Debra Allen
February 19, 1953 ~ November 10, 2021
Debra Allen age 68 of Ionia, IA, died Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at MercyOne Medical Center-New Hampton.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, NOVEMBER 20, 2021, at Harvest Church, New Hampton, with Pastor Doug Harvey officiating. Interment will be at a later date at the New Hampton City Cemetery.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, NOVEMBER 19, 2021, at the Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton.
Debra was born on Feb. 19, 1953, to Roger and Josephine (Lorang) Phillips in Waterloo, and she grew up as part of a large family — Debra was in the “middle” of the couple’s 15 children — in Gilbertville.
She received her education in Catholic schools and was a member of the Class of 1971 at Don Bosco High School, and after graduation, she worked at the Amana Colonies and as a telephone operator.
Debra met Darwin Allen through family members, and the two hit it off, began dating, fell in love and were married on March 22, 1975, at what was known as First Baptist Church and is now Harvest Church in New Hampton.
The couple raised their four children — Carver, Matthew, Christine and Megan — in their Ionia home, and the Allen kids had a mother who could do everything. When they came home from school, there were always fresh-baked cookies waiting for them. She could cook anything. She made beautiful quilts. She sewed clothes for her daughters’ dolls. Debra provided incredible support to her children, and they knew Mom always had their back and they could go to her with any problem and receive unconditional love.
In 1994, Debra accepted the position as office manager at New Hampton Chiropractic, and she and Dr. Paul Ewert made a great team. She loved talking with Dr. Paul’s patients and cared deeply about them, not just as patients but as people, too. She worked at the clinic for 24 years before retiring in 2018.
Debra loved holidays and she would prepare gorgeous meals, and everyone was welcome at her table. If someone had no place to spend a holiday, she welcomed them to her family’s home with open arms.
You see, that was Debra in a nutshell. She was kind, compassionate, a giver and a person who made sure her family and friends had everything they needed. Sometimes, it might be a big thing — helping someone through a tough time. Other times, it was the little things, like when Debra sold home interiors when her children were young. She’d remove the items and give the boxes to her children, who made forts out of them.
She adored her nine grandchildren — who were born between 1999 and 2018 — and she loved visiting them and supporting them at all of their activities.
Debra made amazing quilts for all of her children and grandchildren, and those quilts represent the love she had for all of them. Today, we know the Allen children and grandchildren are holding those quilts tight and feeling the love their mom and grandmother had for them.
She baked pies for her brothers and sisters every year on their birthdays, and the jelly she made and the cinnamon rolls she baked were simply amazing.
Time, though, was the greatest gift she bestowed. Your interests were her interests, and she genuinely cared about everyone — from her husband to her children to her grandchildren to the patients at the clinic she served so long and so well. The world will be a little less brighter without Debra Allen.
Debra is survived by her husband of 46 1/2 years, Darwin of Ionia; two sons, Carver (Arren) of Dunkerton, and Matt (Ashley) of Belmond; two daughters, Christine (Mike) Gilstrap of Waverly, and Megan (Brian) Dirksen of Clive; nine grandchildren; brothers, Randy (Shirley) Phillips, Rick (Linda) Phillips, Steve (Michele) Phillips, Tim (Terry) Phillips, and Scott (Lori) Phillips; and sisters, Kathy (Ross Schilling) Phillips, Pat (Mike) Jump, Gail (Ken) Fencl, Ruth (Larry) Roths, Ronda (Tim) Moody, and Nancy (Paul) Post.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Kevin and Mark and sister MaryJo.
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Oh, this is just absolutely heartbreaking to hear. Deb always had the best smile and it was always great to chat with her. Much love to the Allen family as you navigate this devastating time.
Such sad news!! Heartfelt condolences to all the family!!!
PRAYERS AND HUGS FOR FAMILY
Many prayers to her family!!
I’m so very sad to hear this!Sending love and hugs to Deb’s family and friends at this sad time🙏🏻
So sorry to hear
Sorry for the family’s loss.
Our hearts are saddened to hear this new! Thoughts and prayers for the entire family! Deb was such a sweetheart that could turn your frown upside down!😔🙏 Hugs to all!
Sending sympathy to all of Deb’s family and friends. Such a wonderfully friendly lady. Prayers. 🙏
Oh my gosh, I am so sorry to read this!!! My deepest, deepest sympathy to the entire Allen/Phillips family. May God hold you all extra close through this very sad time. Our deepest sympathy…🙏💖🙏
What sad news to start the day. Deb was always so upbeat and friendly. Dave and my heartfelt sympathies to the Allen and Phillips families.
Prayers and thoughts to her family
I am very saddened to hear this news Hugs for you Darwin and your family She was a a lovely and friendly person
Prayers going out to the family
So sorry to hear. Thoughts and prayers for all of the family!
I am so sorry!
So very sorry to hear! Deb was so kind and sweet.sending our sympathies
Our deepest sympathy to The Allen family and the Phillips family. Debra was a beautiful lady and will be missed by many.
So sorry, Prayers and thoughts to her family
So very sorry for your loss!
Still in shock yet. My heart goes out to Dar, Carver, Matt, Christine, and Megan. Thoughts and prayers with you all. So sad she’s gone.
So sad to hear this – Deb was a very good person!
So sad to hear this Deb was a great lady always had a smile and was very cheerful. Our prayers and thoughts to her family.
So sorry
So sorry to hear of her passing. Sending hugs and prayers to the family.
My deepest sympathy to her family and friends 🙏 😢 She will truly be missed!
I always enjoyed visiting with Deb, thoughts and prayers to her family during this difficult time.
So many prayers for Darwin and the family! Deb was just a sweet lady when I seen her at holidays and in Theisens years later!
Deb always had a smile! Keeping her family in our thoughts. Patty and Lloyd Phillips
So sorry to hear. Sending prayers to all the family🙏
So sorry for the loss of your love one. Deb was a great person to be around.
My sincere sympathy to the Allen and Phillips families. Deb was so fun to visit with. We had some good laughs together. She touched the hearts of many people and will be truly missed. May God hold you all tight and comfort you all in this time of grief. Hold those memories close in your heart. When Deb talked about her family you could always see the happiness, how proud she was and her ❤ Love for all of you.
So sorry to hear this. Sending prayers to all the family 🙏
My sympathy and prayers to Deb’s family and friends.
Sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers for all the family!
Sending sympathy to family and friends 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sending sympathy to the whole family. Deb was an amazing person.
I’m so saddened to hear of Deb’s death. She was so happy and had a great smile for everyone
So very sorry for everyone’s loss. Deb was such a sweet person!
Sympathy to her family and friends.
So sorry to hear of her passing. Sending sympathy, Hugs and prayers to her family!!
Dear Allen family, I am so sorry for your loss. Deb was so devoted to her family. She had such a funny, quick wit. I remember eating her famous caramel corn when she was telling us to stay away from boys until we were 30 🙂 and to not take our stupid pills in the morning (meaning to make good decisions – but the funny way she said it stuck in my brain!). She was so hospitable and welcoming, both in her home and in all the many meals she prepared at church. She light up with joy every time I saw her and asked about her kids and grandchildren. I am praying for you all.
So sorry for your families loss. Sending prayers to you all.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family! So many happy memories!
our deepest sympathy to the Phillips and Allen family. Deb was a sweet person, enjoyed all our visits at the clinic when she worked with Ewert.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Deb was such a bright light; beautiful happy soul and gone much too soon 💕
Oh, this is just absolutely heartbreaking to hear. Deb always had the best smile and it was always great to chat with her. Much love to the Allen and Phillips family as you navigate this devastating time.
So very sorry to hear this. Prayers to Deb’s family. Always smiling, always happy🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry for your loss. I just talked to her last week at Assisted Living. All our prayers to her family. Jeanne and David Roder
Our sympathy to the Allen and Phillips family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
My prayers and sympathy for her family.
My deepest condolences to u Darwin and all the family. U r all in my thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to The Allen family and the Phillips family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May God Bless you all.
Sorry to hear. My sympathies to the family.
I am so sad to hear this news. Deb was a wonderful human. My heartfelt sympathies to the Allen and Phillips families.
Our deepest sympathies for your families and prayers go out for you
Deepest sympathy for family and friends….a very sweet gal.😥🙏
I am so heart broken to read this!! She was such a great person! She will be missed and remembered by many!
Sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers to all so sorry for your loss ❤️
So sorry for the family’s loss.Sending prayers
Very sorry to see this. She will be missed by all who knew her. May she Rest in Peace.
So sorry for your family’s loss! Deb was such a sweetheart!! Prayers to all!!!
