COLUMBUS -- Bertha Mae Allen, 86, of The Autumn Place in Columbus, formerly of rural McCune, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at St. John's Regional Medical Center in Joplin after a short illness.

She was born Sept. 6, 1922, in Sherman City to Nicholas and Nora Belle (Trammell) Walker and grew up in the area attending school in Sherman City and West Mineral.

She married Cleo E. Allen of West Mineral on Feb. 20, 1940, and they resided for 50 years southwest of McCune. He survives at The Autumn Place.

Other survivors include three sons, Cleo Clayton Allen and his wife, Dee, of Topeka, Merle Wayne Allen and his wife, Vicky, of Joplin and Glenn David Allen and his wife, Erla, of Independence, Ky.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Nick and Nora Walker; three sisters, Margaret Woods, Helen Best and Mary Louise Bradfield; eight brothers, Howard as an infant, Homer, John Alex, Jim, Bob, Nicholas, Paul and Dempsey Walker; and a grandson, Scott Allen.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Murdock Funeral Home in Columbus. The service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Dennis Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Sherman City Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to St. John's Hospice. These may be left at or sent to the funeral home, 132 E. Pine, Columbus, 66725.