Mary Lou Harris Allen

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, returned home to her loving Heavenly Father on Tuesday November 3, 2026. She was surrounded by the family that she loved so deeply celebrating a lifetime of laughter, cherished memories, and the perfect amount of sass.

Mary Lou was born on June 14, 1938 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, to Carl M. Harris and Vera Lorene Dow. Mary Lou was a spirited, creative, and independent young girl, with a personality that was both strong and tender. She did things her own way, a resourcefulness that served her throughout life, and a creative side that would remain with her for years to come.

She graduated from San Leandro High School in San Leandro, California and soon after married Robert Gilmer Hunter. They welcomed four beautiful children into their family during their many years together until their marriage came to an end. In time, another chapter began when her path crossed with a dear friend Joseph Stoddard Allen after the passing of his wife, and her beloved friend Imogene. Mary Lou and Joseph were eventually sealed in the Oakland California Temple on April 14, 1979. With their marriage, she gained six children whom she loved. She spent 41 beautiful years loving him and their combined family.

Mary Lou was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings and capacities including Relief Society President. She enjoyed serving in the Oakland Temple with her sweetheart and always found ways to love and serve others. She was multi-talented, with knitting, sewing, quilting, doll-making, and braiding rugs as her most cherished past times. She had a green thumb and spent many hours reviving and nurturing plants. She was a laundry wizard and could get a stain out of anything. Above all, her child-like wonder and joie de vivre was contagious and she inspired all to live a marvelous life. She was iconic and truly one of a kind, a woman who will be deeply missed by all.

She is survived by her children: Linda Knudtson, Sarah (Timothy) Rhees, Dwight (Penny) Allen, Michael (Rebecca) Allen, J. Sidney (Ruby) Allen, Suzanne Allen, R. Christian (Kristene) Allen; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Stoddard Allen; Parents: Carl M. Harris and Vera Lorene Dow Harris; Children: William Robert Hunter, Mark Robert Hunter, and Mary Gay Allen; Sister, Carleen Harris Butler and many adoring relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E Center Street in Logan, Utah. Friends may visit family for a viewing on Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the mortuary.

Interment at the Richmond Cemetery, Richmond, Utah.

The family would like to thank Shelby with Inspiration Hospice for the wonderful care shown to Mary Lou and the many aides who loved and cared for her at Cogir of Lotus Park Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.