Condolences to the family
Deb was always so cheerful and sweet when I would see her. We would catch up on what the kids were doing and she was always fun to visit with. You all have my heartfelt condolences!
This breaks my heart! I always enjoyed visiting with her! Sending love to her family and friends!
So sorry for your loss with thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss
We’re so sorry for the family’s loss. Our condolences to you all.
So sorry to hear this. Her upbeat personality will be missed by all. Sympathies to the family.
So sorry to hear that
Such a wonderful personality. Such a caring and thoughtful woman. I did not get to know you as much as would have liked to. But I do know that you meant the world to the kids and grandkids. You will be missed
To Dar and family-We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Deb’s passing. Please know that our many thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Deb will be missed by many. May God comfort each of you and hold you in His loving arms.
My deepest sympathies to the Allen family! May God grant you His peace and comfort during this most difficult of times. May Deb’s memory be eternal ❤️
Deepest sympathy to the Allen/Phillips Families.🙏
Our condolences to Deb’s family. She was always so helpful at Dr. Ewert’s office. Prayers for you all.
So very sorry to hear this. Deb was so kind and friendly. Always made time for others. Sending our prayers to her family ♥️🙏
So sad to hear this news! She was amazing and fun lady! Prayers sent to the family!
We extend our most sincere sympathies to all Deb’s family. She was a very special lady.
My sister-in-law, Kate Phillips, is Deb’s sister. Although I never met Debra, I grieve for her loss & the family. May the support of family & friends & her beautiful memories be a source of strength. I know the love of sisters which is strong bond! Lynn Geadelmann, Roseville, MN
So sorry to hear this sad news , prayers for the family.
Sending prayers to the family
Sympathy and prayers to all. Deb had a smile that would brighten anyone’s day.
Thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort 🙏🏻
Deepest sympathy to Deb’s family. A great lady.
We are so sorry for all of you! What a shock to hear Deb passed away. I know how dear and important she was to you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs, John and Laura Dorn (Laura Lais, Deb’s cousin on Jose’s side of the family)
So very sorry to hear this. You have our deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you all at this time.🙏
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest sympathies, Mike and Rachel Crow
So sad! Our prayers and sympathy to all of the Allen and Phillips families. We always enjoyed visiting with Deb when she was at Dr Ewert’s.
Our deepest condolences to Deb’s family. Jan and Lance Manson
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deb’s family!! Deb was a great person!
We are so very sorry to hear about Deb’s passing away. She was such a lovely lady, always a smile and a twinkle in her eyes. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Marj and Dennis Troyna
Deb will be missed by all who she came in touch with. Prayers and sympathy to the entire Allen and Phillips families.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sympathy and prayers go to Deb’s Family. When ever we saw Deb she would stop and we would have a visit. A very good person.
Our sincere sympathy to Deb’s family
Omg this is so sad to hear I just talked to you guys a couple of weeks ago she always said there’s trouble no matter where she seen me she always asked how I was doing and we always talked about the chili story you are going to be missed thoughts and prayers to the family
Our Deepest Sympathies, Megan & Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Deb’s family! We know she will be missed by so many family and friends. She was a lovely, upbeat person who always helped out those she loved!
Thoughts and prayers to the Allen family. So sorry to hear the news of Deb’s passing.
Deepest Sympathies To all the Allen Family and Phillips Family. Deb will be remembered for her Friendliness. Have rest in the fact Deb was a Gal of Faith who is now in the loving arms of Jesus Deb’s Lord and Savior
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our heartfelt condolences.
Comfort and prayers for the whole Phillips family. Our deepest sympathies to you all for this unbelievable loss.
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one Debra. She was such a special lady in so many ways. She always had time to help a person and talk with them. She will be missed by so many people. Keep the memories in your heart. Yous are all in our thoughts and prayers these coming days. The Paul Knoll Family.
With deepest sympathy, James, Caryl, Adam, Emily & Erin
So sad to hear this I always enjoyed talking with Deb,prayers to her family.
Jerry and I are send our thoughts and prayers to the Allen and Phillips families. Deb was a neighbor to us and we have nothing but fond memories of Deb. May she Rest In Peace. She left us way too early and will miss her dearly.
Prayers and deepest sympathy to the Allen/Phillips family. Deb was such a kind, friendly and enjoyable person to visit with in Dr. Ewert’s office.
