AKRON, Ind. — Longtime Farm World correspondent Elizabeth “Ann” Allen, 80, of Akron, Ind., passed Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, at her residence. Born on Oct. 8, 1934, in Kosciusko County, she was the daughter of F. Leon and Margaret L. Hammerel Kindig. After graduating from Akron High School in 1952, she attended Indiana University. She married Loren Sheetz on June 28, 1953. They divorced in 1983. On July 30, 1989, she married Robert L. Allen Sr. in Akron. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2003.

Editor of the former Akron/Mentone News, she also worked for many years as a correspondent for the Rochester Sentinel and Farm World newspapers. She also served as marketing director for the former Akron Exchange State Bank. She wrote several books, including Born Again ... But Still Wet Behind the Ears, Someone has to Pop the Corn, From Ties to Technology: A History of Pike Lumber Company and The History of the Akron United Methodist Church, in addition to a number of articles for the state and national publications. She was a member of the Akron United Methodist Church and a former president of the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana.

Allen had many stories published in Farm World. Her passing was a shock to the Farm World staff. “Ann was a professional journalist; she was a real trooper. For more than 15 years, she has had hundreds of stories published in Farm World and several more in our sister publication, AntiqueWeek,” Senior Editor Dave Blower Jr. said. “With Farm World, I work with more than 40 freelance writers from eight states each year. Ann was always one of my favorites to work with.”

Survivors include five sons, Todd (and wife Cindy) Sheetz of Waynetown, Doug (and wife Karleen) Sheetz of Columbia City, Robert Allen Jr. (and wife Susie) of Collierville, Tenn., Phillip Allen of Akron and Michael Allen; and a daughter, Mary Alice Gibbs of Dallas, Texas. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one brother, Alan (and wife Beverly) Kindig; a niece and a nephew; and five great-nieces and nephews.

Services are at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, at the Akron United Methodist Church, with the Rev. David Eaton officiating. Burial is at the Akron Cemetery. Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron, handled the arrangements. 

Memorials can be made to the Akron United Methodist Church.