Lana Allston's Obituary
Dear Mom,
You came into this world on July 6, 1941, born to Lillian and a man with the last name of Bowlby. While you never knew your biological father, you, your brother Larry, and your sisters Linda and Jody were raised in Tulsa and then in Richardson by Lillian (“Meemaw”) and her second husband W.R. Allen (“Papa”). We know you loved and respected all your siblings so much, as you always spoke quite fondly about your memories involving them. Also, your kids and our cousins may have from time to time had a difficult time falling asleep while you all were laughing quite loudly during your weekend poker parties. We appreciate your passion for life!
You went to college at North Texas State University and graduated with a degree in Psychology. While at NTSU, you were introduced to James L. Allston (“Dad”), and apparently it was love at first sight. You married in November of 1963 and enjoyed more than 59 years of what will always be thought of as a beautiful marriage. Your first born was David Eugene (“Dave”) – who still can’t figure out why you gave him that middle name – and your second born was Alana Janelle (“Alana”). Mom, we will forever be blessed to have had the opportunity to call you “Mom”. Furthermore, your daughter-in-law Lisa and your grandkids Garrett, Hank, Alexandria, and Nathaniel will forever be blessed to have had the opportunity to call you “Nana”. Thank you for how fiercely you loved us all!
Mom, a bunch of us (including Dave, Alana, Linda’s daughters Kim, Kelly, Debra, and Donna, Jody, and Jody’s daughter Tara) have been talking about you behind your back in Facebook Messenger over the last several years. We are so thankful to have had more time with you to let you know what we were saying about you. We so appreciate how you loved us all. We so appreciate your intelligence and wit and your ability to find humor and bring laughter to the world. We so respect how you faced Multiple Sclerosis and all that entails and never let it get you down. You were strong until the end, and the way you loved and cared for us all means the world.
Mom, while you were here, you did many great things:
• You were a wonderful, loving, supportive partner to Dad
• You raised two kids who are really good people
• You took great care of Meemaw and Papa during the last years of their lives
• You were a supportive sibling to – and had lots of fun with – Larry, Linda, and Jody, as well as your sister-in-law Jo Nell
• You were a good friend to many
• You were a creative and talented artist and craftsperson
• You taught Alana and Dave to be a lady and a gentleman
• You inspired your kids to work hard to fulfill our potential and be the best versions of ourselves we can be
• You taught your kids how to do chores around the house and cook (which is rather ironic since your favorite recipe was creamed tuna on whatever you could find in the pantry)
• You helped instill in your family the fundamental importance of equal rights for all
Mom, we were so sad to see your health deteriorate over the years, but we are so inspired by the mental and emotional fortitude you demonstrated until the very end. You left this earth on April 28, 2023, and behind you remains a rich legacy of love, laughter, strength, and a focus on treating all with respect, kindness, and compassion.
Mom, thank you for everything! We are so grateful for you!! You made a significantly positive difference in the world, and for that you can feel very, very good.
“I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.”
Robert Munsch, “Love You Forever”
We love you always and ever,
Alana and Dave
- In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the name of Lana Allston
- A private celebration of life will be held with close family members
What’s your fondest memory of Lana?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lana?
Share a story where Lana's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lana you’ll never forget.
How did Lana make you smile?
