Ella "Penny" Lou Pendell Allen

Ella “Penny” Lou Pendell Allen, born March 1, 1931, in Wapello, Iowa, to Robert Dallas and Elizabeth Louvisa Ivers Pendell, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 3, 2025, in Tyler, Texas, at The Hospice of East Texas.

She is survived by her son, Richard W. Allen of Grand Saline, and her daughter, Diana Allen Doggett of Belton; grandchildren Steven Allen of West Tawakoni and fiancée Cheryl Moore of Emory, Kimberly McHugh Hodge and husband Timothy of Belton, Amanda Allen Callahan and husband Yancey of Hixson, Tennessee, Bryce Doggett and wife Terrie of Hutto, and Deanna Doggett Cagle and husband Chris of McCormick, South Carolina; great-grandchildren Madison Daniel, Lillian Hodge, Sadie Hodge, Hayden Doggett, Jake Doggett, Grayson Doggett, Jordan Berry Whitehead, and Brylie Baird; and great-great-granddaughter Taytum Looper.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers and four sisters; her children’s father, Billy L. Allen; her special companion, James Dugan; daughter-in-law, Claudia McKenzie Allen; and son-in-law, Larry Noble Doggett.

Penny joined the United States Air Force in 1950, as soon as she was able to receive her mother’s blessing. During her time in the Air Force, she met her husband, and together they traveled to many places across the country before ultimately settling in his hometown of Grand Saline upon his retirement. She had made her home there since 1971.

After leaving the Air Force, Penny attended beauty school and became a beautician, a career she loved and worked in for many years until Carpal Tunnel limited the use of her hands. She then devoted her time to caring for her home and planting countless rose bushes and flowers, which brought her great joy.

She treasured her family deeply—as well as their pets. Penny was a member of Richland Heights Baptist Church and held a strong and abiding faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and aides who cared for her in her final days.

A private family burial will be held at Rodgers Cemetery in Grand Saline under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.