Melinda Elizabeth (Alexander) Allen, 93, died Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Wheat State Manor in Whitewater. She was born on February 3, 1916 at Sublette the daughter of Jonathan Orlando and Hetta Rebecca (Thornburg) Alexander.

Mrs. Allen graduated from Garden City High School in 1935. Attended Dodge City Community College for two years and Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana for one year. She married Leroy L. Allen on December 26, 1944 at her parents home in Satanta. He preceded her in death on September 16, 1991. She was a member of the First Church of God in Dodge City. She served as church librarian, was secretary of the Sunday School for many years, was a member of the church council and served as President of Women of Church of God for 12 years.

Melinda is survived by two daughters, Clarena Faye Johnson and husband Roy of Auburn, Indiana, Nita Wiley and husband Sam of Palm Reach Gardens, Florida; two sons, Norman Allen and wife Carol of Wichita, Gary Allen and wife Marilyn of Ladoga, Indiana; 11 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Darrell Hendrickson presiding. Burial will follow at Valleyview Cemetery in Garden City. Public visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Wednesday November 25, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorials can be made to First Church of God of Dodge City in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.