Zelma Lucille Allen

Zelma Lucille Allen went to be with the Lord on Dec. 31, 2024, at her home in Shafter. She was 95 years old.

Born in Cleveland, Oklahoma on June 19, 1929, to Fred and Zettie Peeks, Lucille's family moved to California during the Great Depression, when a friend offered her father a job at King's Garage in Wasco. Lucille met her future husband, Cecil Allen, at age 17 while working at G&L Market on 7th Street in Wasco to help support her family.

Lucille and Cecil married on Oct.11, 1946, and eventually owned a Norwalk service station, a custom harvesting business and Cecil M. Allen Farms. Lucille raised three sons while faithfully keeping the books for their businesses.

Lucille was an artist. Whether refurbishing furniture or painting with oils on canvas, she made things beautiful. Lucille loved decorating and having a crowd for holidays and birthdays. She made her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their friends feel welcome. Everyone called her Gran.

Lucille and Cecil were married 43 years. She was widowed in 1990 at age 61. When grandchildren asked about remarriage, she smiled and answered, "I will always love your grandpa." She lived a fruitful widowed life for 34 years, many of which were spent volunteering as a Pink Lady at Mercy Southwest Hospital.

The third of seven siblings, Lucille is survived by her brother Howard Peeks (Darlene); sons Kenneth Allen (Deborah) and Martin Allen (Pamela); grandchildren Candace Gladden, Keith Allen (Cindy), Brandy Vencel (Josiah), Casey Sharifi (Noah), Lacey Hillberg (Carson) and Blake Allen (Ashley); 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, and numerous nephews and nieces. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil, and eldest son, Danny Allen. She was a longtime member of Christ Church of the Valley. Over the last year, Lucille enjoyed the loving assistance of Agape In Home Care.

Visitation is Friday, Jan. 10, 5-7 p.m., at Peters Funeral Home, Shafter. Burial is Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at Shafter Memorial Park. Memorial service and reception immediately follow at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church of the Valley, 13701 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield.