Carlene Kay Allard

Our Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Carlene Kay Allard, 81, of Springfield, Missouri, died at 9:08AM on Saturday, November 23, 2019. Carlene was born August 6, 1938 in Carroll, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Lucille (Wohlenberg) Skinner. She was baptized September 4, 1938 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lidderdale, IA. During her early childhood, she and her family lived with their grandparents on their farm northwest of Lidderdale. When she was three years old, her family moved to a farm southwest of Auburn, Iowa. Carlene attended a country school (Jackson #9) near their home. She was confirmed March 29, 1953 at Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn, Iowa and graduated from Auburn High School in 1956. Carlene furthered her education at Buena Vista College, where she earned a two-year teaching certificate and later returned to graduate with a full degree. She taught in schools at Holstein, Royal, Newell, and Sioux City, all in Iowa. Carlene married Ron Allard on May 8, 1993 in Sioux City, where they lived. Later, in 2004, they retired to Kimberling City, Missouri. More than anything, Carlene treasured her family. She and Ron made frequent trips to see their children and grandchildren. Ron passed away in 2015, and Carlene moved to Springfield, Missouri. Carlene is survived by her children: Carmen (Jeff) Dorman of Springfield, Missouri; Margo (Jim) Augustine of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Brenda (Jeff) Russell of Nashville, Tennessee; and Tyler (Brooke) Kowalke of Omaha, Nebraska, and grandchildren: Chelsea (Jake) Bradley, TJ Augustine, Andrew (Jenny) Augustine, Piper (Tyler) Halterman, Libby Augustine (fianc Andy Leust), Jay (Julianna) Russell, Seth Russell, Miles and Greta Kowalke; great grandchildren, Eleanor Halterman and Bennett Augustine; sister Jeanette (Wendell) Volkens of Council Bluffs, Iowa, sister-in-law Phyllis Skinner of Lake City, Iowa, and brother Larry (Lois) Skinner of Springfield, Missouri. Carlene also leaves behind her special Swedish Daughter, the family's foreign exchange student, Viveca Olsson (Hakan), and children, Hedda, Lisen, and Herman of Uppsala, Sweden. Carlene was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; her son, Jason; her grandchild, Grace; her parents; and her brother, Lyle. Carlene's name, to all who knew her throughout childhood and college was "Honey". Honey Skinner's vivacious, outgoing personality brought her many friends. She was named Buena Vista College Homecoming Queen 1957. She always reached out to a multitude of family and friends, hosting in her home, organizing social gatherings, and caring for those who might be lonely or in need. Carlene loved vocal music, theater, reading, shopping for bargains, and keeping up with world and national politics. She loved sports of any kind, whether it involved her children, grandchildren, college, or professional athletes. If not able to keep in touch personally, she made phone calls around the country to stay connected. Her volunteer activities throughout life are too numerous to list. Ultimately, they were done out of the faith in Christ her Savior. This faith given her in Christ her Savior sustained and comforted her during her final months when she was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. Carlene loved the teaching profession from her first year as a first-grade teacher to her last years of substitute teaching at the high school level. In her last months, Carlene gave those around her the precious gifts of lessons on how to die, and we are forever grateful. As she said many, many times, to so many people, "If I don't see you again, I'll see you in Heaven!" Visitation will be held Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church. Services will follow at 11:00 AM in the church, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. All are invited to attend a luncheon in the gym following the service. Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 14, 2019 in Early Union Cemetery, Early, IA. A luncheon will follow the burial at Faith Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Camp Okoboji, Iowa; the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund; or a charity of your choice.