Mom it has been 3 days since you have left I miss you so very much. You were my best friend. I am trying to keep Dad alive . This virus has been the worst. You are so very missed. I love you. I will always miss you. I will see you some day. . Miss you pretty lady Bye mom
We are so sorry for your loss!
So sorry Darwin wish there were words that could make things better so sorry
she was such a nice person, so sorry for your loss
Darwin, Carver, Matt, Christina & Megan – My thoughts & prayers are with you all! I miss seeing her at the chiropractor’s office! It was always nice to visit with her.
You all so have my sympathy, Deb was one in a million, I always loved visiting with her at Ewert! She is going to be missed my many 💞🙏🏻💞
Such a tragedy. Our sympathy to you all….
Our deepest sympathy to the Allen and Phillips families. You are all in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
Our deepest sympathies to both the Allen and Phillips families. We know words can never say it but, know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. The Blazek family.
I am so sorry to hear this news. My sympathy to Darwin and children and the entire Philips family.
Deb welcomed me into her family as if I was her own, No questions asked and accepted me for who I was. She felt like home, she was always so warm and loving.. She always had an ear to lend or a shoulder to cry on and usually a great piece of advice to give. She was an incredible grandma to her grandbabies who all love her tremendously. And she’s been an incredible mother, her amazing kids are a testament to her love and devotion. I see the best parts of her in each Carver, Matt, Christine and Megan. Overall she was one in a million and I was blessed to have her in my life, mom by marriage – I was definitely the lucky one. We are all better people for knowing her. I will miss her calls and common sense advice, and her help when I mess up supper. She was a beautiful gift to her family and friends and her memory is an absolute treasure. She will most certainly be missed without measure. She will be there in all the recipes we make and the blankets we cuddle with. She may not be with us any longer in the physical sense but she will always live in our hearts. -Ashley
Comforting thoughts and prayers go out to Debra’s family. So sorry for your family’s loss.
Thoughts and prayers to the Allen family during this difficult time. I remember seeing Deb at the chiropractor office when I lived in New Hampton, she will be missed. Carrie Zweibohmer (Jacoby) (classmate of Megan)
What a beautifully written summary of Deb’s life! It captures her generous, giving spirit. Even as I look around my home, I have treasured memories of her talents and giving spirit in the quilts she finished for me, the hot pads from jean pockets, the acorn mittens (hot pads), the recipes she shared, even my entry table in our home which she found for us at a furniture closing sale. And I fondly remember the many, many beautiful Barby doll clothes she sewed for our daughters. I love and miss my sister! Her memories will be with me until I join her in heaven.
I miss the days of seeing our cousins so frequently. We had fun together. We are sending our love and sympathy to Deb’s family and to all her brothers and sisters. To those of you who were close to her and knew her best, it sounds like you were truly blessed. Rollie and Karen Cahoy
My sympathy to all Deb’s family. She was a special person.
So sorry for your loss , Ashley..I was going to message you but forgot you do not have Facebook anymore. Prayers for you and Matt and kids!
I am sorry for your loss, Matt..please reach out if you need anything, my family is here for you guys!
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sympathy and prayers to the Allen &Phillips families. Always enjoyed visiting with Deb when she worked for Dr. Ewert.
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom. May the loving memories of your mom comfort you and give you peace at this time.
Our sympathy to Darwin and family as well as the Phillips family, Deb was such a special friend with a beautiful smile. She will always be in your hearts ❤️
Prayers and Comfort for the family!!!
Deborah was a kind woman and had an amazingly huge heart! When I shared with her daughter-in-law who is my cousin that I had always wanted a handmade quilts Ashley knew exactly who to send me to! Deborah checked every detail and making exactly what I wanted even though we were half a country away from each other. She said it was the biggest quilt she had ever made and it was a challenge that she loved! When I came to visit my Ashley and Matt this summer and Iowa, getting to meet Debra was a highlight! She had a way of making you feel at home and a part of her family and everything she did💜 I know she meant a lot to a lot of people. And my heart and my prayers go out to each one of you.
Our sympathy to all of Deb’s family. She was such an outgoing and friendly person who will be missed by many. So sorry for your loss..
Thank you Sahra! I know she enjoyed meeting you and had hoped to see you guys again this holiday season!
Heaven certainly gained an angel when Deb passed from this earth. Such a genuine, caring person. Extending our deepest sympathy to all of her family. Rest In Peace, sweet gal.