Ruth Celena Thomas Allen

Ruth Allen left this world peacefully early Thursday morning, April 4, 2024, at the Bells Nursing Home at the age of 94.  “Wheel of Fortune” lost its biggest fan.  She was born Ruth Celena Thomas on October 13, 1929, in Tamms, IL to the late Roscoe and Delores Thomas, who later moved their family to Jackson, TN.  Ruth had a sister and two brothers who preceded her in death.   It was in Jackson that she met the late Billie Amos Allen, her loving husband of 58 years.  Ruth and Billie had two sons, the late Dr. Tommy W. Allen and Robert F. Allen, both of Jackson.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend to many.  Most knew her as “Mrs. Ruth” as she touched the lives of many.  She loved gardening, spending time with family and giving gifts at Christmas. Ruth adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with them.  

Ruth spent many years working. She was first employed by National Bank of Commerce and Frist Tennessee Bank, where she was a teller. She later opened the Wishing Well Florist and planned many weddings in Jackson for approximately ten years.  She later worked for Refreshments of Tennessee. Her last place of employment was Jackson’s Old Country Store, where she enjoyed working in the gift shop.

Left to cherish her memory is one son, Robert F. Allen (Leigh Anne) of Jackson, TN; daughter-in-law, Debbie Allen-Shires of Jackson, TN; grandson, BJ Allen (Emily) of Bells, TN; three granddaughters, Bekah Allen Gant (Dylan) of Memphis, TN, Sara Elizabeth Newsom (Patrick) of Tampa, FL, and Mary Kate Eckhardt (Bob) Of Nashville, TN; great-grandchildren, Matthew Newsom of Coco Beach, FL, Elizabeth Newsom of St. Augustine, FL, and Kathryn Ruth Allen of Bells, TN. In addition to her family, she leaves behind many cherished acquaintances from over the years.

Ruth was a member of the Methodist Churches over the years and at the time of her passing, she was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church of Jackson, TN.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  In honor of her cherished time with us, the family will host a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Aldersgate Methodist Church, 1050 North Parkway, Jackson, TN.