mowrey, Kathy Knoble, Dan (Kathie Erickson) Allen and Denise (Val) Fernandez; special family member, Chuck Carter; as well as 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton and her sisters, Maxine Allen, Leona Liedle and Rosemarie Rapp.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 6, 2017 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave. with Rev. Sarah Karlen officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.