Melba Jean Allen, 71, of Ironton, went home to be with her Heavenly Father and join her husband, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2010, at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Russell, Ky.

The McRoberts, Ky., native was born April 9, 1939, the daughter of the late Creed F. and Eliza Wilson Blevins. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Bert Allen, who passed away Sept. 15, 2003.

Mrs. Allen moved to Lawrence County in 1952, where she attended South Point and Coal Grove schools and was a homemaker. She was a member Rock Camp United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher and the church clerk. She was also a member of the Goodwill Club at Sherman Thompson Towers.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Henry David Allen; an infant daughter, Wanda Jean Allen; two sisters, Jeri Blevins Bowman and Margaret Ann Blevins; three brothers, Roy Blevins, Danny Blevins and Joe Blevins; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her loving children son, Bert E. Allen Jr. of Ironton; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy W. and Shirley Allen of Ironton; daughter and son-in-law, Thelma and Johnny Davis of Ironton; daughter and son-in-law, Dora and Daniel West of Ironton son and his fiancée, William F. Allen and Kristie Jackson of Kitts Hill; brother, Edward Blevins of Ironton; two sisters, Lena Clark of Coal Grove and Janet Hanshaw of Ironton; and three sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Mary Jane Wilson of Wise, Va., Peggy Harper of Kitts Hill and Linda and Ted Moore of South Point. She also leaves behind her grandchildren whom she adored, Keith and Danielle Allen, Josh and Destry Allen, Eddie and Mikey Davis, Kara Allen, Billy and Loretta Allen, Misty and Davey Allen; 11 great grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and 14 step-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a  host of nieces, nephews and friends who will sorely miss her.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Phillips Funeral Home with Brother Wayne Wise and Rev. James Cremeans officiating. Burial will follow in Community Cemetery. Friends may call today from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to Phillips Funeral Home, P.O. Box 122, Ironton, OH 45638. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.