Dorothy Sorenson Allen died on January 25, one week after her 88 ^th birthday, following a brief illness.

She worked at Keystone Consolidated Industries as a secretary, and it was while working there that she met her husband, Wayne. They were married on March 3, 1961.

Residing in many different states throughout the years, Dorothy and Wayne shared cross-country adventures. They started their life together in Bartonville, Ill. and then moved to Crawfordsville, Ind. From there, they moved to Cypress, Calif., followed by moves to Germantown, Tenn., Whittier, Calif., and finally – at Dorothy's persuasion – back to Crawfordsville to be near their grandkids.

Growing up in Pekin, Illinois, she graduated from Pekin High School in 1952. In her youth, she enjoyed playing cards, bowling and going on vacations with her friends. As a young woman in the 1950s, she belonged to the Job's Daughters organization.

Never one to back down from a challenge or activity, Dorothy was a survivor of non-Hodgkins lymphoma and an active participant in a variety of clubs, serving as secretary at many of the organizations she participated in.  She was a member – and also president – of the Mothers of Twins club in Bartonville, Ill. in the 1970s. She was a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Crawfordsville, In., also serving as their historian for some time.

In addition, she was a member of the Crawfordsville Red Hat Society, serving as president for several years, and greatly enjoyed organizing their monthly gatherings. She also served for 20 years as a volunteer 'pink lady' at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville, an activity she loved.

As you can see, Dorothy was extremely social and considered no one a stranger. She enjoyed filling her time with friends, clubs, volunteering, hosting dinners and celebrations. She especially loved birthdays, and she still sent handwritten Christmas cards to her friends and family.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She never missed one of her grandchildren's events and will always be their number one fan. Her smile and friendly personality will be greatly missed by many.

She was born January 18, 1934. Her parents were Mabel and Dale Melton and John Sorenson.  They preceded her in death, as did her beloved husband, who passed away on December 20, 2011.

She is survived by her three children: Suzi (Ray) Gephart, Cindy (Rod) Bryant and Scott Allen; and 8 grandchildren: Dana Gephart, Cary (Karese) Gephart and Alexis (Clay) Pierce; Adam (Taylor) Davis, Conner Davis and Sarah Davis; Cody (Jessica) Allen and Isabella Allen and 11 great-grandchildren. Her half-brother John Sorenson Jr. also survives.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 5 at The Vine Church, 1004 Wayne Avenue, Crawfordsville. Visitation will be from 3 to 4 p.m. with the celebration beginning at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.