Delores Ann (Schumacher) Allen, 82, of Festus died Aug. 9, 2025, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis County. Mrs. Allen grew up with an appreciation for the outdoors, animals and the value of hard work. A proud member of the Laborers Union, she also worked with the Department of Family Services, where she brought her work ethic and compassion to those in need. She raised and showed Quarter Horses in Western competitions and competed in barrel racing in her younger years. She loved the horse community and passed this passion to her daughter. She also found joy in nature. She cared for hummingbirds and barn cats, watched the deer, turkeys, foxes and raccoons that often visited, and tended her garden alongside her husband. Her garden was as much a labor of love as it was a sanctuary. She will be remembered as strong-willed, hard-working, giving and kind. She was known for her lighthearted sense of humor and her heart that welcomed others. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, whether hosting Christmas celebrations, playing a game of Scat around the table or simply enjoying the comfort of family and friends. Born March 6, 1943, in Jefferson County, she was the daughter of the late Delmar Schumacher and Flora (Johnston) Schumacher.
She is survived by her husband: Garry Allen of De Soto; a child: Elizabeth “Beth” (Richard) Joseph of Brownsburg, Ind.; four grandchildren: Paige, Vavia, Meredith and Eden; a brother: Richard Schumacher of De Soto; two sisters-in-law: Judy Weathers and Carol Phillips and all of their children and grandchildren; her dog: Ripp; and many other family members and friends.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 11 a.m. until a memorial service at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto. Inurnment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.