Joe Ann Allen

Joe Ann Allen’s family sadly announces her passing in Littleton, Colorado on June 17, 2018. Joe Ann was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas on April 23, 1927. She was the daughter of Joseph and Lula Belle Horn Bratka. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Darrell.

Soon after her birth, Joe Ann and her parents moved to Southern California where she lived the majority of her life. Joe Ann’s mother and father both passed away when she was very young, so she and her sister Jane stayed with many relatives until her amazing Aunt Maggie Milleman accepted Joe Ann and her sister into her family where they were nurtured and much loved as they grew into adulthood. In November 1947, Joe Ann married Darrell O. Allen who had recently separated from the U.S Navy. Over the next few years they were blessed with three wonderful children, Mike, John, and Barbara. Joe Ann and Darrell’s family lived in several locations in Los Angeles County and Palm Desert, California. Joe Ann moved to Colorado later in life so she could be nearer to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Joe Ann worked off and on while raising her children and eventually worked full time for J.C. Penney Co. where she was a credit manager for many, many years.

Joe Ann was born into a large extended family and had 42 first cousins. She thoroughly enjoyed her cousins and was active in recurring family activities and reunions that stretched from Arkansas to California, and in between. She was also very close to many lifelong friends…often reminiscing about their wonderful experiences and amazing good times.

Joe Ann was admired for her devotion to family, optimism, positive spirit, and willingness to help wherever needed. She did everything imaginable to love and support her husband and children. Her most endearing attribute was always putting others ahead of herself…she always insisted that others be considered before herself. These traits and her perpetual cheerfulness made her a joy to be around and someone never to be forgotten. For these reasons and others, Joe Ann will be greatly missed and forever loved by her family and many friends!

Joe Ann leaves behind her two sons, Mike (Cindy) and John, daughter Barbara (Bill) Fregoso; two grandchildren, Jeff (Beth) Allen and Stacey (Dustin) Jacobson; six great granddaughters, Hadley, Delilah, Adriana, Emili, Lauren, and Sammi; several nieces and nephews, and many other relatives...all of whom she dearly loved.

There will be “Celebration of Life” at the Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial Colorado on Monday, July 16 at 1:30 pm. Tributes and condolences may be left on the Neptune Society website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joe Ann's name may be sent to any charitable organization of choice, or the Holly Creek Retirement Community.