Toni (McGarry) Allen

Toni (McGarry) Allen, 81, completed her earthly journey on Sunday, March 17, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was one of six children born to Theron B. and Lillie Mae (Hunkapillar) McGarry.

Toni married Tom R. Allen on July 2, 1960, in Wright City, OK, and they shared 63 years together, their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Tama and Amy.

Toni was an elementary school teacher for 27 years. Her career was spent teaching at Wright City, Lukfata, and Bennett Elementary in Broken Bow. She taught hundreds of children to read and embrace learning and enjoyed reading to her grandchildren during their formative years. Her love for art and color permeated her life. She cultivated many creative outlets and beautified her environment everywhere she went, whether through art and decor or simply her infectious laughter and joy. Throughout her life, Toni was passionate about fine art and painting. She started with ceramics and transitioned to oil painting and watercolors. Many late nights were spent in front of an easel. Toni expressed her love with food. She was an excellent cook and could create a beautiful tablescape to complement the occasion. She was also a great seamstress and made many of her own clothes as a teenager and clothes for Tama and Amy. Toni enjoyed the thrill of the treasure hunt and curated quality collections of antiques, glassware, and unique pieces. A fan of the outdoors, Toni also cultivated beautiful flower beds and cherished her irises. She loved to fish with her mom on the banks of Glover River, and later enjoyed many fishing trips with Tom to Broken Bow Lake. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Theron “T-Bone” and Mae (Hunkapillar) McGarry; two brothers, Theron McGarry, Jr., and Paul McGarry; three sisters, Delcie Mabe, Georgia Lee McGarry and Barbara Pormen.

Toni leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Tom Allen of the home; daughters, Tama Lester and Steve of Broken Bow and Amy Smalling and Steve of Idabel; grandchildren, Anna Evans and husband, Dustin and son, Benjamin Evans of Springfield, MO, Elizabeth Lester and Laura Lester both of Broken Bow; sister-in-law, Carole McGarry of Houston, TX; brother-in-law, Paul Pormen of Athens, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jeff Manuel officiating.